7 of the World’s Most Remote Irish Pubs

The Irish Pub is a landmark in Namche Bazaar, a Khumbu village known as the gateway to the Himalayas. At its lowest point, the village has an elevation of 11,386 feet/ 3,440 meters, making this the world’s highest Irish pub. Popular with those looking to acclimatize to high altitude before attempting an Everest climb, the pub is adorned with international flags and a sign that reads “There are no strangers here, only friends that haven’t met”. This sentiment is apt, as the pub is well-known for its mountaineering camaraderie. Opt for a pint of Guinness by the fireplace, or for traditional Sherpa beverages including the millet-based alcohol tongba. From the bar stock to the pool table, everything in the bar arrived there via yak train or on the backs of Nepalese porters. 

The Dublin is located in Ushuaia, a Patagonian town nicknamed the “End of the World” where the Andes Mountains meet the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean. It is the world’s southernmost Irish pub, and a popular drinking spot for those about to embark on Antarctic expeditions or for skiers enjoying the nearby slopes. Its exterior is modest, with a basic structure of green-painted corrugated iron. Inside, the dimly lit interior is made cosy by shamrock and leprechaun-themed memorabilia, while the bar serves the de rigueur pints of Guinness and shots of Jameson whiskey. One can also sample craft beers from the local Beagle Brewery, named after the Beagle Channel and HMS Beagle, the ship made famous by Charles Darwin. 

Situated on Seoul Street in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, Dublin Irish Pub claims to be the first Irish pub in Mongolia. Today, Ulaanbaatar is a bustling metropolis whose population accounts for nearly half of the people in Mongolia. The success of the Dublin Irish Pub has seen an influx of Irish watering holes — so much so that the capital’s nightlife scene is dominated by Gaelic pubs. The original remains one of the best and most authentic, however, although purists will likely claim that the atmosphere is still a long way from that of a real Dublin boozer. Nevertheless, Dublin Irish Pub offers televised sport and cold pints of Guinness, accompanied by good European music. If you fancy making a night of it, you’ll find sprawling Grandkhaan Irish Pub on the same street. 

As one of the world’s fastest growing cities, the Ugandan capital of Kampala can hardly be considered remote — and yet, it’s still off the beaten track for most travelers. As such, Irish pub Bubbles O’Leary’s comes as something of a surprise — especially when one learns that much of the pub was actually imported from Ireland. In 2003, the pub’s owner Nigel Sutton purchased the furniture from a condemned pub in Drogheda, County Louth and shipped the pieces (including the front door and the bar itself) to Africa. A born-and-bred Irishman, Sutton keeps the spirit of the Emerald Isle alive in his Kampala pub, with pub food favorites served alongside ubiquitous pints of Guinness at tables in the social beer garden. 

In terms of remoteness, it’s hard to beat The Irish Pub in Tórshavn. With a name that translates as “Thor’s Harbor”, Tórshavn is the capital of the far-flung Faroe Islands — a rugged archipelago located half way between Iceland and Norway in the middle of the icy Norwegian Sea. The Irish Pub is a beacon of warmth for those looking to escape the harsh Faroese weather. The bar serves iconic Irish beers from brands like Caffrey’s and Bulmers, while kitchen specialties include Irish steak and traditional fish and chips. There’s live sport on TV, and regular live music on weekends (with a focus on Celtic bands, of course). The pub is unique to Tórshavn and decorated with memorabilia imported from Ireland.  

Located on the riverbank in the southern Cambodian city of Kampot, Oh Neil’s is a favorite spot for expats and travelers. The pub’s traditional bamboo exterior blends in with its exotic surroundings, but contrasts with the authentic Irish atmosphere inside. Here, shamrock decor vies for space alongside classic rock memorabilia, while the soundtrack harks back to the rock n’ roll heyday of the 70s and 80s. Alongside Irish staples, the bar serves local and imported craft beers, while the menu includes global offerings ranging from curry to nachos. This cosmopolitan revamp of the traditional Irish pub goes well with Oh Neil’s setting in the heart of Kampot, a city known for blending South East Asian culture with colonial French architecture. 

Paddy’s Irish Pub claims to be the highest Irish-owned pub in the world, and at 11,156 feet/ 3,400 meters, it’s not far behind the pub in Namche Bazaar in terms of elevation. The pub is situated in Cusco, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas and the gateway for Machu Picchu. In an area of great scenic and architectural beauty, Paddy’s Irish Pub offers a taste of Ireland with a bar roster that includes Guinness, Jameson and several Irish ales. The pub’s food is similarly authentic, featuring Gaelic staples ranging from shepherd’s pie to all-day Irish breakfast. It’s also possible to sample Cusco’s local culture at Paddy’s Irish Pub. The bar serves Peruvian pisco sours, while the building’s architecture evokes the Spanish colonial era.