Raglan Road Irish Bar in Nottingham offers a lively experience with music and entertainment. It's smaller than expected but full of cozy nooks carved from sandstone, adorned with Irish memorabilia and slogans. The pub features multiple rooms, a pool table, and an outdoor area with heaters. Known for its friendly atmosphere, live music, and wide selection of drinks, particularly Guinness, it is a popular spot, especially on weekends. A photograph of Arthur running along Derby Road in 1960 is proudly on display upstairs.
What each source says
- Google 4.4 505
- Tripadvisor 4.5 51
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Authentic Irish Bar Experience The bar is known for its authentic Irish ambiance, decor, and, of course, Guinness. Many patrons express feeling as though they've been transported to Ireland.
- Excellent Entertainment Options Raglan Road provides diverse entertainment, including live music, DJs, sports screenings, and even karaoke. This makes it a versatile venue suitable for various preferences and occasions.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff The staff is consistently praised for being welcoming, friendly, and efficient, contributing significantly to the positive atmosphere of the bar. They are quick to serve and make patrons feel at home.
- Lively Atmosphere Raglan Road offers a vibrant and fun-filled experience, particularly on weekend evenings, making it a great spot for a memorable night out. With live music and DJs, the bar provides a high-energy environment.
- Unique Venue with Interesting Features The bar boasts unique features, including real caves that guests can sit in, and multiple levels with different atmospheres. There are also outdoor areas and TVs for sports viewing.
Criticised
- Can Get Very Crowded The bar's popularity can lead to it becoming very crowded, especially during peak hours and special events like sports matches. This may make it difficult to fully enjoy the experience.
- Card Minimum There's a minimum spending requirement for card payments, which can be inconvenient for those wanting a single, inexpensive drink.
- Food Service Hours Limited The kitchen closes relatively early (6 PM or 8 PM, depending on the day), which may be an issue for patrons looking for a late-night snack.
- Noise Levels The lively atmosphere can sometimes translate to high noise levels, potentially making conversation difficult.
- Potentially Offensive Memorabilia Some patrons may find certain decorations or memorabilia distasteful, depending on their personal sensitivities.
The longer read
Raglan Road Irish Bar is a lively and authentic Irish pub in Nottingham, praised for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and diverse entertainment options. Many reviewers specifically call out the exceptional staff, including Ged, Ruth, Isaac, Pippa, Royshin, and Keeva, who are noted for being attentive, friendly, and creating a welcoming environment. Customers consistently say the atmosphere is fun, lively, and reminiscent of being in Ireland. The bar is known for its great "craic," a term used to describe a fun and enjoyable experience. Multiple reviewers mention feeling at home and having an amazing time, with some stating it was the best night out they've had in Nottingham.
The pub offers a wide range of entertainment, including live music, DJs, and karaoke. The live music, especially Irish bands and U2 tributes, receives high praise. The DJ is also commended for playing great music that keeps everyone dancing. The bar also shows sports on TV, making it a popular spot for watching rugby and football matches. The bar is popular with fans of Nottingham Forest, who consider it their "home from home" when attending matches.
Raglan Road offers a wide selection of drinks, including a well-poured and highly-rated Guinness. Some reviewers note a great choice of beers and good quality food. Dolly's bottomless brunch is mentioned as a particularly enjoyable event, with great service and quickly flowing drinks.
The venue itself is described as a cool, big pub with great decor and furnishings. A unique feature is the presence of caves within the bar, which provide a quirky and interesting setting. The bar also has an outdoor seating area with heaters, catering to smokers. The location is convenient, situated just off the Market Square and within a short walk from the center of town.
The pub is suitable for all ages and attracts a mixed crowd, including a large proportion of Nottinghamshire's Irish community. It is a popular spot for both daytime drinks and lively nights out, with reviewers recommending it for a fun and entertaining experience. Some reviewers note that the bar can get busy, especially during popular events like sports matches and St. Patrick's Day.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 871 4382
- Website
- raglanirishbar.com
| Mon | 17:00 - 0:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 17:00 - 0:00 |
| Wed | 17:00 - 0:00 |
| Thu | 17:00 - 1:00 |
| Fri | 17:00 - 2:00 |
| Sat | 14:00 - 2:00 |
| Sun | 14:00 - 0:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.5 across the 15 venues we hold for Arboretum, where the most-reviewed is Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem.
Still deciding?
- What sets Raglan Road Irish Bar apart from other bars in Nottingham?
- What kinds of live music or special events does Raglan Road Irish Bar regularly offer?
- What are some recommended food and drink options to try at Raglan Road Irish Bar?
- What are the busiest times or days to visit Raglan Road Irish Bar for the best atmosphere?
- Is Raglan Road Irish Bar suitable for families or children during certain hours?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.