The triumph of Irish pubs in Madrid is due to the combination of three key things: they are spacious, they serve many types of beer and in many of them there are either live music o screens to watch sporting events -even both, although not at the same time because it would be chaos.
Something curious and that is repeated in several irish pub in Madrid is that they are located in typical cafes of the nineteenth century. Some bars, by the way , in which they have kept the decoration, especially in those wood-paneled walls and antique lamps, but have adapted it to the pub aesthetics that we all have in mind.
In addition, this year we are celebrating the Ireland Week and the st. Patrick’s Day parade for the first time in Madrid and many of these bars are joining the celebration with special events.
1. O’conell S.T
O’conell St is one of the historic streets in Dublin’s city center. So it makes perfect sense for an Irish pub to refer to one of the liveliest zones of its capital city. Sports lovers, groups of young people and foreigners tired of tapas and lager beer and thirsty for Guinness mingle here. Between pints they also serve food. So, if you’re looking for a place to get together with friends, this one ticks all the boxes.
Espoz y Mina Street, 7 (downtown)
2. The Prince’s Parnassillo
The name of this Irish pub in Madrid is due to the fact that one of the most important gatherings of the nineteenth century, the Parnasillo, was held on this street and its participants met in the old Café del Príncipe. Its low lights, dark wood and tall bookshelves are certainly a leap back in time, but this Irish pub is very much alive. There are private English classes or language exchanges and special events that they communicate on their social networks.
Calle del Príncipe, 33 (downtown)
3. James Joyce Irish Pub
Whether you’ve read James Joyce’s Ulysses or not, in this Irish pub in in the heart of Madrid is your chance to honor one of the most important Irish writers in history. The classics don’t fail: they have taps of assorted beers, Irish music concerts and a calendar of sporting events to watch on their screens.
Calle de Alcalá, 59 (Salamanca district)
4. The Golden Fountain
The Fontana de Oro, which inspired the first novel by Benito Pérez Galdós and where the cream of Spanish society has gathered for centuries, has gone through many names since its original founding in 1782. It is not clear if it was previously located just a few meters from where this Irish pub with live music is now, which today takes its name. It is still part of the history of Madrid’s nightlife and is one of the best places to start the evening with friends.
Calle de la Victoria, 1 (downtown)
5. Collins Irish Tavern
Collins es una taberna irlandesa, como bien indica su nombre, en la que se permite la entrada a perros. Of course, before taking your pet, keep in mind that from time to time a Celtic music band will play among the tables (this is important to know in case your canine companion is not very accustomed to the melodies). It is located on the border of Malasaña and Chamberí, very close to Alonso Martínez, one of the areas with the most offices in the center, so it is a good place for a lively afterwork.
Calle de Sagasta, 26 (Justicia)
6. The Irish Rover
The Irish Rover meets all the requirements of an Irish pub: live music and big screens to watch sporting championships, but they also have lunchtime menu of the day and a beer garden to enjoy beer with a German touch. All the good concepts of the bars of Europe gathered in the same space (quite large, by the way) and where you can also celebrate private events and birthdays.
Avenida de Brasil, 7 (Tetuán)