Amsterdam is a city of colorful art, history, and culture, but it’s also a vibrant city of parties, entertainment, and some of the best Irish pubs outside of Ireland. When you travel, one of the best experiences to enjoy local culture is a trip to a local eatery or pub.
The Irish bars in Amsterdam will satisfy every urge, from an intense need for a pint of Guinness to seeing a game played by your favorite team. Some Amsterdam pubs are wholly Irish, while others offer a hint of the Emerald Isle, but they’re all fun places to visit while you explore the city.
Whether you want to get together with friends over a pint, watch the game, or find a cozy place for a date, you’ll want to get familiar with the best Irish pubs in Amsterdam.
TL;DR
- Best for Couples: The Wolfhound
- Best for Families: Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
- Best Solo Travelers: Durty Nelly’s
- Best for Nightlife: Hoopman
- Best for Sports: O’Donnell’s
- Best for Foodies: O’Reilly’s
- Best for Irish People: Gunnery’s
- Best for Live Music: Mulligan’s
Best Irish Pubs in Amsterdam
1. The Old Bell
Address: Rembrandtplein 46, 1017 CV Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you’re looking for an old-school pub, The Old Bell will suit you perfectly. Located on the Rembrandtplein, this pub is a fun stop whether you’re traveling with friends, going on a solo journey, or are in the mood for a fun and relaxed pub experience.
The pub features a cozy interior with all the dark wood and animal horns on the walls, but you’ll also find a patio available for relaxing outside when the weather is fine.
The Old Bell isn’t wholly or solely Irish, so you’ll find that it could resemble a pub in England or Ireland with its assortment of imported beers.
Pros
- Great location in an area you’ll probably visit anyway when you’re in Amsterdam
- Wonderful ambiance for chill relaxation and drinks with friends
Cons
- The food is basic pub grub, so don’t expect a Michelin-star experience
See Related: Best Parks in Amsterdam to Visit
2. Temple Bar
Address: Kloveniersburgwal 2, 1012 CT Amsterdam, Netherlands
You’ll find all the classic Irish beers at Temple Bar, like Kilkenny and Guinness, as well as some of the native Dutch brews available, too.
One of the neat features of Temple Bar is that it actually shows National Football League (NFL) games, which is a boon for American travelers who want to see their country’s “football” games in Europe.
The pub even sells American beers like Budweiser, but why would you go to an Irish bar in Amsterdam to drink American beer? Perhaps you might try dim sum at Temple Bar for the same reason. It’s not Irish or traditional pub food, but the international menu is fun.
Pros
- The pub is English-speaking, so you won’t need to pull out your Dutch translation book
- It shows sports games on the screens, so you won’t miss your team playing while you travel
Cons
- The prices are a bit high on a few beers, but not extraordinarily so
3. Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
Address: Oudezijds Kolk 9, 1012 AL Amsterdam, Netherlands
You must stroll into the internationally famous Red Light District of Amsterdam to reach Molly Malone’s Irish Pub. As a traditional Irish pub, Molly Malone sells its share of classic ales, but you’ll also find an incredible selection of whiskies.
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub offers traditional pub food, too, so you don’t need to worry about eating before you arrive. The pub is also an excellent place to enjoy an Irish breakfast with Irish Coffee, so check the pub out first thing for a welcoming and jovial morning vibe, or try later in the day for Irish stew.
Pros
- An excellent experience for the traditional Irish pub experience outside of Ireland
- Molly Malone welcomes kids and even has games for them to play while the adults imbibe
Cons
- If you’re particularly adverse to the Red Light District, you might need to visit another pub
See Related: Best Food Tours in Amsterdam to Book
4. Durty Nelly’s
Address: Warmoesstraat 115, 1012 JA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Durty Nelly’s sit next door to a hostel welcoming all sorts of travelers, so you’ll see many folks in the pub enjoying events like live music and parties.
If you’re traveling alone but want some company, you might want to stroll into Durty Nelly’s, where you can join the party in progress for a fun and lively evening.
Like many other Irish pubs in Amsterdam, you’ll get to enjoy an Irish music session on random evenings and broadcasts of all the major sporting events.
Pros:
- Features lively and frequent parties for Irish and Dutch holidays
- Great Irish pub for young travelers ready to party and get rowdy
Cons:
- Not the best Irish pub in Ireland for introverts who want a quiet corner and a pint
5. O’Donnell’s
Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 5, 1072 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam and the Dutch are well-known for their beer, and the Heineken factory is a popular stop for tourists in Amsterdam. Leave it to the Irish to set up shop next to the Heineken factory and sell Irish beer. In addition to selling beer, the pub also sells more than two dozen types of whiskey.
