Best Sea View Pubs

Nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way, Tigh T.P. Bar in Kenmare stands as a testament to Ireland's enduring pub culture, where the line between local haunt and tourist destination blurs beautifully. This beloved establishment, perched picturesquely on the waterfront, captures the essence of what makes Irish pubs more than mere drinking establishments – they're living repositories of community, culture, and craic. The pub's location along Kenmare's historic harbor reflects the town's maritime heritage, dating back to the Bronze Age when the first settlers recognized the natural shelter of this bay. Today, Tigh T.P. Bar continues this centuries-old tradition of providing sanctuary, albeit of a more convivial nature. The building itself, with its traditional whitewashed walls and inviting frontage, speaks to the architectural vernacular of Ireland's coastal communities. What distinguishes Tigh T.P. Bar from countless other Irish pubs is its remarkable synthesis of traditional pub culture with contemporary hospitality. The interior strikes a careful balance between maintaining the cozy intimacy expected of an Irish pub while offering enough space to accommodate the growing numbers of visitors discovering Kenmare's charms. Original features like the well-worn bar counter share space with thoughtful modern additions, creating an atmosphere that feels authentic rather than staged. The pub's relationship with its waterfront setting goes beyond mere scenic value. During summer months, the management's decision to place picnic tables along the harbor side transforms the public space into an informal social forum where locals and visitors commingle. This practice reflects a deeper understanding of the pub's role in community life – not just as a business, but as a facilitator of social connections. The culinary offering at Tigh T.P. Bar deserves special mention, particularly its seafood menu. The kitchen's commitment to local sourcing means that what arrives on your plate often began its journey just yards from where you're sitting. Their seafood chowder, available in both traditional creamy and lighter contemporary versions, exemplifies how the establishment honors traditional recipes while acknowledging changing tastes. The hake, a local favorite, consistently receives praise for its simple but skilled preparation. Live music sessions, a crucial element of Irish pub culture, take on special significance at Tigh T.P. Bar. These aren't tourist-oriented performances but organic gatherings where local musicians might share tunes with visiting players, creating those spontaneous moments of musical magic that define the best of Irish traditional music. The acoustics of the main room, whether by design or happy accident, lend themselves perfectly to both instrumental music and singing. The pub's pricing structure reflects its position as a establishment that values accessibility while maintaining high standards. While not the cheapest pint in Kenmare, the value proposition extends beyond mere sustenance to encompass the entire experience – the view, the atmosphere, the quality of service, and the sense of participating in something authentically local. Sean and Fiona, the publicans, embody the best traditions of Irish hospitality. Their approach to running Tigh T.P. Bar demonstrates an understanding that a pub's success isn't measured solely by its till receipts but by its ability to serve as a community hub. Regular patrons speak of them with the familiarity reserved for old friends, while first-time visitors frequently comment on the genuine warmth of their welcome. Modern amenities haven't been overlooked – the pub offers card payments, maintains comfortable restroom facilities, and provides ample parking. However, these conveniences are integrated subtly, never detracting from the traditional pub atmosphere. The inclusion of sports viewing facilities has been handled with similar sensitivity, allowing the pub to move with the times while maintaining its essential character. For those seeking to experience authentic Irish pub culture, Tigh T.P. Bar in Kenmare offers something increasingly rare – a genuine local pub that welcomes visitors without compromising its identity. Whether you're dropping in for a quick pint, settling in for an evening of music, or enjoying a meal while watching the tide change in the bay, you're participating in a tradition that stretches back generations. Make time to visit – not just as a customer, but as a temporary member of a continuing story that makes Irish pubs such special places.

