The Most Popular Beer in Ireland, Ranked

Choose the beer you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 06:52
In the cozy taverns of Ireland, the debate over which beer tastes the best is a common occurrence among locals and tourists alike. People's preferences can vary widely, influenced by factors such as individual taste, regional pride, and heritage. A well-organized ranking can serve as a guide for newcomers eager to delve into the Irish beer scene and for connoisseurs looking to affirm their choices. By voting for your preferred brew, you help paint a clearer picture of the public's favorites, shaping a democratic and current snapshot of tastes across Ireland. Such a ranking not only informs but also engages the community, encouraging everyone to actively participate in celebrating their beloved drinks. This involvement can foster a sense of connection and pride in local produce among both residents and visitors.

What Is the Most Popular Beer in Ireland?

  1. 1
    45
    votes
    Guinness is the most popular beer in Ireland and has been brewed in Dublin since 1759. It has a rich, creamy taste and is enjoyed all over the world.
    Guinness is a rich and creamy stout beer renowned for its distinct dark color and smooth velvety texture. It is one of the most iconic beers in the world, known for its exceptional balance of flavors. The unique combination of roasted malt, barley, and hops gives Guinness its unparalleled taste, with hints of coffee, chocolate, and a subtle bitterness. The creamy head adds a satisfying texture to each sip, making it a pleasure to drink from start to finish.
    • Alcohol by volume (ABV): 4.2%
    • Color: Deep dark ruby red to black
    • Calories: 125 per 12 fl oz (355 mL)
    • International Bitterness Units (IBU): 45-60
    • Original Gravity (OG): 1.048 - 1.052
  2. 2
    21
    votes
    Smithwick's is a red ale that has been brewed in Kilkenny since 1710. It has a smooth, malty taste and is the second most popular beer in Ireland.
    Smithwick's is a popular Irish red ale known for its rich ruby-red color and smooth, malty taste. It is often described as a well-balanced beer with hints of caramel and fruity notes, which make it highly enjoyable for beer enthusiasts.
    • Type: Irish Red Ale
    • Color: Ruby-red
    • Taste: Smooth and malty
    • Flavor Notes: Caramel and fruity
    • Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
  3. 3
    20
    votes
    Bulmers is a cider that has been produced in County Tipperary since 1935. It is also known as Magners in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. It has a crisp, refreshing taste and is popular with both men and women.
    Bulmers, known as Magners outside of Ireland, is a popular alcoholic cider produced in Ireland. It is made from a blend of apples, giving it a crisp and refreshing taste. Bulmers/Magners has gained significant popularity among both locals and tourists for its distinct flavor and quality.
    • Type: Cider
    • Origin: Ireland
    • Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
    • Ingredients: Apples (blend)
    • Serving Temperature: Chilled
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    Kilkenny is a creamy, red ale that is similar in taste to Smithwick's. It is brewed in Kilkenny and is named after the city.
    Kilkenny is a charming city located in the southeast of Ireland, renowned for its rich medieval heritage and stunning architecture. Nestled along the banks of the River Nore, it captivates visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, historic sites, and warm hospitality.
    • Medieval Architecture: Kilkenny is celebrated for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral.
    • Kilkenny Castle: The magnificent Kilkenny Castle, built in the 12th century, is a significant landmark and a representation of Norman architectural grandeur.
    • Smithwick's Brewery: Home to the famous Smithwick's Brewery, Kilkenny offers a unique opportunity to explore the brewing heritage of Ireland.
    • Annual Festivals: Kilkenny hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as the Kilkenny Arts Festival and the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, attracting artists and performers worldwide.
    • Rich Cultural Heritage: With its medieval roots, Kilkenny boasts a wealth of cultural treasures, including historic churches, museums, art galleries, and traditional Irish pubs.
  5. 5
    15
    votes

    Harp Lager

    Arthur Guinness & Son
    Harp Lager is a pale lager that was first brewed in Dublin in 1960. It has a light, refreshing taste and is popular with both locals and tourists.
    Harp Lager is a popular ale known for its crisp and refreshing taste. It is brewed using a unique combination of malted barley and hops, resulting in a smooth and balanced flavor profile. This golden lager offers a clean and slightly bitter finish, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts worldwide.
    • Type: Lager
    • ABV: 4.5%
    • Color: Golden
    • IBU: 20
    • Aroma: Mild hop notes with bread-like maltiness
    Harp Lager in other rankings
  6. 6
    10
    votes

    Murphy's Irish Stout

    Murphy Brewery
    Murphy's Irish Stout is a dark, creamy stout that is brewed in Cork. It has a rich, smooth taste and is often compared to Guinness.
    Murphy's Irish Stout is a rich and smooth traditional Irish stout that originated in Cork, Ireland. It is known for its deep black color, velvety texture, and creamy white head. The roasted malt flavors dominate the palate, offering notes of dark chocolate and coffee. Despite its robust flavors, Murphy's Irish Stout has a relatively low bitterness, making it an enjoyable and easy-to-drink beer for stout enthusiasts.
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.0%
    • International Bitterness Units (IBU): 30
    • Color: Dark brown to black
    • Aroma: Roasted malt, coffee, dark chocolate
    • Taste: Roasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee
  7. 7
    15
    votes

