From city breaks in the capital to breezy coastal escapes, Irish pubs are a major calling card for winter holidaymakers looking to escape the cold while they explore the country’s beautiful landscapes.
A new study has analysed over 8,900 online reviews of pubs across Ireland to reveal the best cities for pubs offering fireside cosiness, helping people plan their trips this winter.
The research looked at ten of the highest-rated pubs in each city and counted mentions of words linked to comfort and atmosphere, from ‘snug’ and ‘open fire’ to ‘welcoming’ and ‘relaxing’, to create a ‘Cosiness’ Score. Beyond cities, the study also discovered Ireland’s standout countryside destinations for cosy pubs.
The Irish capital comes out on top, but is closely followed by Galway, Kilkenny, Cork and Limerick.
Galway earned a cosiness score of 63.8 per cent, standing out for its intimate music scene and strong community atmosphere, according to online reviews.
In the Latin Quarter and around Shop Street, pubs often offer nightly live music sessions that keep visitors indoors and entertained. The city is an ideal base for those driving the Wild Atlantic Way: a warm welcome after a day of long walks and mountain views.
Alongside the city rankings, the research also analysed a selection of well-known Irish countryside destinations with strong pub culture, to reveal the rural areas where visitors are most likely to find cosy winter pubs.
Connemara featured on this list too, earning a cosiness score of 58.6 per cent. It was beaten by Clare and Kerry, sporting towns like Doolin and Killarney.
Connemara's remote location makes its intimate local pubs especially beloved by travellers. After exploring Connemara National Park or driving through coastal roads, visitors appreciate the warmth and shelter, landing it a solid ‘cosiness’ score of 58.6 out of 100.
Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at JustCover, Irish travel insurance specialists, said, “For many travellers, a winter trip to Ireland isn't complete without time spent in a traditional pub: a real fire, friendly locals and a place to dry off after the rain.
"Our research shows there's no shortage of welcoming spots across the country, whether you're exploring Dublin's historic pubs or discovering hidden gems in smaller towns and counties."
