This charming public house has been in the O'Leary family since Thado Leary first opened for business in 1917. It now has three distinct characters. The front pub has a welcoming atmosphere from days gone by, with open fires and lots of banter, trad sessions and a pleasant mix of people. The entertainment lounge behind the pub was Killarney's first "singing pub" and still packs them in. With room for 200, there is lots of rousing ballad singing, music, craic and dancing, aimed primarily at giving the tourist a blast of traditional Irish culture. The Laurels also has a fine restaurant from May through to October. Intimate yet casual, it features a menu with delicious venison, steaks, and salmon, but note: no vegetarian dishes.
Bunker's is a trendy pub with good ambiance and food. You can barge in for a drink in the bar, or order some coffee in the cafe-the two sections have different vibes to be in. The food is tasty, not to mention the variety in the menu. You can try the delicious Italian salad, the roast pork with apple and cider sauce, or the grilled chicken-no matter what you order, it's going to leave you craving for more. The bar holds a nice collection of Irish whiskeys. The service is nice and the staff is attending.
The Kube is both laid-back and fun, with its impressive list of cocktails, niche sitting and television screens that keep you engaged. Choose from the bright, creative and colorful cocktails, and some finger food to go with the liquids, and enjoy a relaxing time chatting away. The service is decent, and the vibe feels good. You can also host parties at The Kube. Wait for the neon lights in the evening, and watch the bar turn into a lively room filled with amazing people to be with.
This small village plays host to hill walkers attempting the trek up Mount Brandon. O'Connor's offers a spot for a quiet drink or bar-food meal as well as a relaxing place for returning weary walkers. Spectacularly situated with views of beautiful mountains and rolling hills, O'Connor's Bar makes a good excuse for breaking a journey whether on foot or by car. The pub features a somewhat incongruous, but quite interesting, display of artefacts from World War II plane crashes.
Killarney Brewing revives the spirit of Irish beers, by a brewing process that is identical to that of the good old times. Beer that's additive-and-preservative free brings back the spirit of delicious Irish beers, in a rustic setting with a contemporary touch. There is an hour-long guided tour of the brewery along with beer tasting and the perks of knowing about local brewing techniques. You can also interact with the brewers for the know-how of brewing the perfect beers, and then try from among the lagers, ales and stouts brewed at Killarney Brewing.
For lively nights in the city, Courtney's Bar is a great place to be in. Good music, great people, amazing ambiance, and cocktails and hard drinks to gulp down, the bar covers it all. They have an impressive list of cocktails, beers and Irish whiskeys, and there are also occasional tasting sessions. The century-old bar takes the frolic of Irish pubs and gives it a modern touch. So put on your best black, enjoy the music, and ask the bartender to fix you a mean glass of scotch or bourbon, and you can even start with Irish coffee, if you like.
Conveniently located in the center of this rural town, halfway between Limerick and Killarney, the Cellar Bar is a great stop for a creamy pint of Guinness. Here you'll get the dark stuff at its best. If you stop by on a Thursday night, you'll catch local traditional musicians airing their instruments gustily! Try to catch one of these sessions; it's certainly worth the effort.
Situated directly behind McDaides, The Courthouse caters for an older singles crowd with a mixture of 80s, 90s, and contemporary music. Many customers spend the evening in the pub before moving on to the nightclub. One of the few Tralee clubs catering for this particular age group, it can become quite crowded at the weekends with many lonely hearts in circulation. Most come to dance and enjoy the social atmosphere.
Admission: IEP 5
This old style public house generally caters for Tralee natives, but visitors will find the atmosphere quite interesting. Usually there is a subdued and quiet air here, but things really change on music nights. Traditional music with rebel overtones is played several nights a week. A glimpse of the "rebel" Kerry spirit comes to the fore and always provides a rousing evening of music and song. There is a sign outside the door on music nights, but it's wise to ring ahead and confirm.
Not so long ago, groceries and pubs were a common combination with the grocery area in the front and the bar tucked in discreetly towards the back. Sheahan's has taken a modern approach and places the ham slicer right on the bar. The interior is furnished with dark woods and has deeply coloured painted walls, lending it an old-fashioned, somewhat mysterious air. Locals frequent this public house for a quick pint while gathering the "messages".
Kerry's illustrious history in Gaelic football covers the walls, while past and present players frequent the bar. If you would like a quick eye-opener into the sport that rules so many souls every Sunday, this is the place to investigate. Just don't say, "It's like soccer, isn't it?" This is an extremely popular and friendly spot for a drink with a good cross-section of clientele. In good weather the crowd spills out onto the street. Baily's Corner also features frequent traditional music sessions.
This very Irish pub is quite popular with natives looking for a friendly low-key drink. It is a good place to absorb local atmosphere without causing a stir of curiosity. This warm, welcoming public house has friendly staff and drinkers often move out onto the street in good weather if things feel a bit cramped inside. Paddy Mac's also has frequent traditional music sessions that really get the crowd lively with plenty of foot stomping and clapping.