Stop everything you're doing because Reddans Bar and B&B in Laytown is about to become your new favorite Irish escape! Picture this: you're sipping a perfectly poured pint while gazing out at the rolling waves of the Irish Sea, all while plotting tomorrow's adventures from the coziest home base imaginable. This isn't just another pub with rooms – it's your ticket to the authentic Irish experience you've been dreaming about! Let me tell you about the night I stumbled into Reddans Laytown thinking I'd just grab a quick drink. PLOT TWIST: ended up having one of those magical evenings where strangers become friends, traditional music fills the air, and suddenly it's midnight and you're learning Irish dancing from a local legend. These are the stories you'll be telling for YEARS! The bar is where the magic starts, but oh my goodness, wait until you see the rooms! Imagine waking up to the sound of waves (yes, ACTUAL WAVES) and views that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. Some rooms have these incredible sea views that'll have you questioning every life decision that doesn't involve living by the Irish coast permanently. Can we talk about the food for a second? Because the carvery here deserves its own fan club. We're talking proper, hearty Irish fare that'll have you understanding why everyone's always going on about Irish hospitality. The kind of meals that feel like a warm hug from your grandmother – if your grandmother was an expert chef with a flair for traditional Irish cooking! And the staff? They're basically your new best friends waiting to happen. They've got that perfect mix of professional service and cheeky Irish charm that makes you feel like you've been coming here for years, even if it's your first visit. Trust me, by the end of your stay, you'll be on first-name terms with half the crew. But here's the real tea: Reddans isn't just a place to stay – it's your front-row ticket to proper Irish pub culture. Live music nights here are LEGENDARY. Picture yourself, pint in hand, surrounded by the warmth of wooden beams and brass fixtures, while local musicians create the soundtrack to your best holiday memories. I'm not saying you'll end up learning all the words to traditional Irish songs, but... actually, yeah, that's exactly what I'm saying! Here's your insider intel: book ahead for weekend stays because this place is no secret to locals (always a good sign!). The sweet spot for the bar is early evening when you can grab a prime spot by the windows and watch the sun paint the sky in colors that don't even look real. And PLEASE do yourself a favor and don't skip breakfast – their full Irish will change your life. Location-wise? Perfection. You're right in Laytown, with the beach literally steps away. Want to explore? Dublin's just a scenic train ride away, but honestly, once you've settled into the rhythm of local life here, you might just "forget" to leave. Between the beach walks, the friendly locals, and the constant buzz of good craic at the bar, your daily schedule just sorts itself out. The neighborhood's got this perfect mix of sleepy seaside charm and just enough action to keep things interesting. But Reddans? That's where all the best stories start. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a friend reunion, this is where memories are made. Listen, I could go on about Reddans Bar and B&B in Laytown all day, but instead, I'm just going to say this: book it. Book it now. Because places like this – where authentic Irish charm meets seaside magic – they're the reason people fall in love with Ireland. And trust me, you don't want to be the one hearing about everyone else's amazing stories from Reddans while you're sitting at home scrolling through their photos. Get yourself here and start creating your own legends!

At the threshold of Achill Island, where land meets the wild Atlantic, the Achill Island Hotel in Westport stands as a welcoming sentinel. Here, where the mainland releases its grip on Ireland's largest island, travelers pause to breathe in air heavy with salt and possibility. The hotel rises from the landscape like a natural extension of the rugged coastline, its windows reflecting the ever-changing sky above Clew Bay. The moment you cross the threshold, the warmth envelops you like a worn fisherman's sweater. The lobby speaks in hushed tones of maritime heritage, with weathered wood accents and subtle nautical touches that whisper rather than shout their coastal narrative. Local artwork adorns walls the color of sea-misted mornings, each piece telling its own story of island life. In the pub, where the heart of the Achill Island Hotel truly beats, conversations flow as smoothly as the creamy-topped pints of Guinness being pulled at the bar. The space holds the kind of authentic charm that can't be manufactured – it's earned through years of hosting both weather-worn locals and wonder-struck visitors. Windows frame the dramatic seascape beyond, turning every meal into dinner theater performed by nature herself. The dining space orchestrates a delicate ballet between casual comfort and thoughtful sophistication. Here, the kitchen pays homage to the bounty of the Atlantic with a menu that reads like a love letter to Irish coastal cuisine. Fresh-caught cod arrives in golden batter that crackles like autumn leaves, while locally-sourced lamb carries the subtle herbaceous notes of the hillsides where it grazed. The breakfast spread greets early risers with promises