Irish Bar Budapest: Best Pubs, Atmosphere & Live Sports Guide
Budapest might not be the first city you think of for Irish pubs, but honestly, the scene here is thriving. These bars bring real Irish hospitality right into the heart of Hungary.
They offer more than just drinks—they're gathering spots for locals and tourists who want to watch live sports, eat hearty food, and soak up the kind of warm atmosphere Irish bars are famous for worldwide.
Budapest's Irish bars mix traditional pub culture with Hungarian hospitality. You’ll find everything from classic full Irish breakfasts and Guinness on tap to live Premier League football and rugby matches on big screens.
Several well-established venues have been serving the community for decades, each with its own quirks and loyal regulars. Whether you want to catch a match, tuck into fish and chips, or just have a pint in a friendly spot, Budapest’s Irish pubs deliver an experience that’s both familiar and a bit unique.
The city’s Irish bar scene covers a lot of ground—from lively sports bars packed on match days to cosier corners perfect for a quieter evening with friends.
Key Takeaways
Budapest has several established Irish pubs that offer authentic food, drinks, and atmosphere in the city centre
These venues show live Premier League football, Champions League, and rugby matches throughout the week
You can expect traditional Irish menu items like full Irish breakfasts, Guinness beef pie, and fish and chips alongside popular pub favourites
Top Irish Bars in Budapest
Budapest’s Irish pub scene brings together proper pints of Guinness, live sports, and real Irish hospitality. These spots serve up traditional Irish food, some Hungarian dishes, host live music nights, and make everyone—locals or visitors—feel welcome.
Becketts Irish Bar & Restaurant
Becketts Irish Bar has stood out as one of the city’s most established Irish venues since it first opened in 1994. After a brief closure, it reopened in 2015 at a new location but kept its reputation as a hub for expats, tourists, and locals.
The whiskey selection is extensive, and the menu features quality burgers and Irish classics. There’s a spacious outdoor seating area for those who want to enjoy their drinks and meals when the weather’s nice.
Becketts regularly broadcasts GAA football, rugby, and hurling matches, so sports fans can always count on catching the action. English-language comedy nights and weekly pub quizzes add to the fun.
The multicultural vibe makes it feel like a home away from home, especially for Irish expats and anyone craving familiar surroundings in Budapest’s city centre.
Jack Doyle's Irish Pub
Jack Doyle’s sits just behind the main shopping street, right in the middle of Budapest’s busiest district. Guinness flows from the taps, and there’s a solid range of UK beers and whiskeys to choose from.
The menu covers Irish and Hungarian dishes all day, including a full Irish breakfast if you’re feeling peckish. Sports broadcasts and live music keep the calendar busy, and the atmosphere gets especially lively on St Patrick’s Day, with singalongs breaking out more often than not.
During big sporting events or special occasions, the place fills up fast. You’ll want to book a table ahead of time rather than just showing up and hoping for the best.
Davy Byrne's Irish Pub
Davy Byrne’s takes a fresh approach to the Irish pub while keeping things authentic. The drink list goes beyond the basics, offering quality wines as well as draught beer, cider, and whiskey.
If you’re missing Tayto crisps, they’ve got a few flavours for sale. The English-speaking staff make international visitors feel right at home, and live broadcasts of rugby, football, hurling, and golf run daily.
Comedy nights and open mic sessions happen every week in the main bar. There’s also a Guinness Garden for private events. Since opening, the place has built a solid reputation for vibrant music nights.
James Joyce Irish Bar
James Joyce Irish Bar gives you another way to experience Irish pub culture in Budapest. The place sticks to traditional Irish pub aesthetics and serves up familiar food and drinks in a laid-back setting.
Regulars and newcomers alike appreciate the neighborhood vibe. The bar screens major sporting events and offers a comfortable spot for watching matches with friends or strangers. You’ll find classic Irish pub fare on the menu, plus some local options too.
Authentic Irish Atmosphere
Irish bars in Budapest really try to capture the warmth and character of pubs back in Ireland. Friendly service, classic décor, and music all come together to make you feel at home—almost like you’re in Dublin or Cork for the night.
