10 of the Best - Favourite Seaside Pubs on the Wild Atlantic Way

The seaside pubs of happy holiday memories tend to hug the Wild Atlantic Way, and this small collection is just a tiny sample. But, happily, there are many more such gems all around this magical island, many of which we recommend - and it is always rewarding to explore and find them for yourself…

Mary Ann’s Bar & Restaurant
Castletownshend, Skibbereen, Co Cork
Dating back to 1846, this famous pub in the quietly picturesque seaside village of Castletownshend has been in the energetic and hospitable ownership of Fergus and Patricia O’Mahony since 1988; they have loved it and maintained it well - and have built up a great reputation for food in both the bar and the restaurant. Seafood is the star, of course, with house specialities including a magnificent Platter of Castlehaven Bay Shellfish and Seafood and lovely home-baked brown bread. A unique destination and not to be missed.

Bushes Bar
The Square, Baltimore, Co Cork
Everyone feels at home in this famous old bar. It's choc-a-bloc with genuine maritime artefacts - charts, tide tables, ships' clocks, compasses, lanterns, pennants et al – but, atmospheric as that is, it's the Bushe family's hospitality that makes it really special. Since Richard and Eileen took on the bar in 1973, it's been "home from home" for regular visitors to Baltimore, and it's currently in the safe hands of the next generation - Tom, Aidan and Marion Bushe – who continue the tradition of serving delicious simple food including their famous open crab sandwiches (in season), served with home-baked brown bread. Always a delight to re-visit and ,on a sunny day at an outside table, it can be heaven.

Murphys Bar Brandon
Brandon, Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry
At the foot of Mount Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula, this welcoming fifth-generation family-run pub is right on the pier in Brandon village, with sea and mountain views. It's open all year and you can often get a bite to eat here when other places in the area are closed But it's one to seek out anyway, for its friendliness, relaxed atmosphere and the comfort of an open fire on chilly days, or the pleasure of sitting outside and soaking up the view in summer. The original pub is quite small and cosy, but there's a newer dining area overlooking the harbour, as well as outdoor seating and a takeaway hatch. The food is a perfect match for the surroundings - unpretentious but interesting, and very tasty – and there are local beers and spirits, and music some nights too. Well worth a detour.

The Long Dock
Carrigaholt, Loop Head, Co Clare
Tony and Imelda Lynch’s classic 19th century pub has a well-deserved reputation for its friendly atmosphere and good food, especially local seafood. Well cooked and tasty, the menu features great seasonal local produce and there’s nothing too fussy. Behind the pub you’ll find extra outdoor tables in a sheltered courtyard for sunny days, and a shop selling their own products – usually including the ‘Famous Chowder’ and an irresistible range of homemade ice creams - and those of other like-minded producers. A one off.

Vaughans Anchor Inn
Liscannor, Co Clare
The Vaughan family’s traditional bar on the Cliffs of Moher route has great character, with open fires and lots of memorabilia. Although famed for their seafood platters (which are fantastic - and great value too), there’s much more to the menu than that. A reputation for outstanding food has been built up in recent years by Denis Vaughan, who is an exceptionally talented and creative chef. He has moved to their newer establishment in Lahinch, Vaughans on the Prom, but the kitchen here is now in the very capable hands of his son James, who maintains the tradition of excellence and uses as much local produce as possible. And everything really is ultra-fresh - the menu may even be changed in mid-stream because there’s something new coming up off the boats.

Coyne’s Gastropub & Artisan Pantry (Tigh Chadhain)
Kilkieran, Connemara, Co Galway
Friendly donkeys may amble over to the wall as you park at Michael and Annemarie Coyne’s neatly presented pub overlooking Kilkerrin Bay - a typical welcome to the Connemara Gaeltacht, and this is a proper Irish pub with a modern version of the traditional pub shop next door in the Pantry, where you can buy lovely baked goods, artisan products and unusual cards and gifts. And there’s a proper informal dining experience here too, with accessibly priced bi-lingual menus catering for all tastes and everything cooked to order. The house speciality is a delicious seafood chowder: thick and plentiful with good chunks of fresh local fish and, served with a homemade brown scone, it’s a meal in itself. Coynes is the real deal.

O’Dowd’s Bar & Restaurant
Roundstone, Connemara, Co Galway
Overlooking harbour, sea and mountains, this much-loved family-run pub remains one of those simple places, with the comfort of an open fire and a good pint, where people congregate all year in total relaxation - spilling out to sit on the low stone wall in the busy summer months. Nicholas Griffin is a quietly caring host, and the food (along with a great choice of craft beers and Irish whiskeys) is always good. A reasonably priced bar menu majors in seafood or, for more formal meals, the restaurant next door does the honours. Either way, the seafood chowder is ace and this is a place that will draw you in with its buzz of happy customers - and next door there's O'Dowd's Café too, offering breakfast and light food throughout the day in season (March-October).

The Tavern Bar & Restaurant
Murrisk, near Westport, Co Mayo
Myles and Ruth O’Brien have been running this fine bar and restaurant just outside Westport, at the foot of Croagh Patrick, since 1999 and have built up an enviable reputation for their hospitality - and good cooking by their trusty team, which showcases the best of local foods and drinks (listed beside the door). Both daytime and evening menus are extensive, with local seafood from Clew Bay the speciality. It can get very busy at times but the well-informed staff - who know the menu and the nightly specials - are welcoming and efficient, so hungry customers are very soon looked after.

The Venue Bar & Restaurant
Strandhill, Co Sligo
Shoreside properties tend to claim the attention in seaside towns, but the inquisitive visitor will find this lovely pub up the hill, overlooking Strandhill Bay. Beyond the cosy, old-world front bar, the restaurant is a big, bright room with panoramic views – a pleasant setting to enjoy good down-to-earth food, notably steaks and local seafood. Everything is wholesome and homemade which, together with the lovely location, friendly atmosphere and pocket-friendly prices, explains its well-deserved popularity. It’s a great music pub too, with regular sessions held (free entry).

The Rusty Mackerel
Teelin, Carrick, Co Donegal
Beautifully located at the foot of Sliabh Liag, the highest sea cliffs in Europe,’The Rusty’ is a well-loved traditional Irish bar and restaurant, known for its genuine friendliness and craic. It dates back to 1892 and, although it can be very busy at times in summer, this atmospheric venue serves tasty fare and remains very much itself. Food is hearty and wholesome, with an emphasis on fish and seafood from nearby Killybegs (including freshly battered goujons of fish on the children's menu), but also offering a balanced choice of other options. Local drinks include whiskey and gin from Sliabh Liag Distillery - and great music and dancing too, with visiting musicians encouraged to join in. A beer garden (with retractable roof, wood burning stove and patio heaters) and 13 comfortable Fáilte Ireland Approved bedrooms which are family-friendly and pet-friendly have recently been added, making ’The Rusty’ an ideal moderately-priced base for an active holiday in this stunning area.