of adventure fuel – from traditional Irish offerings to lighter fare that sets one up perfectly for a day of island exploration. Upstairs, the rooms serve as private observatories of sea and sky. Each one offers a different perspective on the surrounding landscape, some gazing out over the water where fishing boats draw white lines across the blue canvas of the bay, others facing the rugged terrain that makes Achill famous among photographers and dreamers alike. The accommodations strike a perfect balance between modern comfort and traditional charm, with beds that invite deep, wave-lulled sleep. The hotel's position, just before the bridge to Achill Island proper, makes it an ideal base camp for adventures. After days spent discovering hidden beaches, climbing to the peak of Slievemore, or cycling the Great Western Greenway, returning here feels like coming home. The pub's evening atmosphere provides the perfect epilogue to days of exploration, where travelers share stories over perfectly poured pints and hearty meals. Families find particular comfort here, with staff who understand the rhythms of traveling with children and spaces that accommodate both energetic youngsters and parents seeking moments of peace. The genuine warmth of the service transforms simple interactions into memorable moments, each staff member serving as an unofficial ambassador not just for the hotel, but for Achill itself. Time moves differently at the Achill Island Hotel in Westport. Perhaps it's the hypnotic view of the tide's eternal dance, or the way the light changes across the water, painting new masterpieces every hour. Here, minutes stretch like honey, allowing guests to truly savor each moment of their stay. Whether you're planning an active adventure or seeking a peaceful retreat, the hotel provides that rarest of things: a genuine sense of place. As evening settles over the bay and the last light gilds the water, the Achill Island Hotel takes on a golden glow of its own. Join the gathered souls in the pub, where music might spark up unexpectedly, and stories flow as freely as the drinks. Make your reservation not just for a room, but for a chapter in your own story – one that intertwines with the ancient tales of this remarkable corner of Ireland.

Ah yes, the Strand Hotel Dugort in Westport - another weathered sentinel on Ireland's wild western coast where expectations go to die and nostalgia comes with a side of slightly stale chips. I approached this establishment with the same enthusiasm I reserve for dental appointments, only to find myself grudgingly warming to its peculiar charms like a cat in a patch of unexpected sunlight. Let's address the elephant in the room: this isn't your gleaming five-star palace of modernity. The Strand Hotel Dugort stands defiantly unchanged, as if the last few decades were merely suggestions it chose to ignore. But here's the thing - and I can't believe I'm saying this - there's something oddly compelling about its steadfast refusal to bend to contemporary whims. The views, I must admit through gritted teeth, are spectacular. Perched above Dugort's golden strand, the hotel offers the kind of panoramic seascape that makes you temporarily forget about the creaking floorboards and that mysterious stain on the corridor carpet that looks suspiciously like a map of Ireland. The Atlantic stretches out before you like nature's own IMAX screen, and even my cynical heart couldn't help but skip a beat at sunset. Now, about that Guinness. I've tasted enough mediocre pints in my time to fill Galway Bay, but the pull here is surprisingly decent - rich, creamy, and served with the kind of unhurried expertise that seems encoded in the DNA of proper Irish publicans. The bar itself is a testament to the art of creating atmosphere without trying too hard, unlike those plastic-paddy establishments that look like a leprechaun's Instagram feed exploded. The food... well, here's where things get interesting. The menu reads like a greatest hits compilation of pub grub classics, and while not everything hits the mark (approach the steak with caution unless you're particularly fond of archaeological expeditions), there are genuine surprises. The Penne Carbonara, of all things, emerges as an unlikely hero - generous enough to feed a small village and prepared with the kind of homestyle touch that makes you wonder if someone's Irish grandmother is secretly running the kitchen. The rooms - and I say this with the reluctant affection of someone who's stayed in enough Irish hotels to write a memoir - are what estate agents might euphemistically call "full of character." They're clean enough, mind you, but decorated with all the flair of someone who stopped reading interior design magazines somewhere around 1987. Yet there's something almost endearing about their steadfast commitment to functionality over fashion. Service here operates on what I'll charitably call "island time." The staff, a mix of seasoned veterans and eager young things, navigate the fine line between professional efficiency and casual friendliness with varying degrees of success. But there's an authenticity to their approach that makes the occasional wait for your dinner feel less like neglect and more like part of the rhythm of coastal life. For families, the Strand Hotel Dugort offers what might be its most redeeming quality - a genuine tolerance for children that doesn't feel forced or commercial. Unlike some establishments where children are treated as sophisticated mini-adults or barely tolerated nuisances, here they're simply accepted as part of the fabric of family life, complete with a menu that won't send parents into financial counseling. Location-wise, you couldn't ask for better. The hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring Achill's wild beauty, from the heart-stopping cliffs of Keem to the windswept expanses of Keel. