5 Irish Whiskey Bars You Need to Check Out

As you’re no doubt aware, I’ve a soft spot for the Emerald Isle, and whenever I get the chance to visit one of Ireland’s many whiskey distilleries or independent bottlers, I’m all over it. While Scotch is obviously my drink of choice, I do sometimes find myself craving a dram from our friends across the Irish Sea.

Irish whiskey is not only spelled differently to Scotch (note the additional ‘e’ in Irish whiskey) it also offers an extremely different drinking experience. Typically, it’s smoother, sweeter, and milder than most Scotch whiskies, which is largely due to how it’s made. Irish whiskey usually undergoes a triple-distillation process, as opposed to most varieties of Scotch, which undergo a double-distillation process. This helps to give the ‘fire water’ that unmistakable smoothness that you rarely get with other whiskies.

As you’ve probably guessed, I’m talking Irish whiskey today. In fact, I’m revisiting a topic I covered way back in 2019, as I’ll be looking at several Irish whiskey bars you simply must check out if you find yourself on the Emerald Isle.

Bowe’s Whiskey Bar, Co Dublin

My first recommendation for you today is Bowe’s Whiskey Bar, situated in stunning Co Dublin.

Despite the fact that more and more people are discovering Bowe’s, it is still considered a real hidden gem for whiskey drinkers, though I suspect that will soon change as the bar finally seems to be getting the recognition it deserves.

Bowe’s is first on my list today because it was at this very venue where the Irish Whiskey Society was formed. The bar itself is quaint and cosy and has a real old-timey charm to it which just makes it all-the-more appealing.

The staff and locals are friendly and welcoming (of course, we’re talking about the Irish here) but it is the whiskey that really steals the show. If you’re an Irish whiskey drinker, you’ll be in your element at Bowe’s as they have one of the best selections of Irish whiskey you could ever wish for. They also have an amazing range of Scotch, Japanese whiskey, Bourbon, Rye, and plenty more besides.

From casual whiskey drinkers to seasoned aficionados, there’s a whiskey here for everyone. In fact, there are several.

The Palace Bar, Dublin

Up next, I’m pleased to include a bar I wrote about back in 2019 – The Palace Bar, located on Dublin’s Fleet Street.

It’s always nice to see a bar still thriving years later, and The Palace Bar most definitely is. This is hardly surprising, as the bar is over 200 years old, having been founded all the way back in 1823.

Renowned for its traditional décor, its warm and friendly atmosphere, and its experienced, friendly, and highly professional barkeepers, it’s the type of bar where it’s impossible to just have the one drink.

From Redbreast and Powers to Middleton and Bushmills, there’s more than enough whiskey to go around. In fact, choosing a dram is a challenge in itself as there’s so much on offer. They also regularly bring out special releases and limited-edition drams, especially over Christmas.

For fans of the black stuff, I can also strongly recommend their ‘Palace Porter’, which they released to celebrate their 200th birthday. This porter was brewed from a traditional 200-year-old Guinness recipe. This porter offers rich and creamy notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and dried fruits and is ridiculously moreish.

The Whiskey Reserve, Temple Bar

We’re still in Dublin, but as it’s such a stunning part of the country I’m sure you won’t mind. This time, we’re heading to Temple Bar, to visit The Whiskey Reserve. With a name like this, you already know you’re in for a good time.

One of Ireland’s newest whiskey bars, having been founded in 2021, it offers one of the world’s most extensive collections of Irish whiskey and features its own tasting room and experiences. As of this writing, they offer more than 2,000 whiskies, and that list is growing every single day.

With its gold lettering, leather furniture, and even its own piano, this is one of the more lavish whiskey bars you’ll likely visit. Sounds perfect to me.

The Shelbourne Bar, Cork

Up next, we’re making our way to Cork, to visit the stunning Shelbourne Bar.

Nestled snugly in the heart of Cork’s historic Victorian Quarter is this haven for Irish whiskey drinkers. The Shelbourne Bar boasts Ireland’s largest collection of Irish whiskey and if you ever clasp eyes on what they have available, you won’t dispute this claim.

The bar is full of rustic Irish charm and character and has some of the most knowledgeable bar staff I’ve ever experienced. Seriously, what they don’t know about whiskey isn’t worth knowing.

As you can imagine, they’ve every whiskey imaginable here, and a whole lot more besides. Whether you’re in the mood for something rare and exotic, or a tried and tested favourite like Jameson, you’ll find your perfect whiskey here. The whiskey-based cocktails on offer here also get rave reviews, so that’s something to remember.

Celtic Whiskey Bar, Co Kerry

Finally, if you love great food and exceptional whiskey, just stop what you’re doing right now and get yourself a trip booked to County Kerry, to the fantastic Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder.

Situated in gorgeous Killarney, The Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder is an absolute dream for the purveyors of fine cuisine and whiskey. They offer whiskey tastings, virtual tastings so you can “try” before you visit, and plenty of events based around food and drink.

The food here is amazing and changes seasonally. On a cold and blustery autumnal day, I can wholeheartedly recommend the homemade seafood chowder, followed by the beef and Guinness short rib.

As far as whiskey goes, though, there’s so much to choose from. They’ve American whiskey, global whiskies, Scotch, and of course, more Irish whiskey than you could ever imagine. From Feckin Irish Whiskey (always makes me chuckle) to Greenspot and Teeling, you couldn’t ask for a better selection.

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.

Tags: Irish Whiskey Bars

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.