Overview
Sydney — County Coogee notwithstanding — might be a long way from Dublin, but judging by the current Guinness revival, you wouldn't know it. What was once seen as a winter-only stout is now having its moment in the Aussie sun, thanks to a new wave of drinkers chasing a perfectly poured pint that starts with the right tilt and finishes with a creamy domage and the telltale lacing with every sip.
Don't just take our word for it, though — from a high-fashion collaboration with JW Anderson to a recent prestige Netflix deep dive into the Guinness dynasty, it's clear the black stuff is firmly back in the cultural conversation. Whether you're already a fan or just Guinness-curious, here's where to find a cracking pint of the legendary Irish stout in Sydney.
Trent van der Jagt
The Mercantile
There are perhaps few more appropriate places to sink a stout in Sydney than The Mercantile, Australia's oldest-running Irish pub. It's been pulling pints since 1915, quickly establishing itself as a wee slice of the Emerald Isle on Antipodean shores, with live Irish music, classic pub fare and, naturally, plenty of Guinness on tap. In 2026, the heritage-listed pub unveiled a swanky refurb, including a sun-drenched rooftop bar — if it weren't for the views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you might think you'd landed on the other side of the world.
The Duke of Clarence
It might draw inspiration from the taverns of 18th-century London, but The Duke of Clarence is one of our favourite places to lift a pint of Ireland's finest. Tucked down an unmarked alleyway on Clarence Street, the venue is as handsome as it is cosy, with original furnishings sourced from the UK and floorboards dating back to the 1850s. Stop in for classic British fare and expertly poured Guinness, served solo or as part of a boilermaker alongside Tullamore D.E.W. 12-year-old Special Reserve Irish whiskey.
Fortune of War
Nearly 200 years after it first opened, Sydney's oldest pub remains one of the city's best. Whether you're settled into the historic Hamper Bar, basking in the expansive alfresco area with live music, or tucking into classic fish and chips or beef and Guinness stew in the recently renovated bistro, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this legendary venue. And with a bar that's been pouring pints since 1828, you can be sure they know their way around a proper Guinness.
Arvin Prem Kumar
The Hero of Waterloo
There's more than meets the eye at The Hero of Waterloo. As well as retaining much of its sandstone and timber bones — including some charmingly low ceilings — the heritage-listed Millers Point pub also boasts a secret smuggler's tunnel, underground cellars with shackles on the walls and, supposedly, even a ghost or two lingering about. Beyond the history, you'll find all the trappings of a classic boozer, from a cosy dining room with log fires serving pub staples to live music across the weekend.
Harbour View Hotel
Plenty of Sydney venues can boast harbour views, but how many can say they were demolished to make way for a pylon? After more than 80 years on the harbour's edge, Harbour View Hotel rebuilt just down the street to make way for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Today, the interwar pub sits in the shadows of the iconic structure, with plenty of spots to settle in to take in the view — with a pint of Guinness in hand, of course.
Shea's
The craic is always mighty at Shea's, Clovelly's charming Irish bar and restaurant, where live music, sport on the screens and a packed calendar of events keep the energy high all week long. Settle in to pair your lovingly poured Guinness with some top-notch scran, with Irish classics like chicken curry with McDonnells curry sauce, a chicken stack, or a proper 4 in 1.
The Occidental Hotel
The Occidental Hotel has stood on the corner of York and Erskine streets since 1850, and remains one of Sydney's most quintessential watering holes. While a 2024 refurb swapped its wood-heavy 1970s look for a sleeker contemporary fitout, this is still an old-school pub at heart, with friendly service and hearty counter meals across its two bars, plus a more formal dining room plating up bistro classics.
The Snug Bar
Irish pubs are few and far between south of Tom Uglys Bridge, but The Snug Bar in Gymea has carved out a loyal following of Shirefolk since opening in 2012. The family-owned watering hole is committed to the real deal, pairing expertly poured Guinness with live music, warm hospitality and a fitout inspired by traditional pubs back in the old country. It's small in size but big on atmosphere — and the kind of neighbourhood spot where one pint can easily turn into a whole afternoon.
Top image: The Duke of Clarence, Cass Hannigan.