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people write poetry about Ireland, even as you're trying to figure out how to work the temperamental shower. Look, I didn't expect to find myself defending the Strand Hotel Dugort in Westport, but here we are. It's not perfect - far from it - but it's perfectly Irish in all the ways that actually matter. If you're seeking glossy perfection, book yourself into one of those soulless modern hotels that could be anywhere in the world. But if you want to experience a slice of authentic Ireland, with all its quirks and charms intact, you might just find yourself, like me, becoming an unlikely advocate for this stubborn survivor of a changing world. Just don't say I didn't warn you about the steak.

Perched on the edge of Dún Laoghaire's harbor, The Forty Foot in Dublin isn't just another Wetherspoons - it's the Wetherspoons that makes other pubs jealous. Named after the iconic local swimming spot where brave (or foolish) souls plunge into the Irish Sea year-round, this establishment serves up something increasingly rare in Dublin: genuinely affordable pints with a million-euro view. Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, it's a Wetherspoons. But before you roll your eyes, this isn't your typical chain pub experience. The Forty Foot has managed to capture something special, blending the budget-friendly charm of 'Spoons with the sort of panoramic seafront views that usually come with a hefty premium. From the sprawling windows, you can watch sailboats dancing across Dublin Bay while nursing a pint that costs less than your morning coffee. The interior strikes an unexpected balance between maritime charm and contemporary comfort. Splashes of yellow and blue bring a modern twist to traditional pub aesthetics, while hanging greenery adds an organic touch that softens the space. The designers clearly got the memo about Instagram-worthy backgrounds, but they've created something that feels authentic rather than forced. The cleverly positioned lighting makes everyone look like they're perpetually caught in golden hour - a neat trick that makes both your photos and your complexion look better than they probably should. Speaking of those views - grab a window seat if you can, especially during sunset. There's something magical about watching the sky turn pink over Dublin Bay while tucking into a curry that cost less than your bus fare. The outdoor seating area is a hot commodity during the rare days when Irish weather decides to behave itself, offering front-row seats to the harbor's daily drama of boats, seabirds, and ambitious swimmers. The food menu is exactly what you'd expect from a Wetherspoons - extensive, reliable, and priced to make other Dublin establishments blush. While you won't find cutting-edge gastronomy here, you will find honest pub grub that won't devastate your wallet. The curry club specials have achieved almost cult status among local students and budget-conscious professionals, while the traditional fish and chips rarely disappoints, especially when paired with one of their surprisingly decent craft beers. Let's talk drinks because that's where The Forty Foot really shines. The bar selection is impressive, with everything from local craft brews to international favorites, all at prices that might make you double-check your bill. Their cocktail game might not win any mixology awards (expect more efficiency than artistry), but at these prices, who's complaining? The Aperol Spritz has become something of a local legend - not for its complexity, but for being possibly the most affordable sundowner with a sea view in the Dublin area. The ordering system is modern - perhaps too modern for some - with QR code ordering at tables. It's efficient once you get the hang of it, though it can be a bit tricky for international visitors without local data plans (pro tip: grab a seat near the bar if you're worried about connectivity). The staff operate with that distinctive Wetherspoons efficiency - not always overflowing with charm, but they get the job done. One of the cleverer aspects of The Forty Foot is how it manages to be all things to all people. During the day, it's a casual spot for lunch meetings and coffee catchups. As evening approaches, it transforms into a lively hub where groups gather for affordable pre-dinner drinks. Later still, it becomes a buzzing nightspot where the value drinks and harbor views create an atmosphere that's hard to beat. Here's the bottom line: The Forty Foot in Dublin isn't trying to be the fanciest pub in town, and that's precisely why it works. It's a place where you can enjoy a decent pint, filling meal, and million-dollar views without needing a million in your bank account. Whether you're a tourist looking to save some euros without sacrificing atmosphere, or a local in need of a reliable spot for group gatherings, this place delivers. Pop in during sunset, order a round of drinks that won't require a small loan, and raise a glass to proving that sometimes the best things in Dublin don't have to break the bank.

