Sean's Bar

being the oldest pub in Ireland, naturally Mrs. A & I had stop in for a pint & we are glad we did. The atmosphere was awesome & Timmy, has many fine stories to tell. While it did not seem like the type of place you go looking to talk with locals, we met people from Canada, AU, US & Scotland, all enjoying the moment. Be sure to check out all of the nooks n crannies, there are many interesting things to see & if inclined: bring a patch - SPA007

Nothing much to speak of that was vegan but I was easily able to request a modification to the veg fajitas - which were incredible delicious, and a huge portion! The atmosphere is just awesome, and to me it felt like being below deck on a pirate ship! Really awesome vibe.

What an awesome place. Quaint Pub and the interior is just what you would expect in a pub this old. Just the history of this place is amazing. Highly suggest going here if you’re in the area and if you’re not in the area then it needs to be on your list.

Visit the oldest bar in Ireland and see an excavated area where its wicker and thatch walls are present. It's a fun stop, especially if traveling between Galway and Dublin. East to grab a pint and just take in the atmosphere. Walls full of the patches that represent law enforcement all over the world. Go to the back and make it to the water or just enjoy a more modern atmosphere.. I chose Harp on a warm and sunny afternoon.

We had such a great time at Sean’s Bar on our first trip to Ireland. We stopped in for a pint of Guinness and ended up having a great conversation with a local couple at the bar. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and it really felt like the kind of place where you can strike up a chat with anyone. Live music from a local Irish band added to the atmosphere in such a memorable way. The old-school feel of the pub made it even more special and authentic. Sitting in a place with so much history while enjoying a perfectly poured Guinness was honestly a highlight of our visit to Athlone. I highly recommend stopping by if you want a warm, genuine Irish pub experience.

We really enjoyed Sean’s bar. We had the Guinness and Beamish. The cocktails looked really good too (one had passion fruit on the top).

This is a cool bar! The atmosphere is fire! This place is a must visit. The bar is included in world guides. This is a significant indicator. • Sean’s Bar claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to around 900 AD. The pub is said to have originated as ‘Luain’s Inn’, a crossing point over the River Shannon, named after Luan mac Luidgech, a guide and founder of the future settlement of Athlone . • Renovations in 1970 revealed a wattle and wicker wall dating back to the 9th century, as well as ancient coins minted by the owners for barter, some of which are now housed in the National Museum of Ireland . • In 2004, Guinness World Records officially recognised Sean’s Bar as Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 900 AD.  . • However, architectural surveys (Record of Monuments and Places, National Inventory of Architectural Heritage) indicate that the current building dates back more to the 17th–18th centuries, although it may contain fragments of even earlier buildings

The oldest pub in Ireland! Every inch of it oozes charm and character. If you ask the right person you will get a fantastic history lesson.

This place was really cool to check out after seeing it on all the videos about Ireland and the nearby area. They had a great beer selection on tap, even with some surprising options like Lagunitas, which I wasn't expecting to see much outside of the US. The place was crowded when we went, so maybe ask your concierge or b&b host for tips on when to go when it's not as slammed. The decor is nice and ancient feeling with the sawdust and the wood burning stove, but if you have asthma just a heads up that the smell can be a little overwhelming in the small space, and I would have prepped myself with an inhaler or trying to get a seat near the door. It's definitely worth a stop by and or a look in, and if you can't find a seat there's plenty of places around that are worth a drop in also.

5 stars to being the, certified, oldest bar in Ireland! It is also on the list as the oldest in the world, but is not certified. Located in the small city of Athlone, it certainly does not look like it dates back to 900 AD. The exterior is brightly, and reasonably freshly, painted blue and white. Inside the main area has low ceiling and sawdust on the floors. There are relics and information on the bar's history on the walls. It wasn't busy during our visit, it was a bit unassuming for such an old bar. Good drinks, but note they do not service food.

Sean's bar is a treasure to find. So much history and Tim gave me and my family a full history of the owners and how it became Sean's bar. Keep an eye out for Sean's whiskey coming to the USA in 2025. It will start in Texas 1st. Quick story, Tim had a binder that had all the history in it and took him 18 years to write, only to have his dogs eat it one night. Now he is rewriting it for a history channel & Netflix series soon to come.