Welcoming Staff and Service
The staff at Budapest’s Irish bars genuinely care about hospitality and keeping things relaxed. Bartenders know how to pour a proper pint and don’t mind chatting while you settle in.
Many bars either hire Irish staff or train their teams in traditional pub customs, so you get that authentic feel. The service is informal but attentive—regulars are greeted by name, and newcomers quickly feel like part of the gang.
You won’t get rushed or brushed off; the focus is on good conversation and genuine connection. That’s the kind of atmosphere that keeps people coming back. Whether you’re watching a match, meeting friends, or dining solo, the staff make sure you feel welcome but never hassled.
Traditional Décor and Music
Step into an Irish bar in Budapest and you’ll spot wooden furniture, Irish memorabilia, and those cosy snugs just like back in Ireland. Guinness signs, rugby jerseys, and vintage Irish posters cover the walls, and dark wood panelling with brass fixtures sets the mood.
Live music sessions—think traditional folk tunes or acoustic sets—happen regularly throughout the week. The music’s usually at just the right volume for chatting, not shouting.
With the familiar décor and live music, these places really do feel like a little slice of Ireland. No plane ticket required.
Food and Drink Offerings
Irish bars in Budapest serve up classic pub fare and drinks that cover the full range—from Irish pints to spirits and wine. Hearty meals and proper pours are the norm, just like you’d expect back home (or at least hope for).
Classic Irish Dishes
A full Irish breakfast is hands-down the most popular dish at these bars. You get bacon, sausages, eggs, black and white pudding, beans, and toast—served all day, whether you’re starting your morning or trying to recover from the night before.
Guinness pie is a staple too, with slow-cooked beef in a rich Guinness gravy under golden pastry. Fish and chips, bangers and mash, and Irish stew round out the classics.
Pub snacks like nachos with cheese and chicken tenders are there for when you want something to nibble while watching the match. Portions are generous, and prices stay reasonable by Budapest standards.
Signature Drinks
Guinness is always front and center on the drinks menu. Expect to pay about 2,500 HUF for a pint poured the right way. Irish whiskey is well represented, so you’re not short on options if you fancy a tipple.
Local beers like Soproni (1,600 HUF) sit alongside the Irish imports, which means you can try both while you’re here. Drinks are served cold and in proper glassware—nobody wants a warm pint.
Most bars show live football and rugby on big screens, and there’s always a crowd for Premier League and Champions League matches, pints in hand.
Wine and Modern Options
These days, Irish bars in Budapest stock wine to keep everyone happy. Red, white, or rosé—by the glass or bottle—you’ll find both Hungarian and international choices.
Hot chocolate and soft drinks are on hand if you’re skipping the booze. These options make the bars more welcoming for all sorts of groups and times of day. Even with the new additions, the traditional pub vibe sticks around.
Live Sports and Events
Irish bars in Budapest air all the big football matches, rugby tournaments, and GAA fixtures on multiple screens every week. Premier League games, Champions League nights, and international sporting events bring in both expats and locals.
Premier League and Football Coverage
You can catch Premier League matches at most Irish bars in town, with games showing all week on big screens. Matches like Liverpool vs Man City, Arsenal vs Chelsea, and Man United vs Spurs always draw a crowd, so get there early for a good seat.
Bars usually show several games at once across different screens. You’ll see Newcastle vs Brentford, Brighton vs Crystal Palace, and Arsenal vs Sunderlandalongside Championship games like Leeds vs Nottingham Forest. Most venues open early for weekend fixtures and stay open late for evening kick-offs.
Champions League nights pack the bars, especially when English teams play. The atmosphere gets electric during derbies and title-deciders, and the sound systems make sure you actually hear the commentary.
Rugby and GAA Matches
Rugby fans get coverage of Six Nations, international tests, and major club competitions. Both codes of rugby show up, though union matches usually pull bigger crowds.
GAA football and hurling are on during championship season. You’ll find Cork vs Tipperary, Limerick vs Kilkenny, and Waterford vs Offaly hurling matches live. Football fixtures like Bohemians vs St. Pats and Scottish games such as Celtic vs Dundee and Aberdeen vs Celtic get their share of screen time too.
