Gus O’Connor’s Pub

Someone from this business manages this listing.

3,829 reviews

#8 of 18 Restaurants in Doolin€€ - €€€, Bar, European, Vegan options

+353 65 707 4168+ Add website

Hours

Sun

9:30 - 0:00

Mon

10:00 - 0:00

Tue

10:00 - 0:00

Wed

10:00 - 0:00

Thu

10:00 - 0:00

Fri

10:00 - 0:00

Sat

9:30 - 0:00

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Ratings and reviews

4.5

3,829 reviews

#8 of 18 Restaurants in Doolin

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

€5.00 – €24.00

CUISINES

Bar, European

Special Diets

Vegan options, Gluten free options

meals, features

Location and contact

Fisher Street, Doolin V95 FY67 Ireland

+353 65 707 4168

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Details

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About

Gus O'Connor's Pub is known throughout the world as the home of Irish Traditional Music. Our authentic acoustic traditional music sessions, delicious Irish food and a warm welcome make the perfect combination for the ultimate Irish Pub experience. Music sessions take place nightly between March and October and most nights as well during the winter months. Open 364 days a year and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, Gus O’Connor’s Pub offers a warm and cozy atmosphere in a traditional setting where a friendly welcome awaits you and great memories can be made at any time of the day all year round. We are looking forward to welcoming you into our pub so you can enjoy the magical experience of Irish Music, Irish Food and Irish Welcome. From all of us at Gus O’Connor’s Pub, Slán go fóill

PRICE RANGE

€5.00 – €24.00

CUISINES

Bar, European

Special Diets

Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Brunch

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music

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4.5

3,829 reviews

Excellent

2,315

Very good

1,006

Average

303

Poor

107

Terrible

Mark S

Kingston-upon-Hull43 contributions

Micho Russell 2020

Mar 2020 • family

This is my second (maybe 3rd) review of Gus O'Connor's but I honestly cannot speak highly enough of the place. I have just returned from a fantastic weekend of food, drink and of course the best traditional Irish music you are ever likely to hear. Any visit to Doolin and O'connor's is always memorable but the Russell Weekend (usually held towards the end of February) is extra special, with people travelling from all over the world to listen to, dance to and in some cases join in with the live music played throughout the weekend. All the staff cannot do enough for you, be it recommending their favourite meals on the menu, to offering suggestions on local attractions to visit between sessions, to just enjoying the craic with you whilst they take your order, it is an experience not to be missed.

Written 4 March 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gusoconnorspub

Hi there Mark! Thank you very much for your feedback and your continued custom! It's fantastic to hear that our Micho Russell festival is continuing to be a staple event in our diary! It's one of our favourite times in the year as there is such a lovely combination of locals and tourists alike enjoying the excellent music from Doolin. We are delighted to hear that our staff went above and beyond for you, we are so lucky to have such wonderful staff! We are looking forward to welcoming you back next year! Please feel free to keep in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram until then! Kind regards, Management

Written 8 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Caitriona O D

Kingscourt9 contributions

Candlelight dinner for two

Aug 2020 • couples

My husband and I spent 2 very enjoyable nights in Doolin and visited O Connors for dinner on our second night. On arrival for our 8.30 reservation we were very warmly welcomed and shown to our table complete with candle. It was a wet and somewhat dreary night outside so the candle was a lovely addition and its warm glow created a lovely cosy atmosphere. What struck me most about our visit was the good humoured nature of the staff. The waiting staff (ie the floor staff) were entirely female and without exception they were incredibly pleasant. We visited on Tuesday August 4th, the day after the bank holiday Monday. It had been a very busy weekend in Doolin and I'm sure the staff must have been exhausted and yet they were friendly, chatty and very efficient. I must also mention the barmen. Due to Covid restrictions, no trips to the bar for us but from observing them,they too, were full of chat and craic. We were happy with our food. I ordered the crab claws as my main course and was very impressed with the very generous number of claws I got. It was so lovely to have a few drinks in a pub again and even though there was no live music, it was still a very enjoyable night. Well done again to the lovely staff. We'll return for you alone!

Written 5 August 2020

Brendan O’Carroll

Birr5 contributions

Management issue

Aug 2021 • family

Having arrived by appointment with a family party of 8 for a 7pm booking , i found the whole booking system to be in total chaos. The friendly door man who was co ordinating admissions appeared to be making it up as he went along and i overheard several people to take a walk around and come back in hour. We were given our table and found the staff to be extremely accomodating and friendly and the food reasonable priced and excellent quality / choice. However one exception was the guy who appeared to be in charge by the name of Sean. On pointing out where we were charged for 9 meals rather than 8 to include an extra 26.00 for a steak we had not ordered or recieved, Sean became quite argumentative and accusatory saying if it was on the bill we must have got it. I explained we had a party of 8 and did not order or receive the extra steak, he again said the chef would not have it on the bill unless we got it. He dismissed me and a colleague took over and corrected the error. I had no issue with the error which was eventually rectified, however an otherwise perfect evening was ruined by this mans rudeness and attitude Brendan O'Carroll

Written 31 August 2021

Yvonne K

12 contributions

Nice food, rude staff

Sept 2020 • friends

We understand that Covid has put an extra strain on bars and restaurants but we felt like being served at Mc Donalds. Short tempered staff taking order, sitting outside at dusk, not even a candle or light on, we were searching for our food with torches. When we asked the waitress if we could have a tea light, she snapped she can't do anything about darkness setting in. Food was lovely though.

