There’s a reason Irish pubs exist in virtually every corner of the world. From Tokyo to Toronto, Buenos Aires to Bahrain, the formula works because it isn’t really a formula at all. A good Irish pub is built on something harder to manufacture: the feeling that you’re welcome, that the drink is cold, that the sport is on, and that nobody is in a particular rush to move you along. It’s one of the few hospitality concepts that travels without losing much in translation.
Bahrain has a solid handful of them, each with its own personality. Whether you’re after a post-work pint, a lively Friday brunch, a table with mates to watch a match, or simply somewhere to eat well without the ceremony, these are the Irish pubs on the island worth checking out.
JJ’s is the old hand. Open since July 1999, the pub was famously built with over 80 per cent of its fittings assembled in Ireland, shipped over, and pieced back together in Bahrain — which tells you something about how seriously the people behind it took the brief. The result is a large, lived-in space with genuine warmth to it. The food menu leans into pub classics, the draught beer selection is well-maintained, and the weekly events programme covers karaoke, live music, and pub quizzes. If you want a pub that feels like it has history behind it, this is the one.
Location: Adliya
McGettigan’s has locations dotted across the Middle East, and it’s not hard to see why the group has been so successful. The Adliya branch is a strong entry: live sport on screens throughout, regular live music and DJ nights, and a food menu that spans pub staples alongside broader international options. The outdoor garden is a particular highlight, making it a decent option on cooler evenings when you’d rather be outside.
Location: Adliya
Fiddlers Green sits inside the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel in the Diplomatic Area. The pub offers a cosy, atmospheric setting, with live music performances on weekends and a menu covering classic pub dishes. It’s well-placed for anyone working or staying in the Diplomatic Area who wants somewhere that feels like a pub rather than a hotel lounge. The atmosphere has a reliably buzzy quality in the evenings, and the crowd tends to be a good mix of regulars and newcomers.
Location: The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Diplomatic Area
Murphy’s takes the Irish pub format and adds a few extra reasons to stay longer. Alongside the drinks and live sport across 22 screens, the venue has bowling, billiards, and darts on offer, making it a natural pick for a group that wants more than just a barstool. Located at the Solymar Hotel, Murphy’s has built a reputation for a relaxed atmosphere, social gatherings, and a menu of pub favourites. The Friday Brunch and Ladies Night are recurring draws. The Amwaj Islands location means it’s slightly out of the way if you’re based in Manama, but worth the trip for a longer evening out.
Location: Solymar Hotel, Amwaj Islands
A new entry to Bahrain’s pub scene, Irish Corner opened in Seef earlier this year and positions itself as a neighbourhood local: games, drinks, music, and a no-fuss atmosphere. It’s open well into the night, which makes it a strong option on the island for anyone looking for an evening-to-night pub experience. Pool tables and a relaxed crowd make it a good shout for an afternoon that drifts into the evening without much of a plan.
Location: Seef
READ MORE: Late-Night Eats: Where to Go in Bahrain After Midnight
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