Here’s What He’s Discovered
As St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) approaches, people around the world will be flocking to their local Irish pubs to celebrate. But for one Irishman, pub-hopping isn’t just an annual tradition—it’s a way of life.
Colm Dalton, a County Kerry native, has embarked on an ambitious mission: to visit every Irish pub in the world. So far, he has made it to 97 pubs across 47 countries, documenting his journey on his Publican Enemy blog. From Jakarta to Krakow to the Azores, Dalton has uncovered the unique interpretations of the Irish pub experience across the globe.
How It All Began
Dalton’s love for Irish pubs abroad began seven years ago in Bilbao, Spain. While visiting Wicklow Arms, he was amazed at the warm hospitality and even met a man who knew his father back in Kerry. The experience sealed his fate: “I just said, ‘This is great. I’ll continue it, and I’ll just try to go to a different place every time,’” he told CNN Travel.
Dalton, a university lecturer in London, grew up in the coastal village of Fenit, which had just “one shop and five pubs.” With musician parents who played in local rural pubs, his upbringing prepared him well for a lifetime of pub exploration.
The Authentic vs. the Imitation
The Irish have set up pubs across the globe, from North America to Australia. Some, like The Auld Dubliner in Vancouver, maintain authentic Irish traditions, while others are more themed establishments rather than true Irish experiences.
One of the most bizarre spots he visited? The Loch Ness Pub in Corsica, France—a Scottish-themed bar that somehow claims to be Irish.
According to Dalton, a good rule of thumb is checking if the pub has an Irish surname in its name, which often means it was started by an actual Irish owner.
Why Are Irish Pubs So Popular?
Irish pubs are world-renowned for their hospitality, music, and lively atmosphere. Dalton believes a great Irish pub is about people management, not just customer service. “It’s their house, and you’re a guest there,” he explains.
Music is key, even more than the alcohol itself. He notes, “I see the pub as a nice space, so it doesn’t instantly go with me to excessive drinking. It’s more the space and the people.”
Different Countries, Different Pub Cultures
Dalton’s travels have shown that Irish pubs attract a diverse crowd depending on the country:
- In Italy, France, and Germany, Irish pubs serve as alternative spots where students and backpackers live out their James Joyce or The Pogues dreams.
- In Spain’s Costa del Sol, British retirees enjoy pints in the sun.
- In Indonesia and Kazakhstan, Irish pubs are considered high-status venues, attracting business professionals.
- In Scandinavia, pubs allow locals to “let loose,” with one visitor in Malmö, Sweden, telling Dalton: “We love the Irish pub because it gives us an excuse to go mad.”
- In the United States, Irish pubs connect with country music culture, reflecting Ireland’s folk traditions. One of Dalton’s favorite American bars? Lost Horse Saloon in Marfa, Texas, which reminded him of Galway’s music scene.
- In São Paulo, Brazil, O’Malley’s Irish Pub had an authentic local music session, with a setup reminiscent of Irish traditional music circles.
What’s Next?
Dalton recently visited Estonia and Iceland, and his bucket list includes:
- Bubbles O’Learys in Kampala, Uganda
- The Dublin in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina – the southernmost Irish pub in the world
- Namche Bazaar in Nepal – one of the highest Irish pubs, located in the Himalayas
- O’Kelly’s Bar in Guantanamo Bay – a challenge due to its restricted location
Despite there being at least 6,500 Irish pubs worldwide (according to the Irish Pubs Global Federation), Dalton admits he may never visit them all.
“But I do think that I would have a very good time attempting it,” he says with a grin