If you’re traveling but want to see your favorite sports team play a major game, O’Donnell’s is probably the best pub in the city for enjoying sporting events. Watching the game with newfound friends at the pub is the best experience, too.
Pros
- Excellent pub for watching big-ticket sporting events with a great crowd
- The seats are comfortable, which is great for relaxing for a pint with friends
Cons
- O’Donnell’s doesn’t always feel like a true Irish pub, even though it sells Guinness
See Related: Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam
6. Hoopman
Address: Leidseplein 4, 1017 PT Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has an entertainment district known as Leidseplein, where you’ll find the Hoopman Pub, a classic example of a cozy Irish pub.
The establishment gives you authentic Irish bartenders and delicious and comforting pub food. The pub also sells an assortment of ciders alongside its selection of beer.
If you want to drink beer with a great view, try to snag one of the outdoor tables to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the entertainment district.
Pros
- The best pub in Amsterdam to enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day party
- The pub’s location in the entertainment center of Amsterdam means excellent parties
Cons
- The prices are on the higher side of the average, so bring a few extra Euros
7. O’Reilly’s
Address: Paleisstraat 105, 1012 ZL Amsterdam, Netherlands
You might assume that the most popular reason to go to a pub is the beer, but great Irish pubs often offer so much more than a pint. At O’Reilly’s, one of the best parts of the pub experience is the food, which is homemade in its kitchen.
If you’ve seen an O’Reilly’s before in your travels to Belgium and Germany, it’s the same establishment as the O’Reilly’s in Amsterdam. Technically, the pub is a chain, but it remains a great venue for atmosphere, beer, and food.
In addition to its surprisingly good food, O’Reilly’s also gets high marks for the views of Dam Square and the imposing Royal Palace of Amsterdam.
Pros
- If you’re hungry, O’Reilly’s is great for satisfying your need for food as well as a pint
- O’Reilly’s is excellent for finding a friendly face since the staff are really welcoming
Cons
- The bar is busy enough that you often need reservations to get a seat in a timely manner
See Related: Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Areas & Places to Stay
8. The Wolfhound
Address: Riviervismarkt 9, 2011 HJ Haarlem, Netherlands
Some pubs in Amsterdam are just little holes in the wall with little to recommend for comfort or space. Such is not the case with The Wolfhound, a rather stylish pub hosting regular live music events. While it’s located just outside Amsterdam in the charming city of Haarlem, it’s worth the short trip to experience this classic pub.
Some music events feature new talent, so you might see an up-and-coming star before they score their breakout song.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam with your significant other and want a stylish yet lively place to spend the evening, The Wolfhound won’t let you down. The establishment even has a cellar lounge built in the 17th century.
Pros
- Beautiful pub for fans of great ambiance
- Regular live music events keep things lively and fun
Cons
- The pub can get crowded because it’s so popular, so visit at odd hours for the best experience
9. Mulligan’s
Address: Amstel 100, 1017 AC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Many of the Irish pubs in Amsterdam offer live music. Still, if you want to hear gorgeous and authentic Irish songs and familiar Gaelic tunes, you’ll want to head to Mulligan’s, located near the Amstel River and is the oldest Irish pub in Amsterdam.
The pub always has some musical performance booked, and you never know what you’ll get to hear. Sometimes it’s a little Irish band with classic songs, and other events feel like full concerts.
Pros
- Great music will keep you coming back to this pub for as long as you’re in Amsterdam
- Only pub in town offering traditional live Irish music
Cons:
- Not the best Irish pub for a quiet pint or some alone time
See Related: Best Museums in Amsterdam to Visit
10. Gunnery’s
Address: Verdronkenoord 123A, 1811 BD Alkmaar, Netherlands
One of the reasons Gunnery’s is an authentic Irish bar is that much of the clientele is Irish. The establishment is very popular with Irish people living in and visiting Amsterdam, so if you want to hang out with Irish people and drink Guinness, too, Gunnery’s is a great place to start.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to have an Irish accent to have fun at Gunnery’s, but you might feel Irish after the bar’s excellent Irish breakfast.
The pub offers all the expected elements of a classic Irish pub with regular broadcasts of sporting events, and you don’t even have to drink beer to enjoy your time at Gunnery’s.
Pros
- Excellent Irish vibe for those seeking camaraderie with their fellow Irish
- Great Irish breakfast sold at a reasonable price
Cons
- You might need to take a train to reach the pubYour perfectly optimized content goes here!
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