Obviously when in Doolin, this is the joint where everyone turns up. On a cold rainy day, Gus O Connors hits the spot. I want to be clear that it's not the very best food in the world, it's just perfect pub food when you're starving during the middle of your Ireland road trip. Panko Fried Goat Cheese was extremely comforting when eaten with the dressing-tossed salad greens it is served with. The Fish in the Fish in Chips was fried perfectly and ate very clean, no fishy taste. The Chips were frozen and fried, didn't bother us at all. The Guinness Stew really did the heavy lifting for me. The meat was quality and tender and the stew gravy was dark, glossy, thick, and flavorful. No notes. read more

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Great pub. Stopped in twice during our visit. My friend had the Guinness Irish Stew both times and I had Fish & Chips the first time and the Salmon the second time. They have daily specials: soup, a veggie dish, Roast Beef (on Sunday) and dessert. Fast service, good food and friendly staff as well as friendly patrons who struck up conversations with us. Music adds to the ambiance. Stopped back in for Apple Crumble! It is fantastic!!! read more

Gus O'Connor's - Apple Crumble with ice cream - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

I came to Doolins for lunch. You seat yourself and then go up to the bar to order. I got the chicken fillet burger. It was a huge portion size and the flavors were great. It had a nice aioli type sauce as well as jalapeños which was a nice touch. The vibe inside is of a traditional Irish bar which is fun, although I'm sure it's a bit more touristy given its proximity to the Doolins pier and Cliff of Moher. Had a great time. read more

Gus O'Connor's - Chicken Fillet Burger and Fries - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

Irish pub in small town of Doolin. Great spot for food. Stopped here for dinner on our way from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway. You sit and look at the menu and then place your order at the bar. Food comes quickly and is hot. There's not waiters or waitress so to say. They have more like busboys who come around and clean up after you're done. Wish I had more time to explore this small town! read more

Gus O'Connor's - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

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Doolin is a small town that's a convenient stop between the Cliffs and Galway. We stopped in on the way back to Galway and quickly found a seat. They'll give you menus, but you order at the bar, and take note of the number on your table! Everyone here is super friendly and they were decorating for Halloween while we were there, also I think every tourist in Doolin was in that room. I ordered the fish and chips, which came out hot and crispy. It was exactly what you expect and a generous portion. I don't have much to say on it, but this is definitely a good stop! read more

Gus O'Connor's - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

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Not going to drag this out, however, Gus O'Connor's Pub is an absolute must-stop if you're in Doolin. The atmosphere is incredible, the people are welcoming, and the food is outstanding. Hands down the best Guinness beef stew I've ever had. If you're visiting Ireland, this place is worth going out of your way for. read more

Gus O'Connor's - Guinness - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

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A good classic Irish pub with a full bar, a Feb hardy beer options, and a mix of classic Irish pub fare and seafood dishes. The bartenders were nice, the place was busy. I didn't like that you have to order at the bar. read more

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Amazing classic food! The atmosphere is boisterous and lively. That chicken (nice crisp) with the tarragon mushroom sauce has me dreaming! My sister said the wings were the best thus far and we've had them at 5 different restaurants. Also, the mussels were deliciously cooked with a tomato base. Enjoy read more

Gus O'Connor's - Mussels with tomato based sauce - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

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Loved this place! Great Irish pub experience. Interesting to see all the police patches from all over the world covering the wall at the bar. This pub is very popular with both locals and tourists so naturally a bit crowded at times, yet that's part of the charm. Service is simple and straightforward. Go to the bar to order drinks and food, give them your table number and they bring the food to you. Grab your drinks as you order. Food was very good. Mussels were fresh and tender. Irish beef stew was delicious and very hardy. It was great fun! read more

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We finally get into town, go for dinner, pack, reserved tables sat there. Managed to get table while later, cuz food over at 930pm. But they won't let you finish your food! 3x a waiter reached for my plate and I had to say stop. How about take the plate when I am done eating. They just swoop in and take things off table. How about you so that to the tables sitting forever with not eating. Too lid to even talk to someone next to you. Food average. read more

Stopped in after a day at the Cliffs, great quick cozy spot for lunch. Staff were very nice, service was relatively fast, and we liked sitting outside with the sea breeze. The menu has lots of options, and a few specials. The penne chicken special was surprisingly good. The goat cheese salad was also decent. Great spot for a relaxed pub meal read more

Gus O'Connor's - Chicken penne - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

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Wonderful place to go if you're visiting the Cliffs of Moher. The entire area of town is wonderful for a little stroll, but this pub was great after a long day of travel and sightseeing. We were able to find a table and you go up to the bar to order once you've decided. The burger was really good, but the mussels were honestly the best I've ever had. All in all, great place to relax, grab a drink and some food and enjoy some live music. read more