The GAA coverage is a lifeline for Irish expats who want to keep up with their home counties. During championship weekends, some bars make GAA the main event—especially for All-Ireland semis and finals.
NFL and International Events
Some Irish bars in Budapest show NFL games during the American football season. Sunday and Monday night games get airtime, though the time difference means late starts for most folks.
Coverage varies—some bars show every primetime game, others stick to playoffs and the Super Bowl. There’s also room for big international events like World Cup matches, cricket tournaments, or Formula 1 races if enough people ask for it.
Notable Experiences and Unique Features
Irish pubs in Budapest host regular entertainment nights that pull in both expats and locals. Comedy shows, live music, pub quizzes, and themed parties all help create a social scene that stands apart from the city’s famous ruin bars like Szimpla Kert.
Comedy Nights and Live Music
Plenty of Irish bars in Budapest throw weekly comedy nights, usually midweek, with a mix of local and international stand-up acts. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual pub routine, honestly.
Live music? Absolutely. Traditional Irish folk sessions pop up all over the city, and you’ll hear them regularly if you know where to look.
Jack Doyle's Irish Pub keeps a busy schedule of live entertainment year-round. There are acoustic sets, tribute bands, and open mic nights that sometimes pull the crowd right up on stage.
The music leans heavily on Irish classics and a bunch of rock covers. It’s lively, but you can still hear your friends—usually.
Pub Quizzes and Themed Evenings
Pub quizzes are a staple, with most Irish bars sticking to a fixed night each week. Expect rounds on general knowledge, music, film, and sports, and prizes might be anything from a free pint to a meal voucher.
Themed evenings are a big deal for Irish holidays and major sporting events. St Patrick's Day is the real crowd magnet, while Six Nations rugby and Premier League matches turn pubs into lively hubs for fans.
Many spots go all-in on decorations and roll out special menus for these occasions. Around Halloween and Christmas, you’ll find themed parties that mix Irish traditions with a bit of Hungarian flair, which keeps things interesting for the city’s international crowd.
Tips for Visiting Irish Bars in Budapest
Irish bars in Budapest don’t run exactly like typical Hungarian places. Knowing a few practical things—like when to go, whether you need to book, and how to fit in—can really make your night smoother.
Best Times to Visit
If you’re after a quiet pint or some actual conversation, weekday afternoons and early evenings are your best bet. Things start to get busy around 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, especially when there’s live music or a big game on.
Match days are a different story. International rugby, football, and GAA games pull in serious crowds, with fans showing up early to claim prime seats. If you want to watch, plan to arrive at least an hour before kick-off or risk standing in the back.
St. Patrick's Day? It's wild. Every Irish pub in Budapest is packed—standing room only, tables are a distant dream, and the bar lines are long. The party usually kicks off in the afternoon and doesn’t wind down until late, with live music and plenty of extra events.
Table Reservations
Planning to visit Jack Doyle's or Becketts? You’ll need to book ahead, especially on weekends or for big matches. Most places let you reserve online or by calling, which is handy.
Smaller spots like Longford or Publin are a bit easier for walk-ins if you’re going at quieter times. Still, if you’re in a group of four or more, booking ahead is just smart—no matter the day. Most pubs don’t charge for reservations, though some might ask for a minimum spend during the busiest hours.
Local Etiquette
Order right at the bar—don’t hang around hoping for table service in most Irish pubs. Bartenders appreciate it when you queue up and know what you want by the time you get to the front.
Tipping’s pretty straightforward: either round up your bill or toss in about 10% if you’re happy with the service. You can pay by cash or card, but honestly, smaller places seem to lean toward cash for drinks.
Don’t count on table service unless you’re sitting in the restaurant area. There, a server will come over and take your order, which is a nice touch if you’re in the mood to linger.
English won’t trip you up—staff at Irish pubs usually speak it fluently. If you’re feeling social, why not jump into a pub quiz or catch a live music session? It’s a good way to soak up the vibe.