Drinks and drinks, so on a Sunday at noon this was a very brief stop as I still have a long drive back to Dublin. Sean's Bar dates back to 900 AD and they have the receipts to provide it. Ancient walls and quite rustic decor with a wide selection of Irish whiskeys and pints of Guinness, it is definitely cozy. The pub is located in the heart of Athlone and there might be some street parking nearby if you're lucky. Note that they do not serve food other than crisps. [Review 1967 of 2024 - 148 in Republic of Ireland - 22989 overall]

Perfect stop for halfway between Dublin and Galway. Friendly people. Great beer. Make sure you walk back and see the entire place. It's more than just the front room.

I am still completely dumbfounded that I was in Ireland's oldest bar dating back to 900 AD. It's certainly the standout in the small town of Athlone. Hardly anything was open in the area when we stopped by on a weekday mid morning so don't expect food options - but drinks and warm hospitality will be available at Sean's. I think it's worth checking out and if it's not too busy, you might even get one of the bartenders to tell you the story/legacy of Sean's Bar.

The oldest bar in the world! Went in the afternoon on a Tuesday and it was the move because the bartender said it can get pretty packed with tourists and locals. Had a bulmers and chilled and it was great! Seating is limited but its cozy. Great decor and great bartenders. Def a bucketlist item to check off if you can.

Friendly bartenders, great music, and obviously great drink! Cheers. Original bar in the front and lots of additions in the back. Ready to celebrate St Patrick's Day every day!

This is the world famous Sean's Bar for a reason and not just that it is the oldest continuously run pub in Ireland! The atmosphere and service is top notch. The music was wonderful. All in all a great place to spend the afternoon enjoying one's self!

Sean's bar was somewhat busy, but there were several bartenders and our drinks were served quickly. The Store front is small and misleading, there are five or more sections in addition to a patio. Lots of memorabilia on the walls and many old license plates from USA states. It was an interesting visit, but difficult to find artifacts on how the bar was traced back to 900 AD. We didn't notice a food menu and one wasn't offered. The only food items were small packaged peanuts.

Really neat historic bar right near the castle. We only had beer but it was cold and served very fast. All the servers were friendly. Bought a couple shirts here. Prices were good.

When in Ireland you've got to visit the oldest bar! So glad we made the stop! A great place to have a drink!

This is one of the oldest pub that serve since 900 AD. What can you say? With a great selection of taps and a live Irish music totally bring you back in time.

Our trip to Ireland was our Christmas gift to our three adult kids. They could have picked anywhere they wanted to go but the younger two looked at their older brother and knew, we were coming to Ireland. So when a month before our trip he asked if we could come to Sean's Bar, the answer was yes but WHY! Well, they are the oldest Pub in Ireland and of course, we had to come. The place is huge. There is a traditional looking Pub as you walk in, then past the restrooms there is a covered type patio that has seating at two levels. This was great when the temperature of all those people in the front part of the Pub got really hot. Beyond this level was another room with a pool table and more seating and FINALLY an open uncovered area which is the smoking section. Here there is a back opening that goes up to the dock and the boats of visiting guests. The people here are so friendly. Don't know what it is about this place but we got invited to Dublin to see some locals that drove out for a night and then got invited to Argentina. We met people from California that live less than 20 minutes from our house in California. The bar tenders are great and we got to put up a dollar with our names and date. This was an epic evening in our vacation of Ireland and if you get the chance while driving between Galway and Dublin, make sure you make the stop.

Can we transport this spot back to the states? While the pub scene in all of Ireland beats anything the US has to offer, Sean's Bar is the epitome of it all! Charm, decor, friendliness, and of course, a great selection of drink! From the welcoming real wood fireplace that greets you as you open the door, to the barkeep's warm welcome, you just feel like you're visiting your best buddies' home! Great spot, and while yes, it's a tourist spot, it doesn't feel like it. Go grab a pint. Or two, even!

As an American it was very easy and enjoyable, the bar tender was very friendly and easy to talk to, the Guinness was cold and well poured. Lots of extra seating in the back for prime hours.

So friendly and so great! We had a pint of Guinness first thing on St Patricks day and enjoyed the fire and the history. A must visit.

Authentic, Traditional and delicious beer. Would definitely return on our next visit to Ireland!!

Oldest bar checked off the list! Would have love to stay and sit a spell but my group was already running a little late. The bartenders with so nice and their Irish Whiskey (take away) was spot on delicious on the cool day we were there. They did have the Guinness certificate and a display of the artifacts that support being the oldest bar. Nonetheless it was a cool cozy local place that we would have love to sit a spell. Guess I have to make another trip to beautiful Ireland!

