3+1 Irish pubs in Budapest you must visit
Budapest is famous for its buzzing nightlife where tourists on city breaks enjoy casual bar-hopping in the iconic ruin bars of the inner city. But once the excitement over the mishmash of furniture stashed in ramshackle buildings wears off, travelers craving good beer and a more familiar setting often head to an Irish pub in Budapest. These bars dressed in green have their own sense of authenticity with a pinch of paprika, but that’s exactly what makes them sought all around the city.
If you are one of the many lovers of the shamrock, or just found yourself outside the Emerald Isle on St. Patrick’s Day, search no more! We’ve collected the best Irish pubs in Budapest to enjoy a wee bit of craic and watch GAA games with a fine pint of Guinness at hand. Sláinte!
The most famous – Jack Doyle’s Budapest
Address: 1-3 Pilvax köz, 1052 Budapest (By taxi: 10 Városház utca)
Just behind Budapest’s main shopping street, Jack Doyle’s is in the middle of everything, bringing a bit of Ireland to the Hungarian capital. Besides Guinness on tap, you can choose from a fine selection of UK beers and whiskey brands, and enjoy Irish and Hungarian dishes all day long – including a full Irish breakfast! With its calendar packed with live sports broadcasts and music gigs, Jack Doyle’s is perfect for catching a game or feeling Irish for a night. You can expect a loud crowd, especially on Paddy’s Day when you will find yourself included in random singalongs faster than you can say ‘leprechaun’. To be on the safe side, you may want to reserve a table instead of just popping in.
Find more information here.
The legendary – Becketts Irish Pub & Restaurant
Address: 11 Liszt Ferenc tér, 1061 Budapest
Becketts is one of the biggest and most popular of the Irish pubs in Budapest, and its long history makes it even more special in the eyes of tourists, expats, and locals alike. First opened in 1994, Becketts has long served as a home away from home for everyone wanting to keep up with GAA football, rugby, hurling, and more. After a short pause, the pub reopened in 2015 at a new location but kept all that made it as Irish as an Irish pub outside Ireland can get. Thanks to its spacious outside area, you can also enjoy your copious pints or have a delicious dinner under the sun. While choosing from a great variety of whiskey and burgers, you can laugh away your sorrow at English-language comedy nights and go for the gold at pub quizzes. The Becketts is a truly multicultural hotspot at the heart of Budapest.
Find more information here.
The modern – Davy Byrne’s Irish Pub
Address: 4 Jókai utca, 1066 Budapest
With an authentic yet modern take on Irish pubs, Davy Byrne’s added quality wine to their menu next to the usual draught beer, cider, and whiskey. And if you miss munching on some Irish crisps, they also serve different flavors of Tayto. Opened last year, Davy Byrne’s quickly became known for its lively music nights and friendly English-speaking staff that will make you feel right at home. Like a decent Irish pub, it has all the important rugby, football, hurling, and golf championships live every day of the week. Get yourself comfortable at the weekly comedy and open mic gigs in the main bar room or host your private party at the Guinness Garden. Plus, if you are in for a pub quiz, you can start by solving the literary mystery of Davy Byrne.
The Scottish – Kaledonia Gastro & Sports Pub
Address: 9 Mozsár utca, 1066 Budapest
Not quite Irish, but with a great atmosphere, Kaledonia brings a taste of Scotland to Budapest from Belhaven to burgers and Scottish specialties – haggis included. With a range of draught beers and ciders, it’s a go-to place for sports fans, so get ready for the cheerful crowd of locals and expats on game and live music nights. With its own weekly pub quizzes, Kaledonia gathers a bit of everything that makes it a pub loved near and far.
Find more information here.
Tried them all but still haven’t found the pot of gold? Or fancy something off the beaten track? Worry not, we’ve got 2 more lesser known, but nonetheless splendid Irish pubs in Budapest for you.
Longford Irish Pub and Restaurant
Hidden in a rustic cellar with a red brick ceiling, you will find Longford Irish Pub and Restaurant at a side alley just behind Deák tér – look for the picturesque façade and you can’t go wrong!
Publin Irish Pub
Just a stone’s throw away across Deák tér lies Publin Irish Pub with its narrow, two-story venue, and Murphy’s and Kilkenny stocked up beside the good old Guinness.
