Find the best Irish bars in Algarve Portugal
For a few drinks, a few laughs, plenty of conversation and probably singing too, few would argue that there is a better venue than an Irish bar. And the strange thing about Irish bars is that they don’t even have to be in Ireland to be the real thing. The beautiful, sunny Algarve in southern Portugal is home to some great examples of Irish bars. They have all the best ingredients of a local pub – plenty of Guinness, heroically patient bar staff, lots of music and the magical ingredient that is “craic”. Add some lovely Algarve sunshine and you’re set for an Irish Bar experience with added Vitamin D.
So, as St. Patrick’s Day approaches, here is a round up of the best Irish bars in the Algarve. Because no matter where you are or where you are from, on 17th March, everybody is a little bit Irish and Irish bars across the world will be packed with happy revelers of all nationalities.
Dacing on the tables, at O'Neills Irish Bar, Vilamoura, Algarve
Towards the west Algarve, in Alvor, The Black Stove is an Irish bar through and through. Aside from the live music every night, the multi screens showing every sport known to man and the county flags decorating the ceilings, it’s the good humoured atmosphere that stands out. Lots of talk, banter and teasing are the order of the day as is spontaneous singing. And in May the Black Stove hosts a great Traditional Irish Music week with guest musicians "The Merchants".
In nearby Praia da Rocha, Ireland’s Eye is not only a great Irish bar and restaurant, it has one of the best views of Praia da Rocha beach from its terrace. The friendly staff here and the family-run feel of Irelands Eye make it a very popular venue.
In Vilamoura, home to smart golf courses and fancy yachts, there are a few excellent Irish bars to visit. The Punter is the new kid on the block and it is looking pretty good. The pub- because it is definitley a pub - gives off those intangible good vibes that make pubs great. As soon as you enter you know you’re going to have a good time. It’s not just the live music, it’s not the sports – any Irish bar worthy of the name has those – it’s the relaxed atmosphere, the time to chat over a drink and maybe make new friends.
The Punter Irish Bar, Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal
O’Neills Bar is right on the marina in Vilamoura and the combination of Irish bar and cosmopolitan resort works really well. Guinness tastes pretty good when sitting on a sun soaked deck looking out at luxury yachts. At O’Neill’s every day is a party day and they have a great programme of live music and sport as well as a packed St. Patricks Day weekend agenda.
In the chic resort of Quinta do Lago, there is de Barra’s Irish Bar, a classy and somewhat less rowdy Irish bar, at least until the live music kicks off. De Barras has one of the best bar sun decks around and is the watering hole of choice for many visiting celebrities. De Barra’s serves food all day and is one of the most popular spots in Quinta do Lago.
At Fins Beach Bar and Restaurant they came up with the genius idea of putting an irish bar and a beach bar together. The result is the laid back and fun atmosphere of an Irish bar with the advantage of sunshine and being able to wriggle your toes in the sand at Praia do Ancão, near Vale do Lobo.
At Lennons, in Almancil, Fran and Leona are the heart and soul of their Irish bar and restaurant, with a genuine welcome and time to chat with everybody. The official home of Leinster Rugby in the Algarve, and with the signed jerseys to prove it, you are allowed to cheer for other teams too. A friendly bar, Lennons also serves great international food.
The Irish Pub overlooks Vilamoura marina and has a huge deck area with fabulous views. Open from 4pm and famous as a pretty lively spot, the Irish Pub has live music every night and dancing on the tables is perfectly normal here.
Towards the east, the beautiful town of Tavira is home to The Black Anchor Irish bar. Housed in a lovely old building and overlooking the river, The Black Anchor has perhaps the most atmospheric and picturesque view of all, with the historical town and ancient Roman bridge nearby.
In Albufeira, probably the most famous nightlife spot in the Algarve, one of the longest running Irish bars is Erins Isle. This is a huge bar, covering a lot of ground, with indoor and outdoor areas, and about 20 tvs dotted around. There is live music of course, as well as some great entertainment acts.
So now you know where to find the best "caint, craic agus ceol" - Sláinte!