Sean's Bar was one of our last stops on our trip to Ireland. Great little place in a cute town. Exactly what you would expect from the Oldest Bar in the World: dark, low ceilings, and sawdust on the floor. There was a cute outdoor patio and a separate sitting room as you're heading out the back. The bartenders were super friendly and their whiskey guy told us all about how they started making whiskey and are planning on distributing in the states soon. I tried one of their signature whiskeys and found it very smooth and easy to drink. If you're heading between Dublin and Galway it's on your way so make sure you stop and pay them a visit.

Such a rich history and such wonderful barkeepers! Timmy gave our small group the official history of Sean's with good humor and hospitality. I've visited the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky and learned about the history of whiskey in the US, but Timmy was able to provide the full history of the birthplace of Irish whiskey in Ireland during the sixth century. We highly recommend that your visit to Ireland includes a visit to Sean's bar for good times and good fellowship.

Super fun pub! They know it's the oldest pub in Ireland and possibly in the world! Beware - the building is old and dark, but it's super cool. You get that nostalgic old Irish vibe when you go inside. Order the house special Sean's Whiskey - it is so good! Enjoy some live Irish pub music! We went in around 4:30, got a spot to sit, listening to some live pub music, and talked with locals. There's no food, just drinks. Ask to see their T-shirt's if you want to take one home. Pro: real Irish music, good beer and house whiskey Con: tourist spot so it can get busy

Best place ever in Athlone. Apparently, this is the oldest bar in Ireland. I BELIEVE IT. The crew here is fantastic!

Great music and drinks Fantastic place to enjoy a traditional Irish pub and Irish experience at the oldest pub in the world!

A must visit just because it was founded around 900AD. The pub hasn't served food in over 40 years so expect a liquid diet if hungry. The space is much bigger than expected if you count the back rooms. Good selection of beers

Sean's Bar is a must visit if you are in or passing through Athlone. I mean who doesn't want to visit the oldest pub in the world?! It does get crowded when you first enter but just grab a drink and head out to the outdoor patio for a more spacious hangout spot.

Great atmosphere and service in the oldest bar in the world! Some old bars have given up on service; trading only on their history. Not Sean's Bar! This cozy little pub has a dark and warm interior to join friends for a drink by the fire, as well as a larger outdoor courtyard area - to enjoy tasty food and drink. Ample historic documentation adorns the walls, as well as a section of the original mud & wattle wall - to awe fans of the archeology channel! Basic Sean's Bar T's and hoodies are available for simpler tastes. A good basic drink selection (from Guinnes to Jameson) is available to all! There is even a domestic US beer on tap (Coors Light) for the less adventurous. Children are welcome before 7pm, so the whole family can come right after church (we saw plenty of evidence of this on Sunday). This place is legit; we enjoyed the atmosphere, and didn't wanna leave!!

Cozy bar, helpful bar tenders, stopped here en route to Dublin from Galway. I don't think they serve food but we're open early which fit our driving plans.

We didn't eat, but this place is awesome for so many reasons. Yes, they're "the oldest...", and it is cozy, but the staff there is off the charts good. Friendly, welcoming and fun! They have a great story and they embrace the history. Aside from that, they have a wide range of beer and whisky to choose from, including their own "Sean's" brand, that I thought was very good. Just wish I could get it here in the states. Overall, well worth the stop, whether you're passing through the area or staying for a couple days.

The pictures say it all. This bar has been certified to be in a location, used as a bar, since the year 900. Not however the original structure. Thankfully. That would be dark and drab indeed. Walk in the door to a long narrow bar; with a nice warm fire during our visit on yet another cold rainy day. Not sure I understand why sawdust on the floor, but it is a very family friendly locale until 7pm and when we visited on Saturday afternoon there was a gaggle of children enjoying themselves in said sawdust. Walk back, past the main bar, into a smaller, intimate room with a few tables, which would be great for a group of say 10 people or so. Next, continue back to a small hallway were you find the bathrooms. Boys on the left, ladies on the right. Two men came into the ladies while I was there so keep an eye on that gentlemen. Just past this is a large outdoor space. Heaters on the roof are operating in colder weather and in warmer this would be a great spot for a pint. The front bar is just as an Irish pub should be. Dark, a fire going, beers on tap. The outside area is a great spot to enjoy a lovely day. Depending on what you are looking for, this spot has you covered.

Super friendly bar. People from all over come to this place to have a pint or Sean's whisky. Oldest bar in the world at least in Ireland.

I mean , it's the oldest bar in the world, it's 5 stars !!! I went out if my way just to say I had a Guinness at Sean's Bar, and the whole place didn't disappoint !!!!