Gus O'Connor's - Burger. - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

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My first fish & chips in Ireland were quite the disappointment. Over fried but undercooked and no flavor. The burger was undercooked too and the bread was stale. It had a funny taste. This is simply the best restaurant around since there are no others to compare to. The atmosphere was good though and the staff was friendly. read more

Loved everything about this spot in Doolin. Food and service were great! Hung out and enjoyed the Guinness and Beef stew, then when we left we accidentally became part of the town St Patrick's day parade. read more

Our second night in Doolin and looking for a good meal and music. Gus O'Connors did not disappoint. Was invited to share a table with a couple from Leipzig, Germany right next to the music. Has delicious, fresh mussels and Guinness stew which were both great. And the music was such a delight!!! They started performing early for a Saturday night, which was appreciated, and what started with two fiddles and a banjo ended up adding another banjo, concertina, penny whistle and two male vocalists. Such a treat! Bar keeps and servers were very busy but managed to keep up with the crowd of customers. Highly recommend!!! read more

Really nice location, very close to the pier and dock for the Cliffs of Moher boat cruise. The ambiance is cozy wirh traditional decor. We started with a few beers and ciders. For lunch, we ordered the beef stew, fried chicked sandwich and the goat cheese tart with salad. The food was delicious, best we have had in Ireland so far. Overall, a nice place to refuel after sight seeing all morning! read more

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We had a great time here. The food was good. The mussels looked like a mountain and were particularly amazing. The staff were friendly and welcoming. We really enjoyed the live music and the chance to relax. read more

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Very crowded and unorganized. We came for dinner, waited 15 mins and instead of sitting in the dining area, we were shown a table near a walkway and told we had to order at the bar. Took an unreasonable amount of time to get the bartender's attention. They don't have any Irish lagers and their water isn't drinkable so they tell you that you can buy a small bottle for 5E. I asked how they wash dishes and cook food if water isn't drinkable, but he just shrugged. Now, after looking at other reviews, I think it's not uncommon for them to have undrinkable water. The food was on low end of my experiences with Irish pub food. My 25E steak sandwich was tough and full of fat and grizzle. My wife's Guinness stew was over salted and she didn't eat most of it. No waitstaff to check on us and no one to ask when we needed something. The band started 45 minutes late and were just ok. read more

Was there 20/7/25 for the Tipp-Cork Hurling Final with my son-in-law. SRO, but some wonderful Tipp women spotted my knee braces and scooched over and insisted I sit with them. They felt down bc heavily favored Cork got out to a first half lead, but I assured them Tipp would own the 2nd, they did and won going away. Great atmosphere, great people and great Guinness and Bulmers. I nearly lost my cap my wife got me in Kilarney (I woulda been dead), but the staff found it, thank God. We came the next night for the food (great bangers and mashed) and the sesisun. My grandkids (4 and 2-1/2) did their beginners step dancing and the musicians and staff were great to them. Go, you'll love the place. read more

The food in this pub was good. Actually it was really really really good. The seafood chowder had substance, flavor and lots of seafood. I don't like chowder (my wife does), so if I'm a novice, she would be the expert-and she approves whole heartedly. We had the mussels-you don't get any fresher than this and the broth was light and flavorful. She had the fish and chips, I had the stew. Simply put, they were delicious. I love stew, I even make it at home, and consider myself well versed in this dish. After eating at pubs all week. I have to say hands down, the good was great. As for the fish and chips, the batter was the best I've ever eaten in my life. The ambiance is cozy, welcoming and the staff were approachable and nice. A hidden gem along the coast line. PS--I ordered the hot whisky. I've never had it. And now all I want Is to drink it all the time!!! A must try for anyone looking to experience a drink to warm your body and your soul!!! read more

We just went for drinks & music! Kitchen was closed when we arrived. It we had already eaten. My husband said best Guinness the trip so far! Local musicians ( not a band) gather and just play & sing. It is packed but we sat at the bar and just enjoyed every second. What a truly Irish experience to us. read more

Gus O'Connor's - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

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This was the best meal so far in a land of wonderful food The service is outstanding and the ambiance is ALL IRELAND What a fantastic experience and the Irish people are so proud and kindhearted read more

Really fun pub with good food, great service and lots of fun. The music, which starts at 8;00, is really great.

