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.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

15 Irish pubs in Australia worth having a pint in