Best Rugby Bars in the UK and Ireland

By Jessica Russo

 

On cold, wintry Sundays, American bars become jam-packed with football-jersey-wearing mega-fans (okay, more like rowdy people spilling beer). And, just like Americans are obsessed with football, people across the pond are - dare we say - even more obsessed with rugby.

Of course, attending a match at a rugby stadium is always fun, but there's something special about huddling up with fellow fans at a beloved local rugby bar and watching it on the big screen. So, because we want you to have as much fun as we've had, here's a list of our favorite places to watch the Six Nations scrum it out in the UK and Ireland.

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London, England

Photo by Instagram user @akimita

Rugby Tavern

19 Great James St

A friendly, local feel in central London? Is that possible? At this traditional pub, it sure is. Located right near the British Museum, this is the perfect place to grab a pint and watch a match!

Famous 3 Kings

171 North End Rd

This bar, F3K, as some locals refer to it, will fulfill all of your "England sports bar" dreams. You'll never say "I can't see" because, well, the walls of this pub are practically covered in big screens. Cheer with the locals and order up some pub grub!

Photo by Instagram user @ukpubs

The Faltering Fullback

19 Perth Rd, Finsbury Park

Nestled on a charming corner in Finsbury Park near Arsenal Station, sits this pretty little pub. Ooh and aah at the lush plants growing throughout this gorgeous garden-like pub. There's no prettier place to relax with a drink and watch a match!

The Cabbage Patch

67 London Rd, Twickenham

You can't get much closer to actually being at a match than this. Located just a stone's throw from Twickenham Stadium, you can practically hear fans cheering from the sidelines. Sip on great beer and crisp cider, nosh on some yummy snacks, and admire the rugby-themed decor that fills this iconic pub.

 

Edinburgh, Scotland

Photo by Instagram user @the3sistersbaredinburgh

The Three Sisters

139 Cowgate

We have four words for you: get. ready. to. party. This picturesque pub is so quintessentially Scottish, with its stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and outdoor courtyard, you'll feel like you're in a movie! Grab a pint, join the crowd, and sing rugby songs together! Or, pretend to know the words...

Teuchters

26 William St

This buzzin' bar is a popular stop for rugby fans traveling to and from Murrayfield Stadium! Cheer on with locals and choose from a whisky selection that extends far beyond your wildest dreams.

 

Cardiff, Wales

Photo by Instagram user @ltannock

Queens Vaults

29 Westgate St

This traditional Welsh pub will make you feel like you're in a movie. Nestled on a picturesque corner in Cardiff, Queens Vaults becomes packed with rugby fans on game days. Get here early to get a table!

The Gatekeeper

9-10 Westgate St

One of the top, most raved-about pubs in Cardiff, The Gatekeeper is the perfect spot to enjoy an ale and watch a match. Wait, didn't this place used to be a theater? You betcha'! No wonder this place looks so cool. Its large, uniquely raised dining area is one of our favorite places to kick back and relax.

Photo by Instagram user @cardiffbierkeller

Shooter's

Stadium Plaza, Wood St

If you ask any local, they'll tell you to go watch rugby at Shooter's. With tons of comfy seating, theatre-like big screens, and ping-pong tables to keep you occupied during commercials, Shooter's just can't be beat. Not to mention, it's so close to Principality Stadium you'll feel like you're there. Add yummy food and good beer into the mix, too!
Pro-tip: Keep in mind that, like every sport, rugby runs in seasons. While some matches are still held throughout the year, the main Six Nations season is from (roughly) February to early April.

 

Dublin, Ireland

Searsons

42-44 Baggot Street Upper

This bar is so old-school pretty you'll think, "how is this a sports bar?" Step into this 1920s-style space flooded with natural light from endless skylights. Why not step out onto the back courtyard? Whether you're there for a rugby match or not, Searsons is the spot. With that being said, go for a rugby match. This historic Dublin pub was made for rugby-watching.

Photo by Instagram user @bzuidgeest

Sinnott's

South King Street

Prepare for a packed house at this traditional Irish pub. Sure, it'll be crowded, but Sinnotts is one of those places you just have to go to - and go hungry. Not only does this spot have some yummy pub food, it offers delicious specials from their carvery menu! Located right off St. Stephen's Green, this spot is the Dublin sports pub of your dreams.

Photo by Instagram user @memymoxxs

The Swan

58 York Street

This beautiful Victorian bar is not only owned by a former rugby player, but was also operated by him during his career! Step into this old-world traditional Irish pub and be greeted by local rugby fans, just like you're one of them.

Trinity Bar

46-47 Dame St

Right down the block from legendary Temple Bar, you'll find great beer and a laid-back party vibe at Trinity Bar. Why not just go to Temple Bar? Well, you should go to Temple Bar, but not to watch a rugby match. Trinity is filled with TV screens and sports fans, and makes the perfect place to hoot and holler during a game.

Photo by Instagram user @thelivingroomdublin

The Living Room

Cathal Brugha St, Rotunda

A quick 10-minute walk from the Ha'penny Bridge, The Living Room is known to have some of the biggest TV screens in all of Dublin. A beer garden and weekend DJs, too? You got that right. Shoot some pool, camp out at a picnic table, and cheer on with the crowds around you. This is the spot for a real Dublin rugby party.

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