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Joyce Zilinski

Irish Pubs - Music, Stories, History and Fun

Updated: Jan 15, 2022

"Ireland is a country of words. Spoken, written or sung, the Irish are famously verbose and social people known for their warmth, hospitality and generousity. The Irish live in the spirit of togetherness, sharing and interaction." (Taken from a post in the Waterford Crystal showroom).


I came upon this statement while browsing the barware collection at Waterford Crystal in Cork. It caught my eye as it perfectly summed up our experience touring around this beautiful green island and seemed especially applicable at the pubs. Irish pubs are famous for their lively, fun atmosphere but we discovered they are so much more. Irish pubs are really a community hub - a place to gather to celebrate, to grieve, to solve problems, to sing and to dance (at least before co-vid!). But what I did not expect was to get so many history lessons in the pubs. Here are a few of my favourite history lesson pubs!


The King's Head - This piece of living history is an active pub and bistro situated on a main street in Galway. The building dates back to the 13th century and a turf burning fireplace from the 16th century welcomes you. Intriguing tales of who wielded the axe that beheaded King Charles 1 are associated with the King's Head pub. If you happen to visit Galway a stop for their craft beer aptly named "Blood Red Ale" is a must.


Sean's Pub

Situated in the town of Athlone, in central Ireland this little pub dates back to 900 AD and is confirmed as the oldest pub in Ireland. The history goes back to a time when travelers had to venture across the rapid river Shannon and this Inn was established for the weary and the tired. The hearth is original and the fire is kept burning with turf giving the dark interior a cosy feel. Can you imagine all the stories this hearth could tell of travelers that have sat here for over 1000 years?

The friendly bartender is happy to share the history of Sean's pub. Just ask!




The Confession Box - This tiny pub in the heart of Dublin earned the name for its secret activities during the Irish War of Independance (1919 - 1921). The story goes that Micheal Collins and his men would drop in and receive communion and confession from sympathtic priests from a nearby church. The Confession Box is loved by locals and tourists and known for its pints of Guiness.




Darkey Kelly's - In one of the oldest parts of Dublin city this busy pub is the place for traditional Irish music every night of the week. The building was reputed to be a brothel in the 1700's run by Madame Darkey Kelly. The folk lore is that Darkey was burned at the stake for witchcraft but there is an alternate story that she was Irelands first serial killer. Apparently bodies were discovered under the floorboards and perhaps this madame found a way to dispose of clients who did not know how to treat a lady. Go for a pint, enjoy the music and you decide which story you like best.



These were just a few of my favourites. If you plan to visit Ireland put them on your list. If you have been, I would love to hear what your favourites were.





Slain"te! Cheers!


On this trip I traveled with Globus coach tours on a 7 day Northern Ireland + a 7 day Republic of Ireland + extra time in Dublin. For a first time visitor to Ireland, these coach tours were a great way to experience a lot in a short time. We traveled in low season (November) which meant great value and dressing for the weather we had a great time. Check out my pics in the photo gallery.



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