II’m always ready to visit an authentic Irish Pub. And I’m not talking about cliché theming with green clovers and leprechauns. No, I want the real deal—the kind of place that makes me feel like I’ve stepped off a plane at Shannon Airport.
When I’m scouting Orlando Irish Pubs, I’m looking for the “Three Pillars of Authenticity”: snugs (those cozy, private wood-partitioned booths), properly poured pints, and a corner for live “trad” music.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Mouse, here are the 5 spots that are currently winning the game and keep me coming back…like I’m visiting an old friend.
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My favorite Orlando Irish Pubs (and surrounding areas!)
1. The Sullivan Public House
Located: 116 E. First St. Sanford, Fl 32771
The Sullivan is located in historic downtown Sanford, Fl, about 25 miles from Orlando. This Irish gastropub hits all the marks of a true Irish pub. They have the best in Irish beer, whiskey, live music and classic Irish fare! Live music: Thurs.-Sunday. Hours 5pm-11pm on Monday-Thursday and Friday 5pm-1am. and 2pm-1:00am on Saturday and 2pm-10pm on Sunday.
- Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying the Scotch Eggs.
Want to recreate this vibe at home? Grab a Professional Guinness Pour Spoon to get that perfect “settle” on your home drafts.
2. Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub & Eatery
Located: 544 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Fiddler’s is a Winter Park staple for a reason. It’s won “Best Pub” in Orlando multiple times because they don’t compromise. It’s dark, it’s wooden, and the live bands play every night.
Join them for ‘happy hour’ Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fiddler’s also offers $5 Guinness pints, as well as other drink specials. Their menu features classic Irish dishes, like Shepard’s Pie, Fish & Chips, and Irish Stew. Along with other ‘traditional’ bar food.
The Vibe: It feels like a local’s secret, even though everyone knows about it.
If you’re heading to Winter Park for Fiddler’s, make sure to check out my Authentic Italian guide for Rome’s Flavours while you’re in the neighborhood!
3. Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub (Curry Ford West)
Located: 2421 Curry Ford Rd. Orlando, Fl 32806
This is the “neighborhood hero.” It’s located in the Hourglass District and is owned by Irish expats. If you want a “Proper Pint,” this is where you go. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and the shepherd’s pie is a 10/10.
The Claddagh Cottage has been around for over 20 years!
Looking for traditional Irish music? This Orlando Irish Pub is a great place to go…owner’s Scott & Vicki have run the bi-weekly traditional Irish music session at the Claddagh since 2001! The EOWS (Every other Wednesday Session) is the same as you would find in any pub in Ireland, drawing both amateur and professional musicians from Orlando and beyond.
Check out their live music calendar here and make your plans to visit!
The menu features scotch eggs, corned beef sandwiches, and many savory pies and pasties. This place hits all the Irish marks!
Open daily: 4pm-’til
4. Harp & Celt Irish Pub & Restaurant (Downtown)
Located at: 25 S Magnolia Ave Orlando, FL 32801
This is actually two pubs in one: The Harp (quiet, village-style) and The Celt (high-energy, Dublin-style). It’s the headquarters for soccer and rugby fans in Orlando. If there’s a big match on, this is the only place to be.
Harp and Celt Irish Pub and Restaurant, is a family owned business, serving traditional Irish food along with a full bar. This pub is essentially two pubs: The Harp and The Celt, both sharing the same kitchen.
The Harp is the more laid back of the two, making it a quieter experience. However, both will have that traditional Irish feel with, The Harp being more like the pubs in an Irish village. While The Celt is more of a Dublin City pub…a bit more rambunctious!
Here you will find delicious Irish food and Rugby or Soccer playing on the screens. For more info on upcoming events: click here!
Hours: M-T 11am-1am, F 11am-2am Saturday 10am-2am Sunday 10am-12am
5. The Castle Irish Pub & Restaurant (College Park)
Located at 2625 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, 32804
Run by the Hoynes family, who have been in the pub business in Ireland for centuries. It’s bright, modern, but deeply authentic.
This beautiful pub and restaurant serves up delicious Irish faire in an open setting. You will get heavy wood finishes, lots of Guinness, and live entertainment on certain evenings. But the newness of this spot makes it a less authentic pub feel. But still a nice Irish pub with good food!
Pro Tip: The “Irish Whiskey Tasting” flight here is the best.
As an honorable mention:
Ragland Road Irish Pub and Restaurant (Disney Springs)
Look, it’s “produced,” but it’s high-budget production. If you want world-class Irish dancers and a bar actually built in Ireland and shipped here, you can’t skip it. Located in Disney Springs, this festive pub is one of my favorites. With a beautiful wood bar and plenty of pints, it’s a great time!
The Ultimate Orlando Irish Pub Crawl Strategy
- Afternoon: Start at The Castle for a flight of whiskey.
- Happy Hour: Head to Harp & Celt for a Guinness.
- Dinner: Claddagh Cottage for the best cottage pie in the city.
- Late Night: Fiddler’s Green for live music and a rowdy crowd.
Want to bring the luck of the Irish home? Check out these Authentic Irish Coffee Glasses and this Official Guinness Bar Mat to level up your home entertaining game.
Orlando is full of variety, that’s why I love this city so much! And I’m sure I’ve missed some other Orlando Irish Pubs… Please leave me a comment about your favorite Irish pub! And I hope I’ve inspired you to get out there and enjoy this beautiful city! For more of my favorite night-life spots: click here!
Thanks for reading!
