Amsterdam might not immediately come to mind when thinking about Guinness abroad, but the city actually has a surprisingly strong Irish pub scene. Whether you are over for a weekend city break from Ireland, on a stag do, or simply craving a proper pint while exploring the canals, there are several pubs in Amsterdam that pour an excellent Guinness. Prices are definitely higher than back home, with most pints sitting around the €9 mark depending on the pub and location, but quality across the better Irish bars in the city is consistently strong.
Over several trips to Amsterdam, these four pubs stood out most for atmosphere, location and of course the quality of the Guinness itself.
Aran Irish Pub
Location: Max Euweplein 73
Aran Irish Pub is one of the better located Irish pubs in Amsterdam and works particularly well if you are staying around Rembrandtplein or exploring the central canal area. The pub has a proper traditional Irish feel without seeming overly touristy, which is not always easy to find in Amsterdam city centre. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and relaxed with dark wood interiors, live sport regularly shown and a crowd that usually feels like a mix of locals, expats and visitors from Ireland and the UK.
The Guinness here is genuinely very good and consistently poured properly. The staff clearly know what they are doing and it shows in the quality of the pint. Expect to pay around €9 for a Guinness, which unfortunately is fairly standard across Amsterdam now, especially in central locations.
One thing that makes Aran stand out slightly is that it feels like somewhere you could comfortably spend an entire evening rather than simply stopping for one pint. It has enough atmosphere to work for both daytime drinks and late night sessions. Because of its central location, it is also a useful meeting point before heading toward the nightlife around Rembrandtplein or Leidseplein later in the evening.
St James Gate
Location: Rembrandtplein
St James Gate is probably one of the most well known Irish pubs in Amsterdam and sits in the bustling Rembrandtplein. The location alone makes it popular with tourists and groups visiting for weekends away, but despite the heavy foot traffic, the Guinness remains reliably good.
The pub itself has a lively atmosphere most evenings, especially during major football or rugby matches. If you are travelling over from Ireland for a weekend, there is a good chance this pub will already be on your radar. It attracts plenty of Irish visitors and often feels like a temporary extension of Dublin or Cork on busy weekends.
Guinness quality is strong here and served cold with a good head. Again, expect pricing around the €9 mark. Amsterdam is simply an expensive city for pints now, especially imported stout, so there is little variation between the better pubs.
One thing worth mentioning is the energy around the area at night. Rembrandtplein is one of Amsterdam’s busiest nightlife spots and St James Gate fits naturally into that atmosphere. It is probably the best option on this list if you are looking for somewhere lively before a night out. The pub can become very busy later in the evening, particularly on weekends, but that adds to the atmosphere rather than taking away from it.
Mulligans
Location: Amstel 100
Mulligans is arguably the most famous Irish pub in Amsterdam among people specifically searching for a proper Guinness. Located close to the Amstel river and not far from Rembrandtplein, it has built a strong reputation over the years and is often recommended by both locals and Irish visitors alike.
The pub itself is smaller and more traditional in feel than somewhere like St James Gate. That smaller size actually works in its favour because it creates a more authentic atmosphere. There is usually a good crowd inside without it feeling overly commercial or tourist focused. It feels more like a genuine local Irish pub that simply happens to be in Amsterdam.
The Guinness here is excellent and probably the closest to an Irish pint out of the pubs mentioned. Staff take pride in the pour and it is one of those places where you can immediately tell Guinness is a major part of the pub’s identity rather than simply another drink on tap. Pricing is again around €9.
Mulligans is also well known for live Irish music sessions which add massively to the overall atmosphere. If you are visiting Amsterdam and want somewhere that genuinely feels Irish rather than just branded as Irish, this is probably the strongest option in the city. It works especially well for a quieter evening compared to some of the louder nightlife pubs nearby.
O’Donnell’s
Location: Ferdinand Bolstraat 5
O’Donnell’s is another very solid option for Guinness in Amsterdam and tends to attract a slightly more relaxed crowd compared to some of the busier Irish bars in the city centre. Located near Leidseplein, it is perfectly positioned if you are staying around that side of Amsterdam or planning nights out in the surrounding area. The pub itself has a comfortable atmosphere with plenty of seating and a more laid back feel during the day before becoming busier in the evenings.
The Guinness quality here is very good and consistently reliable. Staff pour it properly and there is clearly decent turnover, which always helps. Expect pricing similar to the rest of the city at roughly €9 per pint. While that price would certainly raise eyebrows back in Ireland, it is fairly normal for Amsterdam in 2026.
One of the advantages of O’Donnell’s is the surrounding area. Leidseplein is one of the main nightlife hubs in Amsterdam with endless bars, clubs and restaurants nearby, so the pub works well either as a starting point for the night or somewhere to finish after exploring the area. It is also convenient for tourists staying near Vondelpark or Museumplein.
Conclusion
Overall, Amsterdam has no shortage of Irish pubs, but genuinely good Guinness is a different story. Thankfully, these four pubs all deliver quality pints alongside strong atmospheres and excellent locations around the city. While paying close to €9 for a Guinness might take some adjustment for Irish visitors, the quality in these pubs generally justifies it by Amsterdam standards.
If you are visiting Amsterdam from Ireland and craving a proper pint of Guinness between canal walks, coffees and sightseeing, you will not go far wrong with any of these spots.
Until next time, slán agus beannacht!
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