THERE ARE PINTS. And then there are pints that come with some of the most spectacular scenery in western Europe.

These are the second kind.

1. Smugglers Creek Inn, Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal

Source: Smugglers Creek/Facebook

Watch the surfers on Rossnowlagh Bay, or just sit back and regard the wide sweep of the Atlantic.

2. O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar, Roundstone, Connemara

You *could* sit inside the bar and eat seafood. But of a summer evening, the real action is sitting out at the roadside and watching the light on Roundstone harbour.

3. The Blue Light, Stepaside, Dublin mountains

Source: The Blue Light Pub/Facebook

The definitive view over the capital. (Or at least, the definitive view you can enjoy while holding a freshly poured pint.)

4. The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast

Source: Neil Rickards

The only indoor view on this list, and for good reason. The Crown has an incredible interior shaped in 1885 by Italian craftsmen – who were working on a church down the road, and were persuaded by the landlord to moonlight by outfitting his pub. Take a seat at the bar and watch the politics around the beautifully-carved snugs.

5. Dawros Bay Hotel, Portnoo, Co Donegal

Source: Michael Freeman

Looking out across the bay toward Glencolumbkille, often with only the birds for company.

6. Cliff House Hotel bar, Ardmore, Waterford

Source: Cliff House Hotel/Facebook

Is it Michelin stars you’re wanting? Because you’ll find them in the restaurant next door. The bar, meanwhile, serves up pints and more low-key food in one of the most spectacular settings in the south-east.

7. Gravity Bar, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

Source: Kristian Lindqvist

Yes, it’s owned by a giant multinational corporation. But where else can you see Dublin like this? The Gravity Bar is genuinely one of the capital’s most awe-inspiring views. And the pints are honestly pretty good.

9. O’Sullivan’s, Crookhaven, Cork

Source: O'Sullivan's Bar/Facebook

We’ll just say this: try the open crab sandwich.

10. Neachtain’s, Galway

Source: Tigh Neachtain/Facebook

Perhaps the most perfect people-watching spot in Ireland is a table outside this Galway institution. Watch the masses on Quay Street go by, safe in the knowledge that you’ve got a comfy seat and a pint in your hand.*

11. Ladies View Bar, Killarney

Source: ritesh3

Okay, full disclosure. From outside, this pub doesn’t look like much. But it’s when you get to inside… and you look outside… well, you see where we’re going. The view is in. Cred. I. Ble.

12. Padraicins, Furbo, Connemara

Source: Padraicins/Facebook

Looking out across Galway Bay with the hills of the Burren in the distance, clutching a cold one and perhaps even eating some seafood. Perfection.

13. High in the stands at the Aviva Stadium for an Ireland game

Source: deek ay

Pro tip: For soccer, they don’t let you take your pint back to your seat. But they do at the rugby! Make the most of the *spectacular* view.

14. O’Looneys Bar, Lahinch

Source: O'Looneys Bar/Facebook

Out on the western edge of Clare, with the bar at your back and the wide Atlantic at your feet. A fine combination.

15. Grogans, Dublin

Source: Krongu

Sit outside on a sunny evening, surrounded by original Victorian architecture, watching the passers-by with a toastie on hand. The capital at its finest.

16. The Strand Inn, Dunmore East, Waterford

Source: The Strand Inn/Facebook

Tables on the terrace, and some of the highest rates of sunshine in the country. Lean back and drink it all in. In both a literal and a metaphorical sense.

17. Michael John’s, Inishowen, Donegal

Source: Google Street View

Perched on the very top of Ireland, overlooking Inishowen lighthouse and a short hop from the beach known appealingly as ‘The Big White Bay’. When the sun shines, it’s magical. (And made all the better by the rarity of that event.)

18. Sophie’s rooftop bar and restaurant, The Dean Hotel, Dublin

Stride confidently past the done-up-to-the-nines media types on the ground floor, and head up to Sophie’s on the roof of the Dean, with panoramic views over the city centre. A unique spot. (The cocktails are pretty good too.)

19. Aherlow House Hotel, Glen of Aherlow, Tipperary

Source: Aherlow House Hotel/Facebook

One of Ireland’s most spectacular inland views is laid out before the terrace of this country hotel. Perhaps a little chilly in winter (as above), but on a warm day with a summer cider? Show-stopping.

* This originally said completely the wrong street because apparently the author enjoyed his last visit to Neachtains a little too much. Ahem. Sorry everyone.