Perched above the bustling seafront of Bray, Butler & Barry captures the essence of coastal dining where the Irish Sea meets culinary artistry. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, the waves perform their eternal dance, creating a backdrop that transforms every meal into a scene from a maritime painting. This isn't just another seaside venue - it's where Bray's natural beauty becomes an active participant in your dining experience. The space unfolds like a well-crafted story, each area offering its own character while maintaining a coherent narrative. During daylight hours, Butler & Barry bathes in natural light that slides across polished surfaces and comfortable seating arrangements. As evening descends, ambient lighting takes over, creating intimate pools of warmth that mirror the twinkling lights of boats on the horizon. The gentle murmur of conversation mingles with the distant sound of waves, creating an acoustic atmosphere that feels both lively and intimate. Here, the boundary between inside and outside becomes delightfully blurred. The outdoor seating area serves as a front-row seat to nature's theater, where seabirds glide past at eye level and the salty breeze carries whispers of adventure. Inside, the clever design ensures that almost every table shares in the panoramic views that have made Butler & Barry one of Bray's most sought-after dining destinations. The menu reads like a love letter to modern Irish cuisine, where traditional favorites dance with contemporary interpretations. Whether you're sampling the pork belly popcorn - a playful twist on bar snacks - or savoring the prawns that taste of the very sea you're gazing upon, each dish carries its own story. The kitchen's dedication shines through in details like the perfectly chewy pizza crusts and innovative presentations that make even familiar dishes feel fresh and exciting. As day transitions to evening, Butler & Barry reveals another dimension of its personality. The bar comes alive with the artistic preparation of cocktails, each one crafted with a precision that turns mixing drinks into performance art. The wine list, thoughtfully curated, offers options that complement both the menu and the setting, while local beers provide a taste of Irish craft brewing excellence. Groups of friends gather around shared plates, families celebrate special moments, and couples find quiet corners for intimate conversations. The staff, led by the notably attentive Sebastian and his team, move through the space with a graceful efficiency that makes every guest feel personally attended to. Their warmth and professional dedication transform good moments into memorable ones. The venue's versatility shines through its various offerings - from casual lunches to elegant dinners, weekend brunches to evening cocktails. Live music events add another layer to the atmosphere, while sports enthusiasts find their place here too, creating a venue that truly serves its community in multiple ways. The children's menu ensures that younger guests aren't merely accommodated but welcomed, making Butler & Barry a genuine family-friendly establishment. Practical amenities are thoughtfully integrated - paid parking options nearby, accessibility for groups, and modern payment systems that keep service smooth and efficient. The decision to offer delivery and takeout options extends the Butler & Barry experience beyond its walls, though nothing quite compares to dining in person. As the sun sets over Bray, casting long golden fingers across the water, Butler & Barry transforms yet again. The atmosphere becomes more intimate, the sea views more dramatic, and the experience more enchanting. This isn't just a meal - it's a moment in time, captured between sea and sky, between familiar comfort and elegant dining. To visit Butler & Barry is to become part of Bray's contemporary story - where good food, stunning views, and warm hospitality create something greater than their individual parts. Whether you're planning a special celebration or seeking an elevated everyday experience, this is where memories take shape against the backdrop of sea and sky. Come add your chapter to the continuing tale of one of Bray's most cherished dining destinations.