To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, three Donegal pubs have been named in the top 20 pubs in the country, saluting the idyllic locations, great music, bonhomie and creamy stout of the county’s brilliant pubs.
Chosen by readers of The Guardian, the best pubs were named as:
Packies Bar, near Lettermacaward, Co Donegal
On a leisurely amble toward Corr Point, we stumbled on an incongruous-looking place called Packies Bar, resembling more someone’s home than a pub.
There were no signs outside to suggest whether it was open, only the solitary old bartender’s matter of fact statement: “Is the door open? Then I’m open.”
We were sent to sit down while, with meticulous precision, he poured us the creamiest Guinness we’ve ever had. Simply delicious.
We drank black nectar in his “living room” overlooking breathtaking Gweebarra Bay. What a find!
Martin
The Seaview Tavern, Malin Head, Co Donegal
This pub is passionately run by the Doherty family and frequented by a loyal clientele for over 30 years.
A picturesque setting in and out: traditional Irish décor – now dotted with Star Wars paraphernalia after its shooting nearby – and a stunning view over the Atlantic.
It serves as a dining pub and three-star hotel with reasonable prices.
The northernmost point in Ireland is known for drinks being so cheap that people leave them behind untouched; the £15 main courses may seem pricey, but come with a stuffing range of sides.
Either for a full meal, a drink in the salon or a decadent pint in “the wee bar”, it’s certainly one of the best spots in the country.
Etienne
Dawros Bay House, Rosbeg, Co Donegal
This must be the pub with the best view in Ireland. It’s got a spectacular location looking out over Loughros Beg Bay to the striking Tor Mor rock.
The pub’s delicious fare draws on the best of the (very) local seafood – those crab claws on your plate were probably in the bay that morning.
In high summer there’s a popular pub quiz every Thursday night, where some teams have a 20-year-long rivalry. It’s a hidden gem on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Rose
