Sean's Bar in Ireland claims to be the oldest pub in the world - International Travel

Aug 12, 2024

It's the stuff of legends. No, really.

Australians may give the Irish a run for their money when it comes to pub enthusiasm but in terms of longevity, they’ve got our number.

Everyone loves a pub and few places in the world do it as well, or for as long as, the Irish. The simply named Sean’s Bar in Athlone is officially the oldest continually running pub in Ireland, and soon, the world. Established in 900CE, the pub boasts a fascinating history. Or at least it claims to.

According to the Sean’s Bar website, during renovations in 1970, workers uncovered the bar’s original walls made of “wattle and wicker” from the ninth century. They also found old coins minted by past landlords for trading with customers, and currency from patrons passing through. These historic treasures are now showcased at the National Museum, with a section still on display in the bar itself.

The proprietors have claimed to possess a list of “nearly all previous owners” going back centuries, potentially to the time of Luan, after whom Athlone town is named. Other historians believe the oldest parts of the current structure were only built in the 17th century but they’re no fun.

The open wood fireplace at Sean's Bar, Ireland

How old is Sean’s Bar in Ireland?

Claims that the Guinness Book of Records has thoroughly researched Sean’s Bar and officially recognised it as “The Oldest Pub in Ireland” are shared far and wide in Sean’s lore, however actually verifying this rumour is another story altogether. Particularly given that the Guinness Book of Records no longer monitor the category of oldest pub, or even includes it in recent releases, this may just be a tale conjured up over a few pints of Guinness.

The listed entry for Sean’s Bar on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage says that the current standing building was constructed around 1725 as a coaching inn which by 1738 was known as The Three Blackamoors Heads. The caveat is that the site “possibly contains the fabric of earlier buildings.”

Whether or not this is a tall Irish tale, the irony is not lost on us: the Guinness Book of Records was established by the synonymous brewery to settle pub debates. What we can confirm, however, is that Australia has a swag of ancient pubs if you want to step back in time at home.

The exterior of Sydney's oldest pub, the Fortune of War at dusk

The oldest pubs in Australia

Hope and Anchor, TAS – 1807
Established in 1807, the Hope and Anchor Tavern in Tasmania is technically Australia’s oldest continuously licensed pub. Periods of closure aside, the site has never lost its liquor license since opening.

The Bush Inn, TAS – 1815
This 26-room hotel has been operating continuously since 1815 and has been the site of many Australian firsts, including the first telephone call made in the Commonwealth. It’s also reported to house many, many ghosts.

Fortune of War, NSW – 1828
The Fortune of War dates from 1828 and is Sydney’s oldest pub, located in the heart of The Rocks. Restored to retain its old-world charm and character, the pub has weekly Irish music nights and outstanding views of the Harbour Bridge.

Rose and Crown, WA – 1841
Built in 1841, the Rose and Crown in Swan Valley is the oldest operating hotel in Western Australia and is a stunning example of Georgian-style architecture. Some claim that the arrival of the pub sparked an increase in criminal activity and the Guildford Courthouse and Gaol was established soon after.

Merrijig Inn, VIC – 1845
The Port Fairy mainstay, the Merrijig Inn was established in 1845 as part of the town’s overhaul by the council. Now, the Merrijig is a foodie destination with chef Tanya Connellan at the helm.

Nindigully Pub, QLD – 1864
A favourite of sheep-shearers since the mid-1800s, Nindigully – or “The Gully” – is a hotspot for history buffs, with memorabilia on the walls and the Akubra’s of generations of swagmen lining the bar.