Heading to the pub for a beer is a tradition for many Brits, and one that’s been around for hundreds of years with some watering holes dating back 700 years. With an estimated 45,000 pubs up and down the country, they’re something of an institution in the UK, meaning there really is something all kinds of tastes. Whether you’re in search of a scenic beer garden to enjoy a cold pint in the sun with, or prefer to head wherever has the best selection of ales on tap, there’s one pub that boasts a pretty impressive history that’s hard to compete with.
While England is home to the wonkiest pub, and one Devon pub was named the best in the country, you’ll need to bring your passport with you to visit the world’s oldest watering hole because it’s not actually located in the UK. Discover Ferries have revealed some of the most scenic pubs to sink a pint or two in, and making a pilgrimage to this historic establishment dating back to the Viking times can be done by simply hopping on a ferry over to Ireland.
Reconigsed as the oldest pub in Ireland, with many believing it to also be the oldest pub in the world, Sean’s Bar in Athlone dates back to 900AD.
Located near the ruins of a 12th-century Norman Castle, a visit to the pub really is like taking a step back in time, with it officially certified by the Guinness World Records as the oldest public house in Ireland.
But it’s not just the oldest pub in Ireland, and renovations carried out in the 1970s revealed wattle and wicker walls that were traced back to the 9th century, predating the defeat and decline of the Vikings in Ireland.
Frequented by locals and visitors from all around the world, one Tripadvisor said: “Rumor has it, this is either the oldest bar in the world or the oldest bar in Ireland. There are other places that make similar claims, so I don’t know. But this place is OLD and super cool!”.
Another user wrote: “I have been to this pub many times and it’s one of the best pubs if not the best pub in Ireland.”
Having undergone some changes since 900AD, the pub is now complete with a beer garden that overlooks the Ford of Luain, and even produces its own whiskey, with bottles of it for sale.
The pub can be reached by catching the ferry to Ireland with Irish Ferries or Stena Line, with prices for a car and driver starting at £119. Althorne is located an hour and 45 minutes drive away from Dublin, and can also be reached by the train.