World?s Best Irish Pub: US leading the way

More than 800 drinkers in 36 countries around the world have entered a contest to vote for the Best Irish Pub in the World outside the Emerald Isle, with establishments in countries including the UK, the US, the Philippines and even Mongolia all involved.

Among this that have already been voted for are Healy Mac’s in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, The Rising Sun in the Southeast nation of Laos and Bubbles O’Leary’s in the Ugandan capital Kampala.

However, when it comes to number of votes, the US is way in front with 328 votes, while, surprisingly, Austria is second with 89. Germany, the Netherlands and Australia make up the top five, with 65, 56 and 42 votes respectively.

Ireland is renowned for its pubs and almost every capital city in the world is home to at least one, while any well-travelled destination, whether it be a seaside resort or high in the hills, is likely to boast an Irish watering hole. Live sport, folk music and traditional pub grub are common features of such bars, which are viewed among many expats and travellers as a home away from home.

The world’s highest Irish bar is in the Peruvian city of Cusco, the starting point for the country’s most famous tourist attraction, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.