The Best 19th Holes: Where to Drink After a World-Class Round in Ireland
Golf Is Only Half the Story
Ask any golfer who has been to Ireland what they remember most, and the answer is rarely a specific shot. It is the pub afterwards.
The South West
After Ballybunion: The Bunker Bar
Location: Main Street, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry
Directly across from the golf club. The walls are covered in golf memorabilia, the Guinness is perfectly poured, and on any given evening you will find visiting golfers from 5 different countries swapping stories.
Order: A pint of Guinness and a bowl of seafood chowder.
After Lahinch: Kenny's Bar
Location: Main Street, Lahinch, Co. Clare
A tiny, packed, gloriously chaotic pub where surfers, golfers, and locals collide. Live music most nights.
Order: A pint of Guinness and whatever whiskey the barman recommends.
After Waterville: The Smugglers Inn
Location: Cliff Road, Waterville, Co. Kerry
Perched on the cliffs overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay. The seafood is caught daily from the boats below.
Order: Fresh Atlantic lobster and a glass of Chablis.
After Tralee: Baily's Corner
Location: Ashe Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Dark wood, low ceilings, and a roaring fire in winter.
Order: A hot whiskey — the ultimate post-round warmer.
The North Coast
After Royal Portrush: The Harbour Bar
Location: Harbour Road, Portrush, Co. Antrim
A no-frills, authentic local pub. This is where the caddies drink after work.
Order: A pint of Smithwick's and a toasted sandwich.
After Royal County Down: The Percy French
Location: Inside the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, Co. Down
Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the course and the Mourne Mountains. The whiskey selection is extraordinary.
Order: A Bushmills 16-Year-Old Single Malt, neat.
After Portstewart: The Anchor Bar
Location: The Promenade, Portstewart, Co. Derry
In summer, the outdoor terrace fills with golfers watching the sun set over the Atlantic.
Order: A pint of Guinness and the beer-battered cod.
The West & North West
After Rosapenna: The Olde Glen Bar
Location: Glen, Carrigart, Co. Donegal
A remote, traditional Donegal pub that feels like stepping back in time. Low ceilings, a turf fire, and a barman who has been pouring pints since before you were born.
Order: A pint of Guinness and a packet of Tayto crisps.
After Enniscrone: The Pilot Bar
Location: Main Street, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
A friendly local pub. After battling the wild dunes, The Pilot Bar offers a warm fire, cold pints, and zero pretension.
Order: A pint of Guinness and whatever soup is on the board.
The Golden Rules of the Irish 19th Hole
- Never rush. The pub is not a pit stop. It is the destination.
- Buy a round. If someone buys you a pint, you buy the next one.
- Talk to strangers. The best stories come from the person next to you at the bar.
- Do not order a Guinness and then complain it takes 2 minutes. The two-part pour is sacred.
- Tip the barman. Not expected in Ireland, but always appreciated.
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