Great place to grab a bite and a pint. Food is delicious, fish and chips, and Guinness stew is recommended. Tip, seat yourself, and order at the bar. read more

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This place had a menu that looked good and is right in a busy spot. My biggest frustration is they are not handicap accessible - it's okay that they have an outdoor patio for eating - but it wasn't even accessible as it was covered in rock - so a wheelchair could not move in it. We thought we were good sitting at the picnic tables across the way and it worked but the smell from the cows and trash behind us was overwhelming and did not make our meal the most pleasant. I had the fish and chips and they honestly were delicious - the tarter sauce was okay but way too dill tasting. We also had the vegetable soup and it was a good healthy portion. read more

Stopped in for a hot toddy before walking the cliffs of Mohr. Came back after for the soup of the day, a cauliflower blue cheese, and the goat tart. Delicious for both! Service was fast and ordering easy ( go to the bar with your table number). Definitely check out the place if you're in Doolin. read more

Gus O'Connor's - Pub front. - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

We stopped in for lunch yesterday while visiting the town of Doolin and it was awesome. All the food was amazing and the place had a great vibe. You could be there with kids or just adults and no one minded. My girls opted for a kids meal, one getting Bangers and Mash and the other the pasta. My husband got the fish and chips and I ordered the Beef and Guinness Stew. All of the plates were completely clean when we left which to me is a great sign of really fabulous food. They offer a big variety of seating both inside and out which allows you to sit wherever you like. I would definitely come back again if in the area. read more

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This pub is special. As an American who's spent his life surrounded by "Irish" pubs from Boston to Miami, going to a bonafide pub on the Emerald Isle shows how none of them touch the surface of what one should be. Gus O'Connor's embodies all of a local pub's glory and goodness -- welcoming and down-home, with an array of different beers and ciders to accompany dependable whiskeys and other spirits, and some standout eats that have been made the same way for decades without the need for any hype, pomp, or circumstance. My wife and I had our Celtic wedding ceremony at the Cliffs of Moher at the end of June. She had wanted to do her post-celebration at a traditional pub. Being that we were staying in Doolin and Gus O'Connor's was the primary pub located in the heart of town (in existence since 1832), I reached out to reserve an outside table -- since the pandemic lockdown ensured no inside dining would be taking place. To my surprise, the manager said that since it is our wedding, we could reserve a table inside for dinner. My wife didn't believe me that I had reserved a table inside until I had to bring the manager out to explain we have one waiting. She was blown away and in tears when the manager told us we were the first people to dine inside Gus O'Connor's since March 2020. It was magical. The pub did everything to make our evening there special and feel welcome, between their hospitality, setting the table for us, delicious food and drinks. Everything. Food-wise, we were not hungry afterward. Their seafood chowder is unparalleled and unmatched. Not only the best seafood chowder I had in Ireland and Northern Ireland but ever. The right amount of creamy goodness with a bastion of seafood in every bite, served in a cool, little croc. Their fish and chips were magical. So filling but so incredibly tasty and delicious with every bite. We enjoyed ample servings of Guinness, Magner's Cider, and Jameson Crested. In fact, I think we bottle killed the Jameson Crested from ordering it so much, not only the night of our celebration but the night before when we first paid a visit. Part of the magic, besides the cozy atmosphere and great staff behind the bar and serving the tables, it's the people who come to patronize the establishment, order drinks, chat with each other, and play music. We were fortunate to meet some people hanging outside, one of whom had a guitar, and we joined them for the rest of the evening singing songs and drinking. If you're in town, Gus O'Connor's is a must. This is the embodiment of what you think of Irish Pub. It will be an experience we will never forget. read more

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#1 Food was excellent! The chowder was one of the best I've ever tasted, and we had the goat cheese tart, which was even better!... then we had the salmon (perfect) fish and chips (super fresh and not greasy!) The chicken (most and flavorful) and a burger (surprisingly really good) #2 Had so much fun with the staff. All super nice and accommodating. Great service. #3 You order at the bar and they bring the food to your table. You may expect eh food for that.... no way! Food was excellent. #4 We stumbled on the place and it was one of our favorite places to eat in Ireland. We asked to personally tell the chef how good it was ( fyi. He's shy but came out) I'm writing this so people like us who travel from other countries ( we're from NY USA) could find a really good place to eat. Not just ok. Really good ... and the prices were cheaper than other bad restaurants we went to!! Don't miss if you go see the Cliffs of Moher...it close but still off the beaten path. Great find! read more

Gus O'Connor's - Iteland! - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

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Fun place. Amazing drinks. Great bar. Really fun employees. If you're in doolin, make a stop

Chips were perfectly crusty and creamy. Guinness was poured perfectly. Staff was great. Live music was authentic Irish.

