Europe
Ireland
Province of Leinster
County Westmeath
Athlone
Things to do in Athlone
Sean's Bar
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Sean's Bar

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See all things to do
Sean's Bar
4.5
1,509 reviews
#1 of 24 Nightlife in Athlone
Bars & Clubs
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10:30 - 00:30
Monday
10:30 - 00:30
Tuesday
10:30 - 00:30
Wednesday
10:30 - 00:30
Thursday
10:30 - 00:30
Friday
10:30 - 00:30
Saturday
10:30 - 00:30
Sunday
12:30 - 23:30
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About
Situated in the Heart of Ireland halfway between Dublin and Galway, Sean's Bar plays host to visitors from all around the world. Whether absorbing the history, listening to music, visiting with friends and family or simply enjoying the perfect pint, the appeal is equally strong for everyone. Listed in both "25 of the Most Incredible Bars in the World" and "50 Bars to Blow Your Mind" by Lonely Planet, a visit to Sean's is a must! find out more about why Sean's Bar is not only the oldest, but one of the best-loved pubs in world.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
86 within 5 kms
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375
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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85 m€€ - €€€ • Irish • Cafe • European
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1,019
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Al Mezza
384
0.1 km€€ - €€€ • Lebanese • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern
Corner House Bistro
467
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Cafe • European
The Bailey Bar & Lounge
209
0.1 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • Bar • Pub
Beans & Leaves
501
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • International • European • Vegetarian Friendly
The Fatted Calf Restaurant
638
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Irish • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Kin Khao Thai Restaurant
812
91 m€€ - €€€ • Seafood • International • Asian
The Left Bank
509
19 m€€ - €€€ • Irish • European • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
16 within 10 kms
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
845
51 mVisitor Centres • Castles
Church of Saints Peter & Paul
106
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Dead Centre Brewing
8
0.2 kmBreweries
Burgess Department Store
6
0.2 kmDepartment Stores
Luan Gallery
27
0.3 kmArt Galleries • Architectural Buildings
Corpus Christi Church & Priory
2
0.3 kmChurches & Cathedrals
Jadotville Memorial
1
0.8 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Baysports
561
Water Parks
Glendeer Pet Farm
255
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms
Old Rail Trail
104
2.8 kmBiking Trails • Hiking Trails
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,509 reviews
Excellent
995
Very good
370
Average
77
Poor
19
Terrible
48
Bob L
College Station, TX65 contributions
A must visit place in Ireland
Mar 2023
This place should be on everyone's Ireland bucket list. Timmy is a fun and helpful host and the atmosphere and history are incredible. Their house whiskey is great and brought some home to the US. I highly recommend stopping by for a pint or a shot.
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Papa D
Corbeil-Essonnes, France14 contributions
A place to see
Mar 2023 • Family
Perfect. I was here with my brother and m'y father. Nice Irish coffee and nice guiness. Very nice place and a typical atmosphere
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
He H
London, UK113 contributions
Nice bar. If not for doorman a clear 5 star experience
Feb 2023 • Family
The place is warm and welcoming and the guests as well as staff at the bar is equally great. We spent 3 hours there drinking a lot of excellent beer and non alcoholic alternatives and as we had our 10 year old son with us we wanted to respect the rule of no kids after 8, we left 7.50. After a few minutes our son said he wanted to go to the bathroom so we turned around after approx 75 meters. At the door we explained to the doorman the situation that we just left but our son just needed to go to the bathroom. It was 19.55. He refused. When I then because of the urgency went away with my son to find a alternative, more understanding place, the doorman explained to my wife after figuring out that we was here as tourists that it was a "very dangerous place" and she should be careful.
If the restaurant want to survive on locals I assume it is OK to have this type of bouncers at the door.
Except for the absolute cone head at the door, the experience at the bar was pure joy.
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HappyHammer69
Port Macquarie, Australia918 contributions
Oldest pub in Ireland
Jan 2023
Right in the heart of Ireland this pub claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland and possibly the world. Served a nice pint of Guinness and the sawdust on the floor was a nice touch.
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Megavin
Athlone, Ireland126 contributions
Smoking and freezing
Feb 2023 • Friends
We sat in the back enclosed area beside a heater but close to a door which leads to a laneway or another restaurant. People were in and out and as there is no natural close to the door we spent the night closing the door! Then I noticed several people smoking in the Upper part of the pub. This area was enclosed. I am not sure it qualifiés as a smoking area but security personnel assured me it was a smoking area. Pity as it does not fill me with confidence. We moved to the front area where it was lively, warm and a fantastic band were playing. Well done Mick Slattery. This redeemed our visit.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Westlawns
Fleetwood, UK213 contributions
A good night
Jan 2023 • Solo
I visited Sean's bar on a recommendation.
I went there early as there was a band on.
The bar staff were very efficient and used to serving Guinness.
The band were sound, classic songs.
Beer and atmosphere just right.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barry M
Cavan, Ireland28 contributions
Rudest pub more like it!!
Jan 2023 • Friends
Terrible rude staff who obviously only want the business of tourist. Visited with a group of friends in the middle of the day. First question we were asked was how many people was there and that we would have to sit in the cold outdoor beer garden. Not welcoming at all. Not sure what they want considering the place was half empty.
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jcalvert325
51 contributions
Cozy pub and great piece of history
Jul 2022
It's neat to say you've had a pint at Ireland's oldest pub, but beyond that, the bar is not unique. The atmosphere is lovely, and the staff is great. We sat on the back patio by the river and had a lovely conversation with two *very* tipsy locals, who kept us laughing for the better part of an hour. I had a delicious blood orange sour beer. It's worth visiting if you have the time in your schedule, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for international travelers who have time constraints.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ann c
co galway ireland35 contributions
Lovely Young Bar Man
Nov 2022
We love visiting Sean's Bar - lovely atmosphere, cozy fire and always lovely staff, one young man is particular is a lovely young man - Sean is his name tall, plays rugby he tells us, very pleasant manner and always ready for a chat
Written 9 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RozzyW
Tampa, FL232 contributions
Oldest Bar in Ireland
Dec 2022 • Couples
Great visit to Sean’s bar, the oldest Irish bar. The warm fire was welcome as we sipped our drinks on a cool, windy day. The owner was there and he shared the history of the bar with us. Highly recommended!
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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SEAN'S BAR (Athlone) - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Sean's Bar
Sean's Bar is open:
  • Sun - Sun 12:30 - 23:30
  • Mon - Sat 10:30 - 00:30
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Sean's Bar tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 12 Sean's Bar tours on Tripadvisor
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