Irish Pubs In Edinburgh

Edinburgh might be Scotland’s capital, but when it comes to warm welcomes, hearty pours of Guinness, and the irresistible sound of trad music spilling onto cobbled streets, it proudly flies a bit of green, white, and orange too. 

From historic haunts that feel lifted straight from Temple Bar to lesser-known gems, Edinburgh’s Irish pubs blend tradition with local charm and live musicFinnegan’s and Biddy Mulligans, we're looking at you. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best of them - whether you’re a homesick Dubliner, a curious local, or just after a bit of that legendary Irish hospitality, pint in hand. 

Irish Pubs: Edinburgh's Best

Last edited by Marcus Sanigar

Last updated on 3rd November 2025




1. Finnegan's Wake, Edinburgh

  • Where: 9B Victoria Street, Edinburgh Old Town, EH1 2HE
  • What to expect: live music and high energy, as well as a cracking pint ogf Guinness

Looking for an Irish pub in Edinburgh Old Town? Tucked away just off Edinburgh's bustling Royal Mile, Finnegan's Wake is the kind of boozer you head into for a pint and end up staying 'til closing time - dancing, laughing, and maybe even belting out a ballad or two.

Marked by its iconic green door and glowing emerald lights, this lively spot is full of Irish spirit and boasts a spacious dancefloor begging for a dance, and live music that keeps the energy high all night long. It's open seven days a week and is always ready to welcome you in for a pint of Guinness. Their menu is also packed with classic cocktails - think Tommy's margaritas, espresso martinis, and shot-tails for those 'one more for the road' moments.

2. Malones Edinburgh

  • Where: 242 Morrison Street, Haymarket, EH3 8DT
  • What to expect: live music, TV screens showing live sports and a 250 strong whiskey list

Located in Edinburgh's vibrant West End, Malones is the award-winning Irish bar that's become a local legend. With its electric atmosphere, unbeatable pints of Guinness, and a crowd-pleasing lineup of Tennant's lager, it's the ultimate destination for those craving great drinks, fantastic music, and the perfect place to catch up with friends.

Split across two levels, the venue offers a lively downstairs bar and an upstairs space that doubles as a versatile function room, complete with a stage, top-tier sound system, and enough Ultra HD screens to satisfy any sports fan. Famous for its commitment to live music, Malones is home to local talent every Thursday through Sunday. And with a whiskey menu that boasts over 250 bottles from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond, it's a haven for aficionados and casual drinkers alike. 

3. Biddy Mulligans

Student Drinks Offer and 1 other offer

  • Where: 94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh Old Town, EH1 2JR
  • What to expect: classic Irish food and pub atompsheere, as well as the smallest boozer in Scotland next door 

Biddy Mulligans brings the best of Irish pub culture to the heart of Scotland. With a reputation for offering live music every single night, this lively spot is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're here for the famously smooth pints, a rich bowl of Irish lamb stew, or to dance along to a local band, there's always something exciting happening.

Open all week long, the boozer serves up a delicious range of dishes, from classic breakfast options like smashed avocado toast to hearty meals like Jameson sausage rolls and vegan fish and chips. And don't miss their cocktail menu, packed with creative twists that bring a taste of Dublin to Edinburgh. For those seeking something extra special, The Wee Pub next door is Scotland's smallest pub, offering an intimate setting perfect for a quiet drink.

Malones Leith

2-4-1 Wings Tuesday-Thursday.

  • Where:  48 – 52 Constitution Street, Leith, EH6 6RS
  • What to expect: traditional pub vibes, fine dining and plenty of Guinness

With its aged wooden interiors and throwback bar signs, Malones Leith is everything you want from a traditional Irish bar. Owned and operated by renowned publicans from the Emerald Isle, the Keane family, it serves up traditional live music, a warm welcome and the obligatory Guinness mural - not to mention a National Pub & Bar Award.

When you're not sipping on pints of the Black Stuff, you can sample its signature Smugglers vodka and gin, plus freshly caught seafood and Ireland-spired dishes from head chef Ruxi Mirton-Teng, formerly of the Michelin-starred Heron restaurant.

4. Dropkick Murphys

  • Where: 7 Merchant Street, Edinburgh Old Town, EH1 2QD
  • What to expect: a rugby lovers haven with TV screens showing sports and a vintage clothing shop 

Tucked just off the Cowgate and overlooking the iconic Grassmarket, Dropkick Murphys is one of the city's liveliest Irish pubs. Inside, it's decked out with rugby shirts and sports memorabilia, giving it a warm and characterful charm that instantly feels like home.

The bar is fitted with multiple large screens showing major sporting events, and the drinks menu ranges from iconic Irish pints to creative cocktails. Adding a unique twist, the pub also houses a vintage clothing shop featuring retro GAA gear and international sportswear. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds supports Trócaire, an Irish charity dedicated to tackling poverty and injustice around the world.

5. Kitty O'Shea's

  • Where: 43B Frederick Street, North of Edinburgh Old Town, EH2 1EP
  • What to expect: a lively pub with live music and a dedicated Guinness room 

Nestled below street level on Frederick Street - just a stone's throw from Princes Street - Kitty O'Shea's is a lively, no-frills Irish pub that packs a punch when it comes to atmosphere. From 6pm until 3am every night, the pub comes alive with performances from local musicians, making it a must-visit for fans of traditional tunes and upbeat sing-alongs. 

The basement setting gives the space an endearing charm, with quirky corners like the cosy Guinness Room or the music-filled Aggies, perfect for everything from low-key pints to full-throttle nights out. For the bold (or the thirsty), there's even a legendary £50 pint of stout - a massive pour equal to seven regular pints, designed to be shared.