Yes, the Twelve Pubs of Christmas has become a thing the past few years, but while we recommend always drinking responsible, we know that some of you, well, choose not to. So today, instead of giving you twelve Pubs of Christmas in your home town (next year we will, if you ask nicely), we're going to give you twelve notable Irish pubs around the world. Pubs that are arguably on the list of great establishments, and definitely ones that if you're in the area at Christmas time, you'll be sure to drop and snap some pics for us. Now here goes.
1. The Crown, Belfast
A Victorian masterpiece that feels tailor-made for winter evenings. The snugs, the stained glass, the glow of the interior — this is a pub that slows you down in the best possible way. For our lads at Shift who did their time in Belfast, the Crown Liqour Saloon is one we take great pride in. It's a true classic, and those snugs are the coziest place this time of year.
2. The Ginger Man, Dublin
A quick apology up front: we’re not calling this Dublin’s best pub — that argument could (and does) run for years. But at Christmas? The Ginger Man is not to be missed. Often described as Dublin’s most Christmassy pub, it goes all-out with seasonal décor collected over decades, and in December it feels like stepping into someone else’s living room... If that living room happened to pour excellent Guinness.
3. Charlie’s Bar, Enniskillen
A proper local, and proudly so. And yes, our half-bred Fermanagh and Mayo Co-founder Paul insisted on this one. The atmosphere and music is always absolutely top notch, and it's always a lovely time over Christmas. For a sneaky pint on Christmas Eve to watching the football the day after Christmas.
4. The Dead Rabbit, New York City
Built by Irishmen who knew exactly what they were doing. The Dead Rabbit blends old-world Irish pub storytelling with New York confidence. It’s polished without being soulless. The cocktails are incredible, and sometimes that's a must this time of year.
5. Sullivan’s Irish Pub, Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has one of the strongest Irish connections in the world, and Sullivan’s is where that history still shows. On big match days or around Christmas, it becomes a meeting point for accents from all over Ireland. Us travelers appreciate it, and the locals can't get enough of it.
6. Irish Pub Piwnica Gdańsk
Yes — there was an Irish pub in Gdańsk in 2012, and the Irish lads nearly drank it to death. Hidden underground in the old town, Piwnica became a natural gathering spot during tournaments, remembered for packed rooms, loud singing, and that familiar feeling of finding your own people far from home. Raise a glass to Joxer's children who showed up for Euro 2012.
7. PJ O’Brien’s, Sydney
For generations of Irish arrivals, PJ’s has been a first stop, before they staked their claim of that massive rock, or they just home two years later when the visa ran out. Regardless, we're well known to enjoy all of what's on offer in Australia, and PJs in Syndey is one of those things.
8. The Dubliner, Stockholm
Cold outside, warm inside. In every sense. Irish people living in Stockholm talk about The Dubliner as a home away from home. A much needed reprise from the cold outside.
9. The James Joyce, Zurich
A quiet anchor point for the Irish abroad. This is the kind of pub where it's expected you chat to people around you. A fine name for a pub, and fine staff to match it, snow, snow or snow.
10. Piper Down, Salt Lake City
An Irish pub that had to fight for its name, its license, and its place — and became stronger for it. Piper Down is often could be described as unexpectedly authentic, full of stories, music, and resilience.
11. Healy Mac’s, Kuala Lumpur
Next stop, Malaysia. There’s something surreal about finding a proper Irish pub halfway around the world. Healy Mac’s is known among Irish travellers for sport on the screens, familiar voices at the bar, and the sense that geography matters less than you think.
12. Jack Doyle’s, Budapest
Big, busy, and full of life. It's where the night starts casually, and end, well hopefully not in casualty. It’s social, it's loud, but if you need a pint of the black on a cold Winter's night in the Eastern Block, this is the place to be.
Right, that's all we've got for now. Because the hot toddy is calling. Merry Christmas everyone!
