Irish Pubs in Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand Has Taken the Irish Pub to Its Heart, Especially in Bangkok
The number of ex-pats in Thailand's capital, draught Guinness, good craic and good food, helps make Bangkok's Irish Pubs the centre for social and business meetings.
Scattered across Bangkok, the Irish Pubs are easily recognizable and bring a touch of home to those who miss the atmosphere and smell of “the pub”. They also serve traditional Irish and English plain foods, and the best breakfasts in the capital. Here are the chief pubs in the centre area.
The Dubliner Irish Pub, 440 Sukhamvit Road (02204 1841)
An iconic Irish Pub spread over 3 floors, The Dubliner has a reputation for great food and a wide range of different activities every night. Its pool hall and sports bar, plus free wireless Internet and Kilkenny Beer at 180Bht (US$6 and €3.75 and Guinness at 160 Bht (US$5 and €3.30) ensures its popularity with the drinking crowd.
Finnegan's Irish Pub, 23/1, Sukhamvit Soi 4
Not in the pretentious league and far from the glossy themed Irish Pubs that abound nowadays. Finnegan's is more of a “hole in the wall style” Irish pub with a traditional, warm atmosphere. A largely Irish clientèle helps the ethnic feel of the place. John Smiths bitter on tap.
Hanrahan's Irish Pub. 12/1 Sukhamvit Soi 4 (02255 0644)
This is a massive pub spread over 3 floors, but it somehow manages to retain the atmosphere of a down home pub. It also has a rooftop garden bar and the state of the art beer system assures the customers of cool drinks on Bangkok's hottest days. Day or night the atmosphere invites conviviality. Pool tables on the 2nd floor.
Jameson's Irish Pub (just below Holiday Inn on Silom)
The bar in this pub is the centre piece of this very welcoming Irish pub. Various forms of seating available, live televised sports, and pool tables available. Very friendly Thai staff who could almost pass for Irish!
Mollie Malone's Irish Pub, Convent Road (off Silom)
Many rate this the best Irish pub in Bangkok for a) it's situation just off Silom and b) the atmosphere, fantastic food (recommended, the fish pie and the special Irish fish cakes), and the special events, i.e. St. Patrick's Day celebrations with balloons in the national Irish colours decorating the outside of the establishment. Two floors, live music on 4 nights of the week, Kilkenny beer on tap, daily Irish and English newspapers to read, and smiling, helpful staff. Does a good takeaway service also.
O'Reilley's Irish Pub, 62 Silom Road (02632 7515)
Easy to find on this main thoroughfare, as it is right next to the BTS station and right next to the famous red-light district of Patpong and the night market. Although resembling a typical Irish pub, the menu is quite sophisticated. The usual four or five television screens dominate, with live matches being screened most nights. Live music most nights and a wide variety of beers keep this a lively spot on Silom.