The food was pretty tasty. However, they forgot to put in one of our meals, leading one of our members to have to wait over 15 minutes longer. The ambiance was good, but rather cold as their gas didn't work. Everything was going relatively great until we saw the MOLD in the bottom of the water jugs so CAUTION! read more

What a fun dinner!!!!! There were lots of rooms throughout the restaurant, and the table placement was such that nobody was on top of another dining group. The location is in the middle of the downtown area, near the Cliffs of Moher ferry. We stayed at a lovely Bed and Breakfast next door, and walked to the restaurant. The set-up was a bit unusual, as we had to order at the bar and the food and drinks were brought out to us. The orders came out promptly and accurately, and the wait staff was very friendly! The prices were quite decent, much less than I would have expected for such a high quality of food. The alcohol list was not surprisingly extensive, though neither of us chose to indulge. I definitely recommend this restaurant, and would visit again if in the area!!!! read more

Gus O'Connor's - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

Doolin is small, but has a great pub in O'Connor's. We stayed at a nearby BnB on our visit. We stopped by here for a delicious meal. Pleasantly crowded when we were there. Would have loved to stay for the music, but jet lag got the better of us. A nice mix of locals and tourists when we got there. Order at the bar and let them know table number and it comes out fairly quickly. Friendly people and well worth a visit. read more

cozy & quaint bar in the gorgeous town of Doolin! lot of history there too, ask about it!

We arrived in the area on our first day in Ireland, having driven from Shannon to our hotel, the Ballinalacken Castle guest house just north of Doolin. During the tour of the castle ruins, another couple from the U.S. told us they had reserved a taxi to come to Gus O'Connor's that evening to experience live music in Doolin, which was near the Willie Clancy music festival. I had brought my red flute to Ireland because it has been on my bucket list to play flute in a pub in Ireland. I played in a Celtic/folk band in college called Ptarmigan, weekly on Wednesday nights at Waterloo Ice House in Austin. I had not picked up a flute since last August when I performed at the National Flute Association conference, another milestone for my amateur musician self that I never anticipated would happen (nor knew existed as an opportunity). Eric R., the red flute, and I joined the couple in their taxi (which was fashionably late at 10 PM) and headed to Doolin. We were dropped off in front of the pub. It was very crowded and the music was alternating between trad (traditional Irish) and singing. Eric R. and the couple got beers and we found a corner to sit. I sat nervously clutching my flute, unsure of what to do but listen. The guy who invited us went to the musicians and asked if I could play with them. They waved me over and thus I became "Lisa with the red flute." The woman next to me was visiting from Germany and her children were in the Willie Clancy music workshops. I was impressed that she traveled with her flute too - I am not the only one! I joined in their playing but then asked one of them if they knew "The Level Plain." They did not, so I played a solo in the pub! It was such a neat experience, and the guitarist joined in. Then as the clocked neared midnight and our taxi was coming, I asked if we could play "Maggie." They asked if I wanted to sing it, and I said, "No, it's dirty!" I started playing and everyone joined in. Eric R. recorded my leading the two songs, so I have proof that I did it. It was exhilarating! He also bought a shirt from here and ended up wearing it on the flight back since he was out of clean clothes. We came the next day for lunch after hiking to Doolin from the Cliifs of Moher. I ordered the fish and chips, and Eric R. ordered the seafood chowder with tuna sandwich. We enjoyed our meal, which came out hot and very quickly. This is definitely a place to stop and enjoy live music after 9:30 PM every night or to grab a bite during the day. I will never forget playing flute here in a crowded room with talented musicians! read more

Gus O'Connor's - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Doolin, CE

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Absolutely disgusting service and huge wait time. Staff are beyond rude, bald guy behind the bar in particular in every Interaction. Weren't the only ones table next to us had a similar experience with the staff. After 4 attempts to clarify order food still came out wrong. Twice Would actively avoid, staff ruin the whole experience. If in doolin find a different place to eat. read more

Stopped to have lunch after visiting the cliffs. Sat us in a back room because most tables were reserved. Told us to order at the bar and food would be delivered to us. After 45 min we check and learn that their system never put our order in. Instead of rushing to make our food they canceled our order. read more

Best Guinness Beef Stew in Ireland! Of course drank a huge Guinness with it and haven't stopped dreaming about it for 8 years....

Based on all of the five-star reviews of this Pub, I feel peer pressured to also give a five-star review. During a cold and windy November afternoon, we drove to the piers to see and feel the fury of the Atlantic Ocean. The wind was strong enough to be able to lean into it, and the spray from the waves gave a nice shower every time the wind whipped you with the small beads of water. Many photos later, frozen to the core, we drove up, and stopped at the first pub, with happened to be Gus O'Connor's. We walked in right as the coal fireplace was being stoked, and were thankfully seated right next to it. As we warmed up, we started to look around, and were impressed by all of the US police/fire patches, the woodwork, the fireplace itself, the conversations between the locals and staff, and the overall atmosphere. It certainly felt like the most Irish pub I've ever been to. I order a beef with potatoes, and while not bad, for a fine restaurant, it would have been a very low rating. However, I reason that this is not the place one goes for a fine meal. I would very much come back here, have a few drinks, sit by the glowing coals, and enjoy their delicious seafood chowder. read more

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