Written 18 September 2020

Gerry B

Monaghan3 contributions

Put a dampner on an otherwise fantastic day

Aug 2020 • couples

This was a car crash from the minute we tried to step foot in the door. We had a table booked for 9 so we arrived 15 minutes early as we knew it would be busy. As we walked up to the front door the queue was out the door, when we finally got through the cramped crowded hallway (with no social distancing) the lady showed us to our table. Initially the service was great a waitress took our drinks order then another waitress took our food order. We didn't wait long till the starter was out. We tried mussels for the 1st time so we cant comment if they were good or bad but both our mains were average. The big problem we had lay once the mains came out we didn't have anyone come over to us for the following 40 minutes. Our drinks were finished we had finished what we had of our food and time after time we seen neighbouring tables get drinks served and food cleared. I finally made eye contact with the waitress after many failed attempts and she wasnt too pleased that I had to call her over. I asked if we could order more drinks and all I got was a "yea". She cleared the plates and never once asked if the meal was satisfactory or if we'd like dessert. We then sat for another 20 minutes waiting for drinks until my patience finally ran out. I went up and asked for the bill telling the member of staff that we had been waiting for 20 minutes for a drink we now didn't want. She accepted it wasnt good enough and cancelled the drinks off the bill, I was that furious we left the drinks on the table and walked out. A great 1st day in doolin was spoilt by terrible customer service. Would not reccomend.

Written 31 August 2020

Nuala H

5 contributions

Disappointing

Jul 2021 • family

Went for a family meal here. The kids food was OK. Our steaks were lovely to be fair. The service was horrendous. The atmosphere was like they didn't want customers. Staff weren't friendly or helpful. There was an awful odour blowing from the sewage system and we had to ask to be moved. We had to go inside to order our meal and drinks which seems to contradict the purpose of outdoor dining and reducing unnecessary indoor footfall in line with covid regulations. We also had to go inside to select our own cutlery which again is pointless seeing as tables are served with food. None of the staff wore their mask properly. We were told that beverages had to be served in plastic cups once last food orders were in and yet we counted at least 6 tables after us who all got proper glassware, some not even eating. We had been looking forward to dining here because apparently its the "best" but we were deeply disappointed with the service and atmosphere and won't be recommending this venue. I firmly believe that the staff are fatigued, overworked, there's no set ground rules and it all points to poor management.

Written 5 July 2021

Saoirse

9 contributions

Disappointing food and rude service.. didn't live up to it's name.

Aug 2020 • couples

Extremely disappointed with a recent visit here given the 5 star reviews on this site. We stopped in for breakfast recently on a holiday to Clare and I have to say both the food and service (one staff member in particular) was below par. When we arrived a young male waiter indicated to us where we could sit inside. So we sat, and sat, and sat..and waited 15mins for a menu which was put down on the table to us without a single word uttered. After looking at the menu, we then waited a further 20minutes without anyone coming near us to take our order (just keep in mind it is table service as per covid19 regulations). At this point my partner went up to the bar to place the order (it was either that or just walk out). The rude female waitress who had left down the menus said smartly 'oh did nobody come and take your order'.. hmm no, they didn't given that it was yourself who dropped the menus. When the food arrived it was cold, my partner sent back his and it was heated up in the microwave. The cold vegatarian fry up I received had a sliver of an onion, two pieces of courgette and a piece of pepper and grilled tomato,the fried potato was nice but it didn't save the meal. I fully understand that everywhere has its bad days but unless the service staff are trained in good customer service and are actually pulled up on being ignorant to customers then things will never change. We witnessed this same staff member be rude to other customers also during our visit. We paid full price for the breakfasts also. Won't be back if we visit the area again.

