Boasting a strong Irish influence and acting as the home of thousands of Irish ex-pats, it is really no surprise that New Zealand is home to so many great Irish pubs.
No matter where you find yourself on this planet of ours, there’s one universal truth: there will be an Irish pub right around the corner, guaranteed.
Good beers, friendly company, and familiar surroundings to enjoy with your mates, it’s no surprise that the formula works.
With a strong influence from the Emerald Isle (approximately 800 thousand residents hark back to the OG Republic), New Zealand boasts some of the best Irish pubs around.
There are so many littered around the country that it was difficult to dwindle the list down to just ten. But we did it: here are the ten best Irish pubs in New Zealand.
10. The Fiddler Irish Bar, Auckland – for fantastic views
The first entry on our list of best Irish pubs in New Zealand is The Fiddler Irish Bar, located in central Auckland.
The food here is standard and nothing to write home about (but it’s still decent). However, it’s the convivial atmosphere and traditional Irish vibes that tick the boxes with this pub.
We really like two things about this place: the location and the live music. It’s right next to the Sky Tower and has a perfect view, so you can’t get much better than that.
It’s also very close to SkyCity casino; if you feel the luck of the Irish is on your side, have a go at this popular establishment (should you not want to leave your local, you can still go online to play pokies, roulette, and many other casino games).
Plus, they do live music every single night, which really adds to the atmosphere. Local bands are a feature, drawing in crowds on the regular. The quality of the gigs is usually pretty good, too.
Address: 71 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
9. Father Ted’s, Auckland – an award-winning establishment
This one is an absolute classic on the Auckland circle. If you find a list that does not include Father Ted’s, proceed with caution.
It’s won several awards, including NZ’s best Irish pub (can’t really beat that, right?).
This pub just gets everything right, with fantastic service and a great food menu to boot. It also has a great drinks selection, and the Irish craic is on point.
Just like The Fiddler, the atmosphere is what it’s all about here. Oh, and if you’re looking for a next-day hangover cure, this is one of the best places in Auckland, Irish or not.
Address: 1 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
8. The Claire Inn, Auckland – comes with an Irish seal of approval
Located in Mount Eden, this one may be our sneaky favourite. It’s an Irish pub where you can take your entire family, offering a warm welcome no matter the time of day.
If you’re looking for a good meal, this one is the winner.
Another thing it has going for it is the fact that it has real Irish people visiting on the regular.
We’re not saying the Irish are tourist attractions, but it’s always a reliable seal of approval for an Irish pub, especially with the amount of choice Auckland has to offer.
Not only that, but this pub also features live music (it’s an Irish thing), plenty of quiz nights, and a rocking evening circuit.
The Claire Inn is well-deserving of a place on our list of the best Irish pubs in New Zealand.
Address: 278 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
7. The Claddagh, Auckland – a fantastic sports bar
Calling itself an Auckland institution, this place isn’t afraid to boast. Lucky for them, they live up to it.
The menu changes often, keeping things fresh, and events of different kinds happen almost daily. This is particularly good for sports!
Address: 372 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
6. The Bog, Christchurch and Dunedin – for everything you’d expect from an Irish pub
Finally venturing out of Auckland, this place can be found in Christchurch and Dunedin.
The Bog offers everything you’d expect from an Irish pub, including the guaranteed hangover the next day!
Address: 50 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
5. Jack Hackett’s, Wellington – for one of the best Irish pubs in New Zealand
In the heart of Wellington, you’ll find a pub formerly known as Five Stags.
Quiz nights, Happy Hour, and a true Irish atmosphere is the name of the game here.
Address: 7 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
4. The Dubliner, Methven – for pizza and Irish vibes
The Dubliner is the pride of Methven, according to some. The menu is particularly good, with all dishes cooked fresh.
They cheat by offering the very much not Irish pizza, but they’re just so delicious we can’t hold it against them!
Address: 116 Main Street, Methven 7730, New Zealand
3. Murphy’s Law Irish Bar, Auckland – to feel like you’ve stepped into the Irish countryside
Heading back to Auckland, this pub in Drury may just as well be located in the middle of the Irish countryside.
It really does feel like going back ‘home’, even before you step into the place!
Address: 200 Great South Road, Auckland 2113, New Zealand
2. Danny Doolan’s, Auckland – for something cheap and cheerful
If you want cheap and cheerful, Danny Doolan’s is the place you want to go.
There’s something great about eating an affordable plate of fish and chips, with a delicious pint of Guinness to go alongside. It’s not high-brow cuisine, but no one cares.
Address: 204 Quay Street, West, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
1. O’Hagans, Auckland – for a three-in-one bar
We’ll round off the list of best Irish pubs in New Zealand with an entry that may have legitimate grounds for complaint. This place would not be undeserving of all threetop spots.
You see, this place is a three-in-one affair. Choose your area of comfort, grab your pint, and relax. The view is great, the clientele friendly, and both beer and food is solid.
Address: 103 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
