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

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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

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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.

From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

Hamilton Island’s sun-lacquered shores have long magnetised travellers craving an escape from reality. But what’s less expected – and more interesting – is just how assuredly this Whitsundays idyll delivers on the culinary front. Dialling up the flavour as much as the barefoot allure, the Hamilton Island food scene offers world-class dining and drinking options, spanning slick fine-dining moments to just-caught seafood served within sight of the sea. Let’s dig in.

Catseye Pool Club

Framing the electric blues of Catseye Beach from The Sundays hotel, Catseye Pool Club is Hamilton Island’s latest culinary prodigy. Shown to our table, we thread through rattan chairs, Zellige tiles and tumbling greenery that opens up to Coral Sea shimmer.

The poolside restaurant is the brainchild of Sydney-based chef duo Josh and Julie Niland, who have brought their relaxed yet elevated dining ethos north. The menu – designed to bring people together – is made for sharing, each hero ingredient orbited by a palette of sides to mix, match and layer as you please.

My thyme cocktail – woody with scotch, lifted by lime leaf – pairs perfectly with the charcoal grilled prawns entree, which is served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Each forkful lands differently, but all are a delight. Then comes the coral trout. True to Josh Niland’s ‘scale-to-tail’ philosophy, the fish is presented whole in a theatrical crescent, a tiny fork stuck into its cheek in a nod to Niland’s declared prize cut. Ribbons of zucchini resembling gauzy curtains bring brightness and snap, while kasundi lends depth and warmth. It’s tongue-tantalising, special occasion dining with humanity.

Sails Restaurant

A more casual poolside dining scene awaits at nearby Sails Restaurant, where Eastern Mediterranean flavours are dished up with an island twist. Chermoula chicken skewers and barramundi souvlaki lie on the more filling side of the menu, while the sumac squid and stone-bread flatbread with za’atar – arriving alongside pomegranate molasses, beetroot hummus and crushed macadamias – are perfect light bites after a dip in the pool. And don’t miss the garlic lemon scallops.

The setting is equally part of the draw. Sunlight floods the high-ceilinged dining room, while outdoor tables look out across the glittering expanse of Catseye Beach. Holidaymakers in oversized sunglasses sip spritzes beneath umbrellas, the gentle clink of plates mixing with splashes from the adjacent pool. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger long after lunch.

Bommie

Tucked into a sleek curved wing of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie delivers experiential fine dining with a sense of occasion. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Ryan Locke, the seasonal menu champions local and native Australian ingredients whipped up into a modern display of creative precision.

Inside the dim-lit dining room, guests can choose between the Tasting Menu or Chef’s Signature Degustation. Sourdough with pine oil sets the tone for the six-course tasting menu, beautifully presented in a bed of pine needles alongside smoked paperbark butter. I love how the squid ink choux pastry is served with flavour-popping native finger lime, which our waiter encourages us to eat caviar-style. Standout moments continue with the wattle-seed-crusted venison elevated by red fruit and pickled beetroot swirls; the meat is perfectly pink in the middle and an homage to the island’s history as a deer farm.

Pebble Beach

Exclusive to qualia Resort guests for lunch and dinner, Pebble Beach is Hamilton Island’s most serene expression of seasonal island dining. Ocean-facing chairs dot a timber deck that spills straight onto the resort’s private beach, while crystalline turquoise waters stretch to meet distant islands – a scene far prettier than any postcard could capture.

The recently refreshed menu doubles down on seasonality and bright, layered flavours. While the more substantial T-bone steak with hazelnut honey carrots tempts, we go lighter: Coffin Bay oysters with Champagne foam and keffir lime dust kick us off splendidly, followed by Byron Bay burrata served with balsamic and caramelised figs. The fennel and orange salad topped with succulent grilled chicken is utterly delectable, but it’s the zingy, oh-so-fresh soft shell fish tacos that I can’t stop thinking about. It all goes down a treat with a glass of delicate Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne.

Beach Club Restaurant

A lunch or dinner table at Beach Club Restaurant is best booked in advance – and it’s easy to see why. Looking out over the hotel’s palm-fringed infinity pool, the restaurant spotlights elegant contemporary Australian cuisine with a stellar (also Aussie-leaning) wine list to match.

I am completely enamoured by the grilled Queensland prawns, which are brought to life with a smoked compound, local fried curry leaves and lime. Digging into the butter-soft lamb rump served atop pea ragout and parsley Paris mash feels like a warm, nostalgic hug. And dessert – vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with hot salted honey and apple gel – ends the night on a high note.

Expect warm and discreet service; our waiter Marco tells us that the tiny decorative starfish on our table are there to help the staff remember whether we prefer sparkling or still water, so they don’t need to bother us by asking multiple times.

Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

There’s more to Hamilton Island’s foodie scene than restaurant reservations alone. For wine-curious travellers seeking something a little more immersive, Beach Club has recently introduced Talk & Taste – a tutored tasting hosted by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher. Held twice weekly for a maximum of eight guests, the experience explores Australian wine culture through four thoughtfully selected drops paired with native-inspired bites.

We opt for the white wine and seafood option. Alongside pours from Eden Valley and Launceston, a nibbling platter arrives featuring sashimi, salmon roe, Mooloolaba prawn ceviche and palate-cleansing ginger. The seafood is pristine and pared back, allowing the wines to take centre stage.

The real highlight, however, is discovering just how nuanced winemaking can be. Courtenay speaks of viticulture as both art and science: harvest grapes a week too late and ripeness tips into ruin; plant the same varietal on different elevations and the sun, slope and water flow will shape entirely different expressions. Pinot noir, she explains, with its delicate skin and high water content, yields lighter fruit-forward wines, while thicker-skinned shiraz delivers depth and structure. I leave feeling fascinated and inspired by Courtenay’s evident passion.

coca chu

Sweet and hot. Sour and salty. Dining at ever-popular coca chu is a sensation-swirling experience that’s not to be missed if you’re a sucker for punchy Southeast Asian flavours. Located at the Main Pool end of Catseye Beach, this lively hangout is all swaying lanterns, driftwood, high beamed ceilings and giant open windows that let in the balmy ocean breeze.

Drawing from hawker traditions, the grilled betel leaf is a neat, vibrant mouthful of chilli fried cashews and spiced beef. The tofu surprises – soft beneath a tumble of dill, mint and coriander, and glossed in moreish peanut sauce. The massaman curry is pure comfort: creamy, fragrant, fall-apart meat. It’s generous and expressive cooking that I, for one, cannot get enough of.

Marina Cafe

Sometimes, all you crave on holidays is a bacon and egg roll done properly and a creamy fruit smoothie. Boasting harbour views, an easygoing atmosphere and clean modern interiors, Marina Cafe is a popular local haunt for a reason. The casual menu lures families and couples alike with its all-day brekky, seasonal salads and sandwiches – from a roasted pumpkin bowl to prosciutto and rocket on herby focaccia.

The acai bowl, topped with toasted nuts and berries, is a refreshing start to my day. Whether you sit in or takeaway, it’s a good-vibes-guaranteed place to refuel before or after your Whitsundays adventures.

Discover your foodie getaway now at hamiltonisland.com.au.

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.

1. The Mercantile Hotel, Sydney, NSW

2. P.J. O’Brien’s, Sydney, NSW

3. The Last Jar, Melbourne, Vic

4. The Drunken Poet, Melbourne, Vic

5. The Fifth Province, Melbourne, Vic

6. Gilhooleys, Brisbane, Qld

7. Finn McCool’s, Brisbane, Qld

8. Shenannigans, Darwin, NT

9. Fiddler’s Green, Darwin, NT

10. Mick O’Shea’s Hotel, Adelaide, SA

11. Brecknock Hotel, Adelaide, SA

12. Fibber McGee’s, Perth, WA

13. Paddy Malone’s, Perth, WA

14. New Sydney Hotel, Hobart, Tas

15. Irish Murphy’s, Hobart, Tas

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

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A gourmand’s guide to eating your way around Hamilton Island

From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

Catseye Pool Club

Sails Restaurant

Bommie

Pebble Beach

Beach Club Restaurant

Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

coca chu

Marina Cafe

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.

1. The Mercantile Hotel, Sydney, NSW

2. P.J. O’Brien’s, Sydney, NSW

3. The Last Jar, Melbourne, Vic

4. The Drunken Poet, Melbourne, Vic

AI Prompt

5. The Fifth Province, Melbourne, Vic

6. Gilhooleys, Brisbane, Qld

7. Finn McCool’s, Brisbane, Qld

8. Shenannigans, Darwin, NT

9. Fiddler’s Green, Darwin, NT

10. Mick O’Shea’s Hotel, Adelaide, SA

11. Brecknock Hotel, Adelaide, SA

12. Fibber McGee’s, Perth, WA

13. Paddy Malone’s, Perth, WA

14. New Sydney Hotel, Hobart, Tas

15. Irish Murphy’s, Hobart, Tas

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

The Aussie hotels missing from Condé Nast’s Triple Crown Hotels list

13 weekends worth of winter breaks around Australia

Still holding onto your COVID Virgin travel credit? It’s about to expire

The most exciting winter festivals around Australia

From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

Catseye Pool Club

Sails Restaurant

Bommie

Pebble Beach

Beach Club Restaurant

Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

coca chu

Marina Cafe