Introduction: Why Killarney’s Pubs Are the Best (and How to Find Them)
If you think pubs are just places to drink, stop reading. If you think pubs are where life happens—between the clinking glasses, the half-true stories, and the bartender who knows your order without asking—then Killarney’s pubs are your new home. This guide isn’t just about where to drink; it’s about how to survive a pub crawl without looking like a tourist. Spoiler: You won’t. But hey, at least you’ll have a cold pint.
Need tips? Make your own beer at home and pretend you’re a local brewer. Or just head to Strategies.beer for more pub wisdom. Either way, let’s get into the best pubs in Killarney.
Where to Start Your Pub Crawl: The OG Pubs of Killarney
1. The Fitzgerald’s Bar & Restaurant (The Original “WTF” Spot)
Located in Muckross House, this pub is less “bar” and more “time machine.” Think: ornate chandeliers, old-world charm, and a menu that makes you question what “traditional” means. Why go? Because you want to feel like you’re dining in a castle. Bonus: The whiskey list is long enough to make James Bond jealous.
Pro Tip: Order the Irish stew. It’s like grandma’s cooking, but with more mystery meat.
2. The Old Kenmare Hotel (For the “I’m Here for the Views” Crowd)
Kenmare isn’t exactly Killarney, but it’s close enough to count. This hotel bar is perfect for people who want to sip a pint while pretending they’re in a National Geographic photo. The live music? Decent. The views? Better. And the staff? They’ll pretend you’re a regular, even if you’re the third tourist of the day.
Pro Tip: Ask the bartender if they have “the stuff from the hills.” They probably don’t, but it’s a fun game to play.
Pubs That Make You Feel at Home (Even If You’re a Stranger)
3. The Lough’s (For the “I Need to Relax” Vibes)
Located on the shores of Lough Lein, this pub is the Irish version of a spa. You’ll be sipping an ale while staring at a lake, and no one will judge you for it. The menu includes everything from fish and chips to burgers that taste like they were made by someone who actually likes food.
Pro Tip: Visit during sunset. It’s so pretty, you’ll forget to post about it on Instagram.
4. The Coach House (For the “I’m Here for the History” Crowd)
This pub is like a history book, but with more beer. It’s been around since the 1800s and still serves up pints like it’s 1748. The walls are lined with photos of “famous” locals and the occasional tourist who got too comfortable. The food is solid, but the real draw is the stories. If you listen closely, you might even hear a ghost.
Pro Tip: Ask about the “secret back room.” It’s not secret anymore, but it’s still cool.
Hidden Gems for the Secretive Drinker
5. The Pub at the Killarney Park Hotel (For the “I’m Here for the Fancy” Crowd)
Don’t let the name fool you—this is the pub for people who want to drink in style. The bar is sleek, the staff is professional, and the beer list is curated by someone who probably has a PhD in hops. It’s the place where you’ll see a businessperson in a tie arguing with a farmer about the best stout.
Pro Tip: Order the “local ale.” It’s not local, but it’s strong enough to make you claim it is.
6. The Pub at the Muckross Park Hotel (For the “I’m Here for the Views” Crowd)
This pub is all about the scenery. Located in Muckross Park, it’s like a pub, but with more trees. The beer is good, the food is better, and the staff is friendly enough to let you pretend you’re a local. Just don’t mention the weather. That’s a cardinal sin in Ireland.
Pro Tip: Take a walk around the park afterward. It’s free, and the ducks don’t judge.
FAQs: Your Guide to Pub Survival
- Q: What’s the best pub for live music? A: The Fitzgerald’s. They have a band that plays “Live and Let Die” every night. Just don’t dance. You’ll look like a tourist.
- Q: Are there vegan options in Killarney pubs? A: Surprisingly, yes. The Old Kenmare Hotel has a vegan burger that’s… well, it’s not great, but it’s better than nothing.
- Q: How do I avoid looking like a tourist? A: Order the strongest drink on the menu and act like you’ve been there for months. It worked for us.
Final Toast: Where to Go Next
If you’ve made it this far, you’re either ready to book a flight to Killarney or you’re just really into beer. Either way, here’s how to level up your pub game:
- Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer – For when you want to sell your own brews.
- Custom Beer – For when you want to name your beer after your ex.
- Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer – For when you want to skip the pubs and go straight to the internet.
Now go forth, raise a glass, and remember: In Killarney, the best part of the pub isn’t the beer—it’s the stories. And if you can’t make up one, at least you’ll have us to blame for the hangover.
Contact Us
Need more pub advice? Contact us. We’ll help you find the best pints in Killarney—or just pretend we do.
