Discover The Ireland Most Visitors Never See
A 1-night or 3-night guided journey through authentic Irish pubs, traditional music, local characters and unforgettable stories.
Slideshow
Authentic Irish Experiences
The Irish Pub: The Heart of Irish Life
The Irish pub is far more than a place to enjoy a drink. It is where stories are shared, friendships are formed, music fills the room, and visitors are welcomed like old friends.
While many travellers experience Ireland through busy tourist hotspots, the real magic is often found in traditional local pubs. These are the places where communities gather, musicians play impromptu sessions, and genuine Irish hospitality comes to life.
The Real Irish Pub Tour was created to help visitors discover this side of Ireland through authentic pubs, local characters, traditional music, and unforgettable experiences in the Heart of Ireland.
Small Groups, Big Memories
Travel with like-minded people and discover the Ireland most visitors never see. From hidden rural pubs tucked away in the countryside to lively town bars full of character and local charm, every stop offers a unique glimpse into authentic Irish life.
How It Works
One Evening Tour
Night 1 – Welcome to the Real Ireland
Meet your fellow travellers in Athlone before visiting two carefully selected traditional Irish pubs. Enjoy great conversation, local characters and your first taste of authentic Irish hospitality
Tour Highlights
✓ 2 authentic Irish pubs
✓ Traditional Irish music sessions
✓ Local stories and hidden gems
✓ Luxury coach transport included
✓ Small-group experience
✓ Based in Athlone, the Heart of Ireland
Three Evening Tour
Night 1 – Welcome to the Real Ireland
Meet your fellow travellers in Athlone before visiting two carefully selected traditional Irish pubs. Enjoy great conversation, local characters and your first taste of authentic Irish hospitality.
Night 2 – Hidden Gems & Local Culture
Venture beyond the tourist trail to discover hidden rural pubs, traditional Irish music sessions and the stories that make Irish pub culture so unique.
Night 3 – One Last Irish Adventure
Visit two more handpicked pubs, share a few final pints, enjoy the famous Irish craic and return to Athlone with memories and friendships that will last long after the tour ends.
Tour Highlights
✓ 6 authentic Irish pubs
✓ Traditional Irish music sessions
✓ Local stories and hidden gems
✓ Luxury coach transport included
✓ Small-group experience
✓ Based in Athlone, the Heart of Ireland
What’s Included
One Night Tour
- Luxury coach transport throughout the tour
- Visits to two carefully selected authentic Irish pubs
- Local host and guide throughout
- Traditional Irish music sessions
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Genuine Irish hospitality, culture, music and craic
Three Night Tour
- Luxury coach transport throughout the tour
- Visits to six carefully selected authentic Irish pubs
- Local host and guide throughout
- Traditional Irish music sessions
- Exclusive Pub Passport with stamps from every venue
- Welcome gift pack and tour souvenirs
- Complimentary welcome drink on first evening
Digital photo memories from your trip - Souvenir guidebook featuring the pubs, stories and characters you meet
- Genuine Irish hospitality, culture, music and craic
Why Choose The Real Irish Pub Tour?
Most visitors experience the Ireland they expected. We show you the Ireland you never knew existed. Carefully selected pubs, local characters, traditional music sessions, and the kind of hospitality that can only be found in Ireland's most authentic bars. No tourist traps. No staged experiences. No rushed schedules. Just great pubs, great people, and great stories.
✓ Small groups
✓ No tourist traps
✓ Traditional music sessions
✓ Carefully selected local pubs
✓ Comfortable transport included
✓ Founded by an Irish pub owner
Meet The Tour Owner
Hi, I'm Chris.
I've spent my career in hospitality, working in bars and private clubs in both Ireland and the United States before returning home to own and operate two traditional Irish pubs in the heart of Ireland. Many of the relationships and local connections built through these pubs help make this tour possible.
Over the years I've met thousands of visitors searching for the real Ireland beyond the tourist trail. Time and again, people would ask the same question:
"Where can we find the real Ireland?"
The Real Irish Pub Tour was created to answer that question.
This is not a corporate tour company. It's a tour designed by a local pub owner who wants to share the pubs, people, music and stories that make Ireland so special.
I look forward to welcoming you to Ireland.
— Chris Hewitt
Owner, The Real Irish Pub Tour
Next Available Tour
1 Night | 2 Authentic Irish Pubs | Athlone, Ireland
3 Nights | 6 Authentic Irish Pubs | Athlone, Ireland
Next Tours :
10-13 September 2026
8-11 October 2026
5-8 November 2026
Request availability and join the waiting list.
Experience authentic Irish pubs, traditional music, local characters and hidden gems that most visitors never discover.
Check Tour Availability
Tell us your travel dates and number of guests and we’ll let you know if a tour is available during your stay. Private tours are also available on request.