Written 12 August 2020

Duffy190467

Malahide196 contributions

Delivers to its Reputation

Aug 2020 • none

I dined here on Sunday 16th August with my 2 teenage boys. With the Covid-19, there was no music, and tables were well spaced with all staff wearing face masks etc. We enjoyed 3 starter and 3 mains - all opting for the crab claws (in chili & garlic butter) to start, and generous filet of salmon, with a nice few lovely mussels added, farmhouse burger, and battered fish & chips. All well presented and enjoy. Lovely Guinness and atmosphere. With diners not permitted to wander, the staff were really 'on the ball' to check on us, and bring more drinks etc. so, the service was in fact much better than you usually get. This is a much-loved, legendary venue for food and music in Doolin, and although sad to visit when the 'craic' was very much restricted, the management & staff have clearly made a big effort to remain open and take the pandemic seriously. The venue did not extend our welcome beyond the permitted time, even through we were on the last sitting. They were correct on this and leading by example. Will back for the full experience when the pandemic has passed.

Written 22 August 2020

Emily K.

24 contributions

Delicious Food and Great Atmosphere

Jun 2019 • none

My friend and I had the lamb burger here and it was delightful! Felt very gourmet. Our other friends got the fish n chips and from sampling their's I can say it was very good as well. Beers were solid. The pub was packed so we ate outside across the street on picnic tables. But after we ate we went in and sat at the bar and had a great time!! Excellent live music. Bartenders were very personable and had trained in the states so we had good conversation. You can write on your currency and tack it up on the walls. We plan on coming back to find it one day!

Written 2 April 2020

gusoconnorspub

Hi there EmilyK. Thank you very much for your review and your recent visit! We are delighted to hear you had such a great experience with us. It’s great that our food was so delicious. Our Fish and chips are definitely one of our most popular meals so we are happy to hear you enjoyed it. We are thrilled to hear our friendly staff looked after ye well and that our live music made a great impact on ye. We look forward to welcoming ye soon again in a Doolin! Thank you again for your review. Feel free to keep in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram. Kind regards, Patrick Jnr Manager

Written 5 April 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Electric Bumblebee

12 contributions

Crab Claws in Chilli Butter worth the trip alone

Sept 2020 • couples

Sat outside as we had dogs with us. It got Very cold (clearly nothing to do with the establishment 🤣) but the food was delish. Honestly couldn't fault it. The crab Claws was a revolution served In a chilli butter sauce, wife's Mussels were also epic in a garlic white wine sauce. I read from some previous posts that there were issues with lighting. This issue has been resolved and lots of festoon light have been installed. Look forward to a return visit 👍

Written 25 September 2020

Heather M

2 contributions

Good food, bad service

Sept 2020 • friends

Ate here for lunch and breakfast. Lunch was good. Young staff were very polite, elder staff (Mary I think) not very, looked annoyed that we entered and asked us what we wanted when we were waiting for a seat. Ordered breakfast and two got little fry and two large but they all came out the same even though some had to pay extra, Mary just had a very bad attitude that day which damped our experience. Food was nice though.

Written 9 September 2020

Obroo

5 contributions

Good food, horrendous service

Jul 2021 • family

We booked 2 tables for 9 people in total weeks and weeks ago. The outcome…shoved into a stinking beer tent across the road to eat food worth €170. The sewage from the river is nauseating guys. Sadly after all the closures and the vacuum of demand, we like so many just tolerated it because we’d 5 hungry kids with us. You queue back to back to order inside, yes inside, and pay in full, carry your drinks, gather your cutlery and all of this is received with a grunt from the not so friendly barman. The food is delicious. Absolutely not worth the tent sitting. Get a booth to the side of the pub is my advice, so not accept anything less, even with hungry kids to feed. What’s more sad is I don’t think the pub will read this or listen to any complaints, they are just that BUSY!

Written 11 July 2021

Denise Bourke

3 contributions

Best Bar in Doolin

Aug 2020 • friends

From the minute you walk in the door of OConnors pub in doolin you are greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. The staff are amazing and very helpful and friendly. They have a great menu something to suit all tastes and the food is delicious the Pil Pil Prawns are so tasty and the portions are so big you won’t leave hungry. Toilets were spotless and all general areas were cleaned down by staff, 10 out of 10 guys keep up the good work.. can’t wait to go back again soon.

Written 3 August 2020

Leah

Ireland9 contributions

Really nice

Jul 2020 • couples

We walked into this place looking for dinner at around half 8 with no reservation made so we couldn’t sit inside but we were able to sit outside and eat which was perfect. We made our order and paid inside and everything was brought out to our table outside. The food came out super quick and it was lovely! I got the fish and chips which was really fresh and tasty! All of the staff were wearing masks and the tables were spaced out.

Written 28 July 2020

MartletwyOnTour

Wales55 contributions

Great 'Craic'!

Mar 2020 • none

We visited on what happened to be the final night before lockdown in March. We had an excellent meal (bangers'n mash) in the afternoon and then returned that evening as we were told that there would be live music and we weren't disappointed! Great atmosphere as the Irish music took us up closing time. A real 'last days of Rome' feel as the pubs had been ordered to close for the forseeable future by the Irish government as of that evening. Great food, atmosphere and customer service.