McSorleys Irish Bar

The 2018 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £7.95 (+p&p).

With live music every night, regular sponsorship of local university sport teams, lots of student-focused nights, a reliable pint of Guinness and a good value bar menu, it’s safe to say the craic is strong in this one. Sure, McSorley's (formerly Malones) is far from sophisticated – in fact, in terms of décor it’s a little rough round the edges – but they know what they’re doing and they do it well. The huge bar really comes to life during big sporting fixtures, when rugby as well as Gaelic football and hurling draw in the crowds, but there’s always a genuine welcome from the friendly bar staff who take their responsibilities towards the younger drinking crowd seriously. Food-wise, the focus is on burgers, nachos and sharing platters but there’s also Irish soda bread to accompany the soup and a slow-cooked Irish stew for those craving a more traditional taste of home.