Looking for a taste of Ireland in Abu Dhabi? Ireland may seem far away when you look on a global map, but step foot inside any of Abu Dhabi’s Irish bars and pubs and you’ll instantly find the same famous charm as you would in the heart of Dublin.
And while the UAE capital and the Irish capital are worlds apart when it comes to everything from climate to culture, Abu Dhabi has a few signature hotspots that allow you to indulge in the best of Irish pub tradition without having to sit through a long-haul flight.
So whether you’re Irish and looking for a piece of home in the city or simply enjoy a good quality pub with pints of the black stuff in abundance, check out these top Irish bars in Abu Dhabi…
Fado
This low-key Irish bar in Khalidiya ticks a few key boxes. At Fado, you’ll find regular live music, happy hours with drinks around the Dhs23 mark and a pub grub menu that does the classics well and has a few more refined dishes on it. It may not be as raved about as the other Irish pubs in the city but it certainly does the job if you’re after a good atmosphere, cheap drinks and a nice plate of chips.
Al Khalidiya, Zayed the First Street, Near Emirates Post Office, Abu Dhabi (02 692 2219).
McGettigan’s
One of the most famous and best-loved Irish bars in Abu Dhabi – and the UAE – McGettigan’s always draws in the crowds.With wall-to-wall coverage of sport every day, banging beats (and some cheili tunes too) and a cracking ladies’ night deal of three free drinks with a main course on Mondays, punters won’t be short of craic (or a friends) at McGettigan’s. The Big Friday Roast brunch also sees unlimited beverages for Dhs280 from 12.30pm to 4pm. Now for ya.
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (02 698 8137).
PJ O’Reilly’s
This Irish pub has been satisfying Abu Dhabi residents for more than 27 years and the popular venue shows no signs of slowing down yet. Having been crowned Time Out Abu Dhabi’s best pub in the city 2019, it’s adored by both locals and holiday makers, and with good-value drinks and quality pub grub, we love going back here time and time again.
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (02 695 0515).
The Sportsman’s Arms
Working out at Punch, The Room or at one of the many other gyms at Zayed Sports City can work up quite a thirst (and appetite). So we’re always thankful that Irish-American pub The Sportsman’s Arms is only a few steps away. The terrace is a delight during the cooler months and the quiz night attracts teams from throughout the city. The barbecued dishes are also a sensation, so we recommend trying the outdoor brunch during the cooler weather.
International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City (02 403 4235).
