15 Irish Pubs In Australia Worth Having A Pint In

There’s no place quite like an Irish pub to whet whistles with a hearty pint of Guinness and a full plate of rustic grub.

Spend a few hours in an Irish pub and you’ll consider purchasing a one-way flight to Dublin to immerse yourself in craic and traditional folk music for the rest of your life. Nobody hosts a pub night quite like the Irish, who have had thousands of years to perfect the experience.

Always cosy and always inviting, there’s an Irish pub in every major Australian city that’s worth a visit. Each beloved establishment promises a night of nourishing food, ice-cold drinks, traditional live music and endless banter.

Whether you go solo or with a group, you’ll leave with at least three more friends than you came with – that’s the Irish promise.

NSW | Vic | Qld | NT | SA | WA | Tas

1. The Mercantile Hotel, Sydney, NSW

In this day and age, where can patrons find $8 pints of Guinness during Happy Hour? The Mercantile Hotel , that’s where.

Operating for over 100 years, Sydney’s oldest Irish pub has stood the test of time for good reason: live music can be heard every other day, the Shamrock Pie remains a crowd favourite, winning over taste buds with its delightful beef and Guinness combination, and the atmosphere is nothing short of electric.

Please note: The Mercantile is currently closed for renovations.

the pub exterior of The Mercantile with colourful glowing lines moving fast in the background — Sydney’s oldest Irish pub has stood the test of time for good reason.

Address: 27 George St, Sydney, NSW

2. P.J. O’Brien’s, Sydney, NSW

For an evening of whimsy and wine, P.J. O’Brien’s is hard to top.

The wholly Irish experience at P.J.’s comes from its welcoming decor and a fully stocked bar with crisps, Irish whiskey and Kilkenny on tap.

Weekly entertainment caters to all walks of life, from The Simpsons trivia nights to screenings of the Rugby World Cup – just be prepared to shout at the top of your lungs every few minutes, as per tradition.

the light-filled interior of P.J.O’Brien’s Irish pub in Sydney — The vibrant atmosphere at P.J. O’Brien’s keeps regulars happy. (Image: William Watt)

Address: 57 King St, Sydney, NSW

3. The Last Jar, Melbourne, Vic

With a menu curated by Northern Ireland expat and Head Chef Jake Beazley, a night at The Last Jar will feel like you’ve been transported to Éire itself. Pair The Last Jar’s famous Irish Stew and homemade brown soda bread with a tall glass of Irish Champagne for a true Irish experience.

During the warmer seasons, pull up a seat in The Last Jar’s charming beer garden and soak up the sun while your soda bread soaks in the stew.

Address: 616 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC

4. The Drunken Poet, Melbourne, Vic

Making the list of ‘The 10 best Irish pubs in the world (outside of Ireland) ’ is no easy feat, yet it’s one that The Drunken Poet can scream from the top of their Peel Street watering hole.

This timber-laden pub has it all: countless cocktails and beers, beautiful artwork lining the walls, and an atmosphere that offers a safe refuge from a cold winter’s eve.

Order a Bushmills Malt whiskey, whip out a pen and paper and see if The Drunken Poet inspires you.

a low-angle exterior view of The Drunken Poet — The Drunken Poet is undeniably one of the best Irish pubs in Melbourne.

Address: 65 Peel St, West Melbourne, VIC

5. The Fifth Province, Melbourne, Vic

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night tipples, The Fifth Province is a one-stop Irish-infused shop.

For a touch of competitive fun, head to the St Kilda-based venue on Wednesday night for weekly trivia, or clock off work early and get there after 3pm for five hours of $5 pints, wines and spirits as an end-of-week treat.

pouring tap beer into a glass at The Fifth Province — The Fifth Province is a one-stop Irish-infused shop. (Image: Griffin Simm)

Address: 3/60 Fitzroy St, St Kilda, VIC

6. Gilhooleys, Brisbane, Qld

An Irish-Australian feast awaits you at Gilhooleys, a Brisbane favourite since opening its doors 30-odd years ago.

Promising good old Irish hospitality and genuine laughs, Gilhooleys will quickly become a Sunday staple to unwind over a glass of vino and a weekend roast smothered in rich gravy. Alternatively, start the day early and devour an Irish breakfast complete with hashbrowns, grilled tomatoes, a mountain of baked beans, buttery toast, bacon and classic black pudding to round it out.

a look inside the Gilhooleys Irish pub in Brisbane — Gilhooleys has been a favourite Irish pub for three decades.

Address: Albert St & Charlotte St, Brisbane City, QLD

7. Finn McCool’s, Brisbane, Qld

The pub so nice they opened it twice; in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, to be exact.

A not-so-hidden gem in Fortitude Valley, Finn McCool’s has been serving up pints and feeding home-cooked meals to merry patrons for over eight years. Round up a crew for $1 chicken wings every Thursday or end the week on a high note and relish in live music every Sunday afternoon.

the tap beer counter with a selection of spirits on display at Finn McCool's — Savour a core range of beers and whiskeys at Finn McCool’s.

