Ireland’s best cities for fireside cosiness this winter

There are few feelings better than stepping out of the Irish winter chill and into the glow of a traditional pub – cheeks flushed from the cold, hands wrapped around a warm drink, the crackle of an open fire in the background.

Our latest research has revealed exactly where you’ll find the cosiest pubs in Ireland this winter – based on real visitor reviews.

From Dublin’s historic snugs to County Clare’s fireside havens, here’s where to head when temperatures drop.

How the study worked

To uncover Ireland’s most welcoming pub destinations, we analysed over 8,900 online reviews across the country.

The research focused on the ten highest-rated pubs in each city, counting mentions of comfort-driven words such as:

• “cosy” / “cozy”
• “Snug”
• “open fire”
• “homely” / “homey”
• “Friendly”
• “Welcoming”
• “relaxing”

These mentions were divided by the total number of reviews and weighted to create a ‘Cosiness’ Score out of 100. Beyond cities, the same method was used to identify standout countryside destinations with strong pub culture.

The results paint a clear picture of where visitors feel most at home during the colder months.

Ireland’s top five cosiest pub cities

1. Dublin

Cosiness Score: 100

Dublin doesn’t just top the list – it dominates it, earning a perfect score of 100, more than 36 points higher than runner-up Galway.

As the birthplace of Guinness, the capital is synonymous with pub tradition. Around Temple Bar and the Liberties, historic venues boast:

• Dark wood interiors
• Traditional snugs
• Flickering candlelight
• Crackling open fires

Over one thousand reviews of Dublin’s top 10 pubs mention their cosy surroundings. After a day exploring the city – whether that’s museums, historic streets, or even last-minute Christmas shopping – visitors clearly crave somewhere warm, atmospheric and welcoming.

Dublin delivers that in abundance.

2. Galway

Cosiness Score: 63.8

Galway ranks second, celebrated in reviews for its intimate music scene and strong community atmosphere.

In the Latin Quarter and around Shop Street, nightly live music sessions keep visitors entertained indoors while Atlantic winds whip outside. For travellers driving the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway’s pubs offer exactly what winter explorers need: warmth, shelter and good company.

The combination of live music, close-knit venues and welcoming locals earns Galway its impressive score of 63.8.

3. Kilkenny

Cosiness Score: 29.6

Kilkenny takes third place with a score of 29.6.

Its medieval streets are lined with traditional pubs, and the compact city centre means visitors can easily wander between Kilkenny Castle, local breweries and the many establishments along the historic Medieval Mile.

Reviewers frequently highlight the ease of dipping in and out of venues, each offering its own snug retreat from the winter air.

4. Cork

Cosiness Score: 28.6

Cork follows closely behind Kilkenny with a score of 28.6.

Visitors praise the old-school charm of its pubs. After exploring the English Market or strolling along the River Lee, many travellers head indoors to fireside seating and lively conversation.

Cork’s reputation for friendliness extends into its pub culture, where locals and tourists mingle comfortably, adding to the city’s welcoming feel.

5. Limerick

Cosiness Score: 20.1

Limerick completes the top five with a score of 20.1.

Rugby fixtures at Thomond Park and riverside walks along the Shannon draw visitors throughout the year, but when cold weather rolls in, it’s the city’s traditional pubs that provide refuge.

While its overall score is lower, reviewers consistently praise Limerick’s authentic Irish pub culture – proof that cosiness isn’t always about scale, but atmosphere.

Ireland’s top countryside destinations for cosy pubs

The study also looked beyond city limits, analysing well-known countryside locations with strong pub traditions.

1. County Clare

Cosiness Score: 99.8

County Clare tops the rural rankings with a near-perfect 99.8.

Towns like Doolin are famed for traditional music and stone-built pubs with open fireplaces. After exploring the Cliffs of Moher or braving Atlantic gusts along the west coast, visitors frequently describe Clare’s pubs as a welcome refuge.

It’s this combination of dramatic landscapes and genuine hospitality that drives its exceptional score.

2. County Kerry

Cosiness Score: 87.0

County Kerry follows closely with a score of 87.0.

Along scenic routes like the Ring of Kerry, rural pubs act as natural stopping points. Fireside spots in towns such as Killarney are popular with winter hikers exploring nearby mountain trails and national parks.

3. Connemara (County Galway)

Cosiness Score: 58.6

Connemara earns a score of 58.6, with its remote location making local pubs especially cherished.

After days spent exploring Connemara National Park or driving coastal roads, travellers appreciate the warmth, shelter and intimacy that these pubs provide.

Why cosy pubs matter in winter

Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at JustCover, explains:

“For many travellers, a winter trip to Ireland isn't complete without time spent in a traditional pub: a real fire, friendly locals and a place to dry off after the rain. Our research shows there's no shortage of welcoming spots across the country, whether you're exploring Dublin's historic pubs or discovering hidden gems in smaller towns and counties.

"We'd encourage people to plan ahead, check opening times and book key experiences in advance. It's also important to make sure you have appropriate travel insurance in place, as winter weather can bring storms and transport disruption. Having the right cover gives you protection if your plans are disrupted, so you can still relax and enjoy your trip.”

Winter in Ireland is atmospheric and beautiful – but it can also be unpredictable. Planning ahead ensures your cosy escape stays stress-free.

Where will you get cosy this winter?

Ireland in winter has a character all its own. The landscapes turn dramatic, the air grows crisp, and the warmth inside its pubs feels even more inviting.

This research shows there’s no shortage of welcoming spots – from Dublin’s historic snugs and Galway’s music-filled corners to the fireside havens of County Clare and Kerry. Whether you prefer a lively city atmosphere or a quiet rural retreat, Ireland offers somewhere to thaw out and settle in.

So if you’re planning a winter escape, let the firelight guide you. Choose your destination, wrap up warm, and step inside – because sometimes the most memorable part of a trip isn’t the landmark you visit, but the seat you find beside the fire.

Methodology

We gathered a seedlist of 40 locations in the UK and Ireland known for strong pub culture. For each city and countryside destination, the study analysed the top 10 highest-rated pubs listed on online review platform TripAdvisor.

Across each pub, mentions of the following ‘cosy’ expressions in reviews were counted: cosy/cozy, homely/homey, friendly, welcoming, fireplace/fireplaces, open fire, relaxing, snug.

For each location, the total number of expressions mentioned was divided by the total number of reviews and then weighted to create a ‘Cosiness’ Score. The same approach was used to calculate countryside destination scores.

Data correct as of December 2025.