    Beamish Irish Stout

    Beamish & Crawford Brewery
    Beamish Irish Stout is another dark, creamy stout that is brewed in Cork. It has a slightly sweeter taste than Murphy's and is a popular alternative to Guinness.
    Beamish Irish Stout is a well-known and widely consumed beer in Ireland. It is a classic dry stout with a rich and smooth taste, known for its roasted malt flavor and hints of coffee and chocolate. The beer has a creamy texture and a dark appearance, due to the use of roasted barley. Beamish Irish Stout delivers a satisfying and robust drinking experience.
    • Beer Style: Dry Stout
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.1%
    • Color: Dark Brown to Black
    • Bitterness (IBU): 30-45
    • Malt: Roasted Barley
  8. 8
    5
    votes

    Galway Hooker

    Galway Hooker Brewery
    Galway Hooker is an Irish pale ale that is brewed in County Galway. It has a hoppy, citrusy taste and is popular with craft beer enthusiasts.
    The Galway Hooker is a beloved Irish craft beer that has gained popularity both locally and internationally. It is a traditional Irish Pale Ale, known for its distinct hoppy flavor and smooth drinkability. The beer takes its name from the iconic Galway Hooker boats which were traditionally used for fishing and transporting goods along the coast of Ireland.
    • Style: Irish Pale Ale
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.3%
    • International Bitterness Units (IBU): 29
    • Color: Amber
    • Hops: Cascade, Centennial
  9. 9
    7
    votes

    O'Hara's Irish Stout

    Carlow Brewing Company
    O'Hara's Irish Stout is a dark, rich stout that is brewed in Carlow. It has a bold, roasted flavor and is a favorite among beer connoisseurs.
    O'Hara's Irish Stout is a rich and robust stout that proudly represents the traditional Irish brewing heritage. It is known for its smooth and velvety texture, with a deep black color and a thick tan head. The flavor profile features notes of roasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of caramel sweetness.
    • ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 4.3%
    • IBU (International Bitterness Units): 41
    • Color: Black
    • Availability: Year-round
    • Glassware: Pint glass
  10. 10
    7
    votes

    Franciscan Well Rebel Red

    Franciscan Well Brewery
    Franciscan Well Rebel Red is a red ale that is brewed in Cork. It has a malty, caramel flavor and is a popular choice in pubs across Ireland.
    Franciscan Well Rebel Red is a popular Irish beer known for its rich flavor and balanced profile. It falls into the category of Irish Red Ale and is a favorite among beer enthusiasts in Ireland and beyond.
    • Body: Medium body
    • Style: Irish Red Ale
    • ABV: 4.3%
    • Color: Amber red
    • Aroma: Toffee, caramel, and toasted malt

Missing your favorite beer?

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Ranking factors for popular beer

  1. Sales volume
    Sales figures can be a strong indicator of popularity. This can be measured by assessing the overall sales across retail and on-premise channels, as well as in terms of market share.
  2. Brand recognition
    The familiarity, perception, and visibility of a beer brand among the general population can provide insights into its popularity. This can be gauged through surveys, brand rankings and awards, and social media visibility.
  3. Consumer ratings and reviews
    Online ratings and reviews can provide a more subjective view of a beer's popularity based on taste, quality, and overall satisfaction. Websites like RateBeer, BeerAdvocate, and Untappd offer extensive consumer reviews for Irish beers.
  4. Availability and distribution
    For a beer to be popular, it must be widely accessible both domestically and internationally. Distribution networks, retail availability, and presence in bars and restaurants should also be factored into a beer's popularity.
  5. Awards and accolades
    Beers that have received national or international recognition for taste, quality, or innovation are likely to be more popular among discerning drinkers.
  6. Price
    The affordability of a beer may also contribute to its popularity. Beers that are perceived as providing good value for money may be more appealing to a broader range of consumers.
  7. Marketing and advertising
    Effective marketing campaigns can have a significant impact on a beer's popularity. This may include brand partnerships, sponsorships, and engaging advertising efforts.
  8. Innovation and uniqueness
    Beers that offer something new and different, such as unusual flavors or brewing methods, may attract more attention and become more popular among adventurous drinkers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular beer in Ireland. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 5751 views
  • 151 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beer once every 24 hours. The rank of each beer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular beer in ireland

Ireland is known for its rich culture, history, and traditions, including its world-famous beer. The country has a long-standing love affair with the drink, and it has been an integral part of Irish society for centuries. From the iconic Guinness to the crisp taste of Smithwick's, Ireland is home to many beloved beer brands that have become household names around the world. In this article, we explore the most popular beer in Ireland, as voted by the people themselves through our extensive StrawPolls. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's no denying the significance of beer in Irish culture, and we're excited to share the results of our research with you.

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