Travelers partial to a tipple have long considered Ireland something of a spiritual home. And it’s a fact that many traditional drinks in Ireland have a very strong connection to the local culture.
The birthplace of whiskey (as long as you don’t ask the Scottish) and Guinness and a nation famed around the world for its wonderful pub culture, the Emerald Isle sure lives up to its reputation as a drink-lover’s paradise.
Over the years, Irish hospitality has drawn countless tourists eager to sample its vast variety of boozy delicacies first hand. From the old classics to a growing list of modern concoctions, Dublin’s nearly 800 pubs are sure to have something to cater for almost any taste.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect pint of Guinness, the smoothest swig of whiskey or a cocktail to send your senses into overdrive, this comprehensive guide to the greatest drinks in Ireland’s will help point you in the right direction.
What's Included
Traditional Irish Coffee
We’ll start off our top drinks in Ireland list with something strong, smooth and sophisticated. For those of you who feel like the day hasn’t truly started ‘til you’ve had your coffee, this brew will see you right.
The typical Irish coffee has been a staple since at least the 1960s, perhaps before, depending on who you talk to. It’s the perfect blend of piping hot coffee, a generous shot of a good Irish whiskey, plenty of brown sugar, and all topped off with a thick layer of double cream.
Best bar for Irish coffee in Dublin
In fact, O’Lochlainns Irish Whiskey Bar in County Clare sources their cream straight from the dairy herd that lives in their backyard. It literally couldn’t be fresher. Add to that their extensive whiskey selection and we challenge you to find a better Irish coffee in all the land.
Guinness: The perfect pint
You won’t be surprised to find a pint of the black stuff high on this list of best drinks in Ireland. We could hardly leave out the country’s national beverage. Now, we’re not going to try and tell you anything about this legendary stout that you don’t already know but what we can do is recommend the best place to drink Guinness in its purest form.
Can’t-miss pub for enjoying a pint of Guinness
Nestled inside the wall of Dublin’s Glasnevin Cemetery lies a magical old public house, the John Kavanagh, otherwise known as The Gravediggers. Its affectionate nickname comes from the regular punters and with no TV and no music, this place has only ever been about pouring the perfect pint of Guinness.
Black and Black: Guinness and Blackcurrant
This simple, two-ingredient mix takes a pint of Ireland’s national drink and injects it with a shot of blackcurrant cordial to take the bitter edge off. As you might imagine, it’s a divisive blend, given the idea of messing around with a Guinness is considered a sin in some quarters.
Where to order a Black and Black (hint: any pub!)
While not as common as it was twenty years ago, head into any Irish pub and order a Black and Black, they will know exactly what you’re after. In our controversial opinion, it’s well worth a try!
Irish Cream
This liqueur is the epitome of indulgence. Best served on the rocks, the velvety texture of a good Irish cream is matched by a depth of flavor born of the fine balance between the fiery whiskey and the vanilla sweetness of the cream.
Bailey’s is of course the best-known brand name for this particular drink, but there is a broad range of other options out there. Our biggest tip here is that it’s always worth sampling one of the local craft varieties if given the chance.
Baby Guinness
There are few images more recognizable in the beverage world than a cold pint of Guinness. The very nature of the ebony black body topped with a creamy white head is perhaps the brand’s greatest marketing trick.
There are times though when a heavy pint of the black stuff just won’t cut it. Sometimes, the mood calls for a slow-sipper, an explosion of taste in smaller doses. And that’s where this next entry comes in. The Baby Guinness is a sophisticated shot of coffee liqueur, topped with a dash of Irish cream which, you guessed it, resembles a tiny pint of Guinness.
Jameson Irish Whiskey
The exact origins of whiskey are contentious. The rich liquor is widely believed to have come from either Ireland or Scotland, with the two nations sharing a long-standing tradition of distilling grains to create spirits.
In Ireland, whiskey production is a centuries-old practice, with historic records of distillation dating as far back as the 12th century.
Established in Dublin in 1780 by one John Jameson, Jameson Irish Whiskey has become renowned for its smooth, finely balanced flavor profile. Honed through a triple distillation process using copper pot stills, before being aged in oak barrels, Jameson’s distinctive flavor includes notes of vanilla, toasted wood and subtle hints of spice.
Try it for yourself on our Pubs, Pints and History Tour.
Bulmers Cider
Founded by William Magner in the mid-1930s after he purchased an orchard in Tipperary, Bulmers has become an Irish institution.
Still made in Co. Tipperary to this day, the crisp, fresh cider is made from 17 different types of apples, left to ferment and mature for up to two years. Should you be lucky enough to enjoy a beautiful summer’s afternoon in an Irish pub garden, we really can’t think of many better options to quench your thirst.
Irish craft beer
As a nation of proud beer drinkers, Ireland has a long history of producing world class ales, stouts, lagers and more. That’s why it’s no surprise to see the country leading the way in the craft beer revolution that has spread across the globe in recent years.
A new wave of brewing
No matter where you are in the country, from Galway to Dublin, you’re sure to find a local brewery serving up some seriously tasty artisan malt. Just a couple of our favorites include Galway Bay and the capital’s famous Whiplash, voted brewery of the year in 2019.
Cocktails galore
Although some people limit themselves to local brews when going for drinks in Ireland, if you’re more Martini sipper than beer guzzler, you’ll be delighted to hear that Dublin’s thriving bar scene is now home to some truly world class cocktail venues.
Where to try modern Irish cocktails
With the tagline ‘Staunchly Irish, Fiercely Independent’, Bar 1661 was named among Europe’s Top 10 in the prestigious Spirited Awards 2023. Much like Dublin itself, the mix of tradition and modernity here really does manage to lift cocktail culture to new heights.
Meanwhile, housed in a classily restored Georgian building, Peruke & Periwig exudes a sense of timeless sophistication. Its beautifully curated drinks menu sits classic favorites alongside innovative blends, all grouped according to musical genres. The house special Thriller is a showstopper Michael Jackson himself would have been proud of.
Whether its a good frothy pint of Guinness or a strong glass of whiskey, there are certainly drinks in Ireland for every taste and any occasion. If you’d like to find out more about Dublin’s best watering holes, check out our fun Pubs, Pints and History Tour. From pints at Merrion Row and Baggot Street to a whiskey cocktail tasting at a modern bar, our tour guides will show you the best of Dublin’s pubs.
