8 of the best Irish pubs abroad
Irish pubs, what can we say, they’re everywhere. No matter where you go in this world, no matter how remote the destination, you will always turn a corner and stumble across the familiar site of shamrocks, Guinness and, yes, even some Irish stew. Maybe it’s our accents or perhaps it’s the jovial spirit, but it seems that, all over the world, people have become a little obsessed with Irish pub culture. As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them. With this in mind, let’s get to it and explore 8 of the best Irish pubs from around the world.
1. Moscow, Russian Federation – O’Donoghue’s Irish pub
Kick-starting our list, and the place “Putin” every other bar to shame in Russia, is O’Donoghue’s Irish pub. This place is truly unique and not what you would expect to find in the heart of Moscow. Located near the state Tretyakov art gallery, this impressive establishment even features a whiskey tasting room, so, when you’re finished at the gallery, why not try some real art and sample their vast array of whiskeys?
Another fun fact about this place is that, aside from offering coverage of the GAA, O’Donoghues is an exact replica of a pub back in Ireland. Yes, really! Every piece of decor that you will see, including the tables and chairs, were taken directly over from Ireland. They even tore down the front wall of the pub and rebuilt it in the original style. Talk about dedication! With decent food and drink, you can’t really go wrong with this place, so sit back and enjoy the ambience of home the next time you’re in Moscow.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland – The Irishman
Although home to a few Irish pubs, Iceland has one that tops the list for friendliness and atmosphere. When you’ve had a long day of waterfalls and taking pictures at the black sand beaches, you can rest easy at The Irishman with a nice refreshing pint. Hailed as being even better than any pub that you might find in Ireland (them’s fighting words), the Irishman does boast a large menu of draught beers, cocktails, and shots, including one called the Irish orgasm! Sounds thrilling!
3. Tokyo, Japan – An Solas
Third on our list, we now come to the land of the rising sun. Whilst there are numerous Irish bars in Japan (who knew?), An Solas is unique in that it is the only Irish pub in Japan owned by an Irish person. Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, this place is also close to the metro, handy if you want to stagger home after a session.
Serving good food such as fish and chips, Cashel blue cheese burgers, and nachos, this place is famed for its friendly staff. And, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and rumoured to have a mean cup of tea, what’s not to love?
4. Dubai, UAE – The Irish Village
The UAE and alcohol are not typically words which you would think to put together, but, nestled amongst the dizzying heights of Dubai’s skyscrapers and designer shops, lies The Irish Village. Established in 1996 and capable of hosting 3500 people during special events and concerts, this place has it all.
Just like O’Donoghue’s, The Irish Village imported its decor and phone box straight from Ireland, and even got their paving stones from Liscannor in County Clare. Sure, why not? This pub has also seen many famous faces pass through its doors for concerts, with performers such as Sir Bob Geldof, Paolo Nutinin, and Finbar Fury amongst the list. On top of this, whilst we can applaud them for supplying thirsty patrons in a literal desert, their real achievement is that they serve soda bread along with a selection of other traditional Irish foods. Not that many would be able to stomach a heavy Irish stew in that heat, but at least the option is there.
5. Cape Town, South Africa – Ferrymans Irish Tavern
If you’re a long way from home and you have a hankering for a classic pint of Guinness, then stop in at Ferrymans Irish Tavern. This pub may be a long way from the Emerald Isle, but it’s atmosphere is not. Boasting a popular beer garden and a toasty fireplace for those chilly winter nights, the Ferryman really is a home away from home. Their menu even boasts a taste of Ireland section, offering Dublin Coddle, steak and guinness pie, and traditional Irish stew. Sure you couldn’t say fairer than that!
6. Cusco, Peru – Paddy’s Irish Pub
Whilst the history of Ireland has never typically ventured as far as Peru, it seems only fair that we give credit to the Peruvians for establishing the highest Irish owned pub in the world. Located in Cusco Peru, once the capital city of the Inca Empire, Paddy’s Irish pub sits on the corner of the Plaza de Armas and boasts everything you could want whilst on your travels. Established in 1996, this place offers you a friendly atmosphere, GAA coverage, and traditional Irish coffees. So, if you’re fortunate enough to be in that part of the world, don’t forget to check it out!
7. Paris, France – Corcoran’s Irish pub
Croissants, wine, the Eiffel tower, and Guinness? Surely not! Yes, even the French are not immune to a bit of Irish charm and, to prove it, we now come to the seventh establishment on our list, with Corcoran’s Irish pub. Located on 28 Rue Saint-Andre des Arts, this pub features just about everything you could hope to find in the heart of the city of love. Serving an Irish breakfast and traditional beers, this is one craic house you don’t want to miss.
8. Rovaniemi, Finland – Oliver’s Corner Irish Pub
We have now come to the end of our list. Perhaps the most northerly pub in the world (correct me in the comments if you know of another), we come to Oliver’s Corner Irish Pub. Sure, what else would you be doing in Lapland aside from stepping over the line that shows you have officially entered the Arctic circle?
Although not serving food, Oliver’s corner does have a selection of Irish beers, including Kilkenny, and plays traditional music, so you can feel at home whilst your toes thaw out. The only drawback about this place is that, although they serve you home comforts and, in their words, “a grand atmosphere”, they still charge nordic prices. So, if you were hoping to get tipsy here, it will set you back a fair few euros, you have been warned.
So, there you have it, folks! Feel free to add to this list if you know of any other weird or wacky locations for an Irish pub. Perhaps you’ll get to a few of these places in the coming months. In the meantime, Sláinte!
