Sean's Bar
About
Sean's Bar occupies the site of Luan's original ford-side inn on the Left Bank, and it is dated by the National Museum of Ireland and Guinness World Records to around 900 AD, making it one of the oldest pubs in Europe. Renovations in 1970 uncovered wattle-and-wicker walls from the 10th century, still visible inside behind glass. It is a genuine working pub rather than a museum, low-ceilinged and atmospheric, with traditional Irish music sessions most nights and its own whiskey blend on the bar. No booking is needed to walk in for a pint, though the pub also runs paid extras, an Irish coffee masterclass, a whiskey tasting and a pour-a-perfect-pint session, bookable through its website.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Dated to around 900 AD by the National Museum of Ireland and Guinness World Records
- ✓10th-century wattle-and-wicker walls uncovered in 1970 renovations, on display
- ✓Traditional Irish music sessions most nights
- ✓The pub's own whiskey blend
Tips
- →No booking needed for a pint; the paid tasting experiences are booked through the website.
- →Music sessions are usually evenings; ask at the bar for the current schedule.
- →It's a short walk from Athlone Castle, easy to pair with a Left Bank wander.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
Athlone Castle
Athlone's Anglo-Norman castle on the Left Bank. The visitor centre and keep exhibitions are closed for redevelopment, expected to reopen spring 2027.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul
A monumental 1937 Catholic church on the east bank, often mistaken for a cathedral, with six Harry Clarke Studio stained-glass windows inside.