Address: 295 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley, QLD

8. Shenannigans, Darwin, NT

There are no missing Shenannigans during a saunter down Darwin City’s main strip. The boisterous bar has been a locals’ favourite for decades, seeing a revolving door of locals and tourists arrive to catch a match on the big screen and people-watch on the terrace.

Take a break from the powerful Darwin sun and cool down with a cheap-as-chips pint as NRL fans infectiously chant in the background.

Address: 1/69 Mitchell St, Darwin City, NT

9. Fiddler’s Green, Darwin, NT

For a balmy evening, venture to Fiddler’s Green at the Darwin Waterfront for delightful views and a laid-back dining experience.

Tuck into fresh chilli mud crab while being serenaded by a local band at this indoor-outdoor hybrid Irish pub, perfect for a quiet catch-up with friends or a hazy session trading stories and drinking refreshing mojitos. There’s nothing Irish about a mojito but occasionally life calls for one.

Lamb shank, potato and a guinness at Fiddlers Green. — Head to Fiddler’s Green on a balmy evening.

Address: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City, NT

10. Mick O’Shea’s Hotel, Adelaide, SA

Make a pitstop at Mick O’Shea’s Hotel en route to McLaren Vale and you might miss the winery portion of the trip altogether. Spend hours relaxing in the lush beer garden, chow down on the seasonal menu or simply nurse a pint while listening to the buzzing conversations around you.

If you spend far longer at Mick O’Shea’s Hotel than anticipated, it doubles as accommodation too, so get a good night’s rest in one of its comfy rooms and resume the planned road trip to the winery region the next day.

Address: Main S Rd, Hackham, SA

11. Brecknock Hotel, Adelaide, SA

The heritage-listed Brecknock Hotel has been operating in some form for over 150 years, and this tiny slice of heaven certainly delivers on its Irish inspiration.

Featuring open fireplaces to warm souls and an expansive menu offering a range of Irish delicacies, no time is wasted if it’s spent in this historic, cosy pub.

Address: 401 King William St, Adelaide, SA

12. Fibber McGee’s, Perth, WA

Fairy lights and a delightful dry-aged steak is all a pub needs to please the masses, and Fibber McGee’s has both in droves.

Pair your medium-rare steak with thick-cut chips and a divine mushroom sauce while sipping on black gold to get as close to heaven as humanly possible. As the night progresses, nurse a tipple of Irish whiskey and listen intently to the bartender’s amusing anecdotes and tall tales.

the Fibber McGee's sign at the entrance of the pub — Fibber McGee’s has been a go-to Irish pub and steakhouse since 1998.

Address: 711 Newcastle St, Leederville, WA

13. Paddy Malone’s, Perth, WA

Journey to the centre of Joondalup and discover the much-adored Paddy Malone’s . In keeping with traditional Irish pubs, expect a game or match blasting from the screens as punters eagerly follow along.

The Irish-inspired menu is not to be overlooked either, as Paddy Malone’s fish and chips are as fresh as they come.

a close-up shot of food on a plate with beer on the table at Paddy Malone's, Perth — Pair your beer with traditional Irish food at Paddy Malone’s.

Address: 13/115 Grand Blvd, Joondalup, WA

14. New Sydney Hotel, Hobart, Tas

Fitted with Irish memorabilia that will take most of the night to look at, New Sydney Hotel is the epitome of a pub that oozes authenticity.

This quaint inn is one of the cosiest pubs in Australia and touts the best Guinness in Hobart, but if clear spirits are more to your liking, New Sydney Hotel’s selection of gins is second to none. Outside in the garden, beer barrels have been converted into seats, giving the entire space a unique and oh-so-cute aesthetic.

the interior of New Sydney Hotel fitted with Irish memorabilia — New Sydney Hotel is one of Australia’s cosiest pubs.

Address: 87 Bathurst St, Hobart, TAS

15. Irish Murphy’s, Hobart, Tas

Irish Murphy’s might have every other pub in Australia beat. The building dates back to 1812, yet there’s no sign of ageing just by looking at it.

Expect a flawlessly renovated restaurant and pub in the stunning precinct of Salamanca Place, a must-visit whenever you’re in Hobart.

the building exterior of Irish Murphy’s, Hobart, Tas — The Irish Murphy’s building dates back to 1812.

Perch on the seats out front and watch hordes of people scouring the weekly Saturday markets for a bargain or finish your pint and join them in the hunt.

the vintage interior of Irish Murphy’s, Hobart, Tas — The pub’s interior has had a refurb. (Image: Sammy Jones)

Address: 21 Salamanca Pl, Hobart, TAS

For more places to add to your Australian pub crawl, head here.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

15 Irish pubs in Australia worth having a pint in