This is a small bar full of patrons on a Wednesday afternoon. It is well worth a visit.

Alert - there is no food served here! It's only drinks! But lovely pub nonetheless - it's long and lean and dark and smells hoppy. Great seating arrangements, but it's also tiny. Good price for drinks, friendly barkeep but honestly main reason for stopping here is to knock off another notch on the bucket list and successfully say you've been to the oldest pub in the world, as per the Guinness records! Note: #244 of Yelp 100 challenge for 2016

Oldest bar in Ireland and a must stop for that Irish Stout. This bar is located in a small little town, and parking wasn't an issue mid-day. We were able to find parking a block away. NO, they don't have food at this bar but they do have friendly bartenders and great service. Inside you will find old pictures along with the certificate of the guinness world records, creaking floors with sawdust everywhere, and if you like to take a smoke they have sitting outdoors with heaters that you can turn on when it's cold. They do have a second outdoor area you can sit at with a nice view of the town. Also, for being a small narrow bar they had many stalls in the girls restroom. Plus, plus!

Passing through Ireland from East or west it is a wonderful and unique place to stop. Crowded but not too touristy, had a lovely lunch next door. Would definitely recommend for a quick stop to see the history and enjoy a pint!

A must stop in Athlone as the oldest continuing bar in Europe since the year 900. This was a stop on our pub crawl and by this point in our crawl, I was grateful for the many types of cider available. It was unusually sunny so we sat outside and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere.

It's nice to get a history lesson while having a few pints. Sean's Bar is the oldest pub in the world. The walls are made of sticks and clay, but have been covered with a more modern wall. The employees are friendly and knowledgeable and are willing to talk in detail about the history and construction of the bar and the surrounding area.

This place is so great. There's a huge beer garden with cozy seating and a cover and heaters for inclement weather and another part facing the water with open air. The inside is intimate and cozy and has fantastic music and REALLY attractive and attentive bartenders. I actually adore Athlone much more than my time in Dublin. Relaxed atmosphere with local shopping.

Nothing like making this the first stop for a pint after hitting the ground in Ireland. Bar had the old timey vibe, the beer was cold and the clientle entertaining. Place didn't have a level or plumb floor or wall - which adds to it's character and Guiness BOWR cred. Be sure to try the house beer, Sean's Stout, blonde and red ale.

Great bar! Wish there were some toasties as well. People are welcoming and the pints were cold.

Great wee pub. Open turf fire, live music. Nice locally brewed beers available. Gets busy at night. Biiizzee.

What a great feeling to be one of the oldest pubs ever! With saw dust on the floor, initials and date engraved in the wooden tablrs, and old memories covering the walls, it really feels like a trip to the past...

Oldest pub in Europe, really good vibes on a Friday night with 2 different band playing Must do in athlone

Have been to Athlone several times, first visit to Sean's. A cozy pub for locals and tourists alike. The back room is massive, I can only imagine the scene on Paddy's Day!!!!

Drove out of the way from Sligo Town to Athlone just to see this place and it didn't disappoint! Oldest bar in Ireland (and I think the world). Over 1,200 years old. Rediculous. Low ceilings, a proper pint and peat fire. What else could you ask for? Make sure you take a walk outside and see the castle just outside the front door and the riverfront is a nice stroll as well. Mostly older folks here which I like. Where I come from (Cleveland, Oh) everything is cookie cutter "gastro" or "fusion" crap and its nice to see something staying true and old-school.. Slainte!

Everything I expected. Prompt and courteous service. The place itself is huge towards the back with a biergarden. The front is the old section. They even have their own beer "Sean's beer". Did I forget to mention the huge castle about a hundred feet from the front door.

So it's the oldest pub in Ireland, but it's certainly not the best. Cool to visit but not someplace that has authentically good craic. The beer garden out back (have come to realize that "beer garden" in Britain and Ireland typically just means a few picnic tables for smokers) is massive and looks like it could get quite crowded during the summer months. Guinness was good, not fantastic. One plus is the cozy atmosphere in the bar with the wood-burning fire. Despite its historic age, the place has a "we cater to crowds" feel to it. Would definitely stop here if passing through Athlone, but wouldn't call it a pub that merits a trip unto itself.

Great little bar and Timmy is a great bartender. He was knowledgeable, funny, and helpful, all while serving several customers. Lots of history and right beside the Athlone Castle so worth the stop! Great place to get your first pint of Guinness in Ireland.