The 9 Best Irish Pubs with the Best Booze in Town
Staff Writer
| Last Updated: March 2024 Did you know that the first official pub in Ireland opened in 900 AD? That’s right, over 1000 years ago, travellers in Dublin could already belly up to a pub for a refreshing pint. Since then, Irish pubs have spread across the globe, including our beloved Auckland.
And fear not—Auckland’s Irish pubs aren’t poor knockoffs of the real thing. I’ve had a pint or two at a few pubs in town myself, so I can speak out on the authenticity of the Irish pubs I’ve found.
So whether you’re a homesick expat, a Guiness aficionado, or simply looking for a good Irish pub, I’ve got the best Irish pubs for you.
1. Father Ted’s Original Irish Pub
Father Ted’s Original Irish Pub
Address: 1 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 3 AM
Phone: +6493773142
For a taste of Ireland without leaving New Zealand, head to Father Ted’s Original Irish Pub. The walls are adorned with Irish memorabilia for a real sense of Ireland.
You’ll have whisky-washed good times here with their live music and pint after pint on tap. Here, you’ll find Guinness and Kilkenny on tap amongst their beer collection, a fine collection of whiskies and other spirits, and wines.
If you get hungry, try their famous Ted’s homemade cheeseburger and chips. You can’t go wrong with their pizza either.
Pro Tip: Play a game of pool on their pool table to pass the time!
2. The Clare Inn Irish Pub
Address: 274/278 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Wednesday – 3 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 12:30 AM
- Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +6496238233
The Clare Inn is a hub of good times, music, and Irish warmth. Whether it’s foot-stomping jigs or ballads, this pub keeps the music and drinks coming.
They have live traditional Irish music on Sundays after 4 PM, guaranteed to have you tapping your toes and trying to sing along with the second verse. If you really want to wow the crowd with your vocals, do so on singer/songwriter night, which is on Wednesdays at 8 PM.
Oh, and if you get hungry after one too many beers on tap, they have beef & guinness pie, fish and chips, and more.
Pro Tip: Throughout the week, this pub always has something going on. On Tuesdays, it’s quiz night. On Wednesdays, it’s darts, and Thursdays are poker nights.
3. The Fiddler Irish Bar
Address: 71 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 3 PM to late
- Thursday to Saturday – 2 PM to very late
Phone: +6493778135
The Fiddler Irish Bar is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves a good pub atmosphere. This bar is known for its wild selection of whiskies, including the smooth and flavorful Teeling whisky and the classic Patty Old Irish whisky.
Every Friday and Saturday night, the bar comes alive with live music, so don’t miss out on these nights. And for those looking for a great deal, they have happy hour every day from 4 PM to 7 PM.
Pro Tip: Go to their upstairs deck for stunning views of the famous Sky Tower. It’s a perfect spot to unwind after a long day with a glass of fine whisky.
4. Danny Doolan’s
Address: 204 Quay Street, West, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Phone: +6493582554
If you’re looking for an authentic Irish pub experience, look no further than Danny Doolan’s. They do have a dress code policy that’s not too strict (no hats, caps, or jandals are allowed). But don’t let a dress code stop you from coming to this pub!
Whether you’re a fan of Murphy’s Irish stout or prefer Monteith’s apple cider, Danny Doolan’s offers a wide selection of drinks to suit all tastes. They even have Moco cocktails on tap for those looking for something a little different.
And the best day to go? It has to be on their frickin chicken Fridays or on Sundays for their traditional Sunday roast.
Pro Tip: Book the premium cellar bar experience for a more intimate and exclusive night out.
5. The Claddagh Irish Pub
Address: 372 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Wednesday – 3 PM to 11:30 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 3 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 3 AM
Phone: +6495224410
The Claddagh Irish Pub is a hub for those seeking a lively night out.
Come on Wednesdays for their quiz nights and bring out your fun and competitive edge. Or come on Fridays when the pub is alive with the sound of live Irish and Kiwi music.
And if you get hungry, give their steak and Guinness pie or Claddagh’s grass-fed beef burger a try.
Pro Tip: You can book events in their private function room!
6. Dicey Reillys Pub & Eatery
Address: 570 Hillsborough Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM till late
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64069290640
Dicey Reillys Pub & Eatery stands tall among the Irish pubs in Auckland. The moment you walk into this pub, you’re surrounded by Irish warmth and welcoming bartenders.
As far as food goes, they have mouthwatering fish and chips and all the Irish pub foods you can think of. And the drinks—they definitely do not disappoint.
Pro Tip: Unlike many pubs, Dicey Reillys welcomes families with open arms. They even have a dedicated kids corner with Xbox games.
7. Doolan Brothers Newmarket
Address: 414 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Phone: +6495292485
Doolan Brothers Newmarket is where the party’s at most nights. Every night, local musicians fill the air with traditional Irish tunes, adding to the authenticity of the pub.
In addition to live music, Doolan Brothers Newmarket also features a pool table, making it a great spot for a friendly game while enjoying a pint.
As for the drinks, they have a wide selection of Irish and international beers, whiskies, and spirits, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Pro Tip: Visit on a Tuesday night because this is when the pub hosts its popular quiz night.
8. Muddy Farmer
Address: 74 Wyndham Street, CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
Phone: +6499737707
Muddy Farmer is the perfect place to enjoy an authentic Irish public experience. They have a wide range of Irish beers, whiskies, and delicious pub food.
And they have salsa and bachata nights—not very Irish, but still really fun. These nights put a twist on the traditional Irish pub atmosphere, providing an opportunity for you to dance the night away.
Pro Tip: For those who prefer a more relaxed evening, they do have pool tables available to use.
9. Barrel Inn
Address: 15 Cook Street, Howick, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM till late
Phone: +64095355540
Barrel Inn is where you go for a good old-fashioned pint. The pub itself may look quite rustic with its crackling fireplace and decor, but you’ll find that Barrel Inn is the place to be on Thursday nights and Sundays.
On Thursday nights, they have a juicy steak special (pint of beer or wine included), and on Sundays, it’s good old roast pork days.
And, of course, no Irish pub is complete without a good selection of beers. From Guinness and Murphy’s to local craft brews, Barrel Inn has something for you.
Pro Tip: They have regular quiz nights that are not to be missed.
