Located on the River Shannon, Athlone is a small Irish town in County Westmeath. It’s famous for a castle that dates back to the 12th century which sits across the street from a modern art gallery, the Luan. This area attracts people making detours on their way to get their party on in Galway. Drinking at the pubs in Athlone is a decidedly social activity, and it’s not weird at all to befriend the locals, even as a solo traveler. Here are my picks for the 5 coziest pubs in Athlone that are definitely worth a visit.
5. Go Nuts at the pubs in Athlone.
If the theme song for the former hit show TV Cheers references a place where everybody knows your name, this place is the Irish version. Rather, if you are a local, this is one of the pubs in Athlone where you get “a serious pint of Guinness.” Well, that’s the rhetoric I heard around the bar. Small on size, but big on gossip and Irish charm, grab a drink at Nuts if you want to hang out with the locals.
4. The Snug.
Nestled just a few minutes away from Sean’s at 8 High Street, this is one of the pubs in Athlone that is nice to stop in for a drink. The Snug is a bit on the petite side (hence, the name), but during good weather, the rather large beer garden comes in handy. I do not recommend this joint for those in search of the new hotness in cocktails. But, the atmosphere is nice for grabbing a pint or a shot of Baileys. While I still think the bar is a bit friendlier to locals, it still warrants a visit to get an authentic sense of pub culture in Athlone.
3. Cozy pubs in Athlone: Flannery’s.
Owned by a woman affectionately known as Mad Ann, sewing machines serve as tables. Everything feels old fashioned at Flannery’s. I almost felt as if I was walking into an intimate gathering, because everyone seemed to know each other. This is one of the pubs in Athlone where the crowd is completely welcoming. Live music is the heart and soul of this place, so you are in for a night of singalongs to traditional Irish music.
2. Gertie Brown’s Pub.
With a healthy selection of Irish spirits, Gertie’s usually features specials on the new gin of the week. When I visited, the bar featured a gin made from rhubarb. Big on ornamentation, all kinds of alcohol paraphernalia adorn the walls and ceiling. With a handsome wooden, almost masculine facade, this place is a bit reminiscent of the downstairs restaurant at the 21 Club in Manhattan. The bartenders are super friendly, and it was easily one of my favorite pubs in Athlone.
1. The oldest bar in the world: Sean’s Bar Ireland.
Known as the oldest bar in Ireland, Sean’s Bar is one of the pubs in Athlone you absolutely must visit. The warm staff is equally friendly to tourists as well as locals. I noted that the bartenders greeted regulars by their first names, while staffers regale newcomers with the pub’s history. This place is pretty cute from the outside, and the signage looks great on your Instagram feed.
Oh, you’ve given me so much nostalgia for a cozy Irish pub with the live music and the large pint. Thank you for this post!
Ha I miss Ireland too. Will be back soon!