Sydney’s Best Irish Pubs For Weekend Pints And St Paddy’s Celebrations
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
Polish your brogues and rally the group chat—Sydney’s best Irish pubs are ready to pour. While St. Patrick’s Day on 17 March sees the Harbour City awash in green, you’ll find the spirit of Ireland alive and well here all year round.
What began as a feast day for Ireland’s patron saint has grown into a global celebration of Irish culture—complete with live folk music, hearty comfort food and, of course, impeccably poured pints of Guinness. From cosy, fire-warmed snug bars to sprawling multi-level locals where the craic kicks on late, Sydney’s Irish pubs deliver that warm, welcoming energy whether you’re chasing a Sunday session, a live trad band or just a proper pint.
Settle in—these are the best Irish pubs in Sydney for a taste of the Emerald Isle, no passport required.
The Fiddler
Commercial Road, Rouse Hill
Image credit: The Fiddler | Website
The Fiddler is a beautifully restored Irish pub that’s been serving up good times in Sydney’s west since the 1820s. There’s no shortage of spots to settle in here, including rustic and modern bars, a lush courtyard, a sprawling beer garden with an overhanging balcony, and stunning event spaces.
The Guinness pie is a menu standout, with house-made puff pastry packed with chunky beef cooked in Guinness and served with mushy peas, creamy mash, and gravy on the side.
Insider Intel
- If that’s not your thing, there’s also bistro classics like burgers, steaks, and pizzeria slinging crowd-pleasing pies.
Taphouse
122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst
Image credit: Taphouse | Supplied
A favourite local watering hole, the pillars of Darlo's favourite Irish pub, Taphouse, are epic ales, tunes and Chinese—a combination that’s just as sure to deliver great nights out for visitors to the inner-city suburb as a go-to spot for locals for weeknight feeds of prawn toast and seasonal stir-fries.
With a name like Taphouse, beer is a huge focus, so there’s something for everyone with 20 taps running, plus major sports and live DJs putting the updated sound system to work to round out the lively experience.
Insider Intel
- Taphouse also does a mean spice bag for fans who are familiar with the beloved Irish take on Chinese; their signature version comes with salt and pepper chicken, crispy chips and Irish curry sauce for the ultimate beer-paired snack.
Trinity Bar
Level 1/505 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: Trinity Bar | Instagram
Located on the corner of Crown and Devonshire streets in Surry Hills, Trinity Bar is a Sydney institution and for good reason. Open daily, this local Sydney pub serves traditional pub grub and prides itself as an inner city refuge for Surry Hills locals and out-of-towners alike.
The menu is classic, serving scotch fillet steak, burgers, spice bags, and parmies. The taps are a different story though, specialising in craft and emerging beer and ciders that’ll satisfy even the most serious craft beer fan—and yes, there's Guinness.
Insider Intel
- Monday's mean $10 pints of Guinness and $20 schitty and chips—get amongst it early in the week.
P.J. O'Brien's
57 King Street, Sydney CBD
Image credit: P.J. Obrien's | Instagram
Right in the heart of the CBD, P.J. O’Brien’s is a go-to for after-work pints, long lunches and lively weekends soundtracked by live music from Thursday to Sunday. A stalwart of Sydney’s Irish pub scene, it delivers that cosy, wood-panelled charm you want from a proper local—welcoming whether you’re a suited-up city worker or just passing through.
The menu leans into hearty Irish fare, with a standout beef and Guinness pie served with mash and mushy peas, traditional Irish stew, and Shay’s pork sausages with gravy. You’ll also find pub classics like schnitzels, burgers and beer-battered fish and chips, plus a cult-favourite spice bag tossed in McDonnells curry sauce. Finish strong with a layered chocolate Guinness cake topped with Jameson and Baileys icing.
Insider Intel
- Live music runs Thursday to Sunday, so time your visit accordingly—and don’t skip the Irish coffee.
Kelly's On King
283-285 King Street, Newtown
Image credit: Kelly's On King | Instagram
Right in the thick of King Street, Kelly’s On King brings big Irish pub energy to Newtown. Equal parts neighbourhood local and late-night playground, this lively spot is known for pouring one of the best pints of Guinness in Sydney—and for keeping the party going well past dinner.
Spread across multiple bars (plus a rooftop courtyard), Kelly’s is built for a proper session. There are pool tables, arcade games and karaoke, alongside weekly trivia, live bands and non-stop DJs every Friday. Hungry? The cult-favourite spice bag is a must, best paired with a pint and a crew ready to settle in.
Insider Intel
- Head up to the rooftop courtyard for a breather between dance floor sets—and keep an eye on their weekly events lineup before you go.
Molly Malone’s Irish Tavern
64 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills
Image credit: Molly Malone's Irish Tavern | Instagram
Just steps from Central Station, Molly Malone’s Irish Tavern is a long-standing Surry Hills favourite serving up hearty Irish hospitality in the heart of the action. Equal parts cosy local and weekend party spot, you'll duck in for a pint and end up staying for the live band.
On the food front, expect authentic pub fare that pairs perfectly with a well-poured Guinness—think comforting classics best enjoyed with a crowd.
Insider Intel
- There’s live music every weekend, plus trivia, poker nights and all the makings of a proper Irish session.
Scruffy Murphy's
43-57 Goulburn Street, Haymarket
Spanning three lively levels in the heart of the CBD, Scruffy Murphy’s is a classic Irish pub built for big nights and even bigger game days. There’s Grace’s Bar upstairs, the buzzing main floor, and The Celtic Bar downstairs—decked out in green and purpose-built for watching Celtic matches live and loud.
Entertainment runs seven nights a week, from karaoke and live bands to resident DJs and special events. It’s the kind of place where the dance floor fills fast and the energy doesn’t dip. When it comes to sport, Scruffy’s shows all the majors—UFC, NRL, AFL, rugby, EPL, SPL and GAA—so you won’t miss a minute.
Insider Intel
- Head to The Celtic Bar for a proper match-day atmosphere, especially during Celtic games—the crowd turns it up a notch.
Main image credit: Taphouse | Instagram
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