Tony2Phone's mention of Lowry's on another thread reminded me of this website that is a pretty nice guide to some of the best whiskey pubs in Ireland:
http://www.irelandwhiskeytrail.com/home.php
I've been to a couple of these like the previously mentioned Lowry's in Clifden. Even if you're not a fan of whiskey these are really nice pubs to visit. Last year I visited both Lowry's and O'Lochlainn's in Ballyvaughn. O'Lochlainn's is one of the most relaxing, cozy, just beautiful little pubs I've ever been in. Doesn't open until the evening though.
http://www.irelandwhiskeytrail.com/home.php
One pub that used to be and should be on this list is O'Donaghues in Fanore, Clare. Not sure why it was pulled from this list? But this pub alone (not to mention the scenery) is worth driving along the coast in County Clare north towards Galway Bay. You can't miss it as it's color makes it visible from a few miles away it seems.
