Seamus O'Donnell's Irish Bar in Bristol, City of

Irish bar and a gay bar. Strange combo right? Well its a lovely welcoming atmosphere as a queer person. It always feels safe. There are door staff on the weekend, which keeps idiots out. They do not allow large groups. its only a small pub. It's usually free entry with the exception of the occasional ticketed event. They have charity fundraisers once a month. Great live music, and drag performers every weekend. The bar staff are the highlight. Super friendly with great personality.

Lovely pub, friendly service and great atmosphere! Would highly recommend 🙂

Great venue, friendly bar and door staff.

10/10 bar. Professional and attentive staff. Great drinks selection. Great drag shows. Disappointed to see fake reviews from Kinky Boots cast who assaulted the door staff after being asked to leave last night. Witnessed the whole thing and will be writing to the production company.

Friendly staff, love the atmosphere, great music.

Was absolutely gazeboed here on a party. From what I remember it was a great laugh and I even did the limbo (which explained the bad back!!!)

Lovely little pub with drag shows at the weekend. Cheap pints, great atmosphere. They have outdoor seating so you can enjoy the sun, when it's out. It's a good spot for an after work pint.

Lovely atmosphere and live music

Amazing experience, fantastic atmosphere very much a good old Irish camp time. Very honey money to the honey money, honey money.

Brilliant destination on a night out, great atmosphere and cheap prices.

Lovely little bar. Staff are so friendly, Drag nights are great. And we had a great time celebrating the traitors final. Was nice to come to a bar where you can be yourself! Will definitely come back.

Two small. No live music! It looks like more a gay bar than an Irish pub. No Irish coffee! An Irish pub that doesn't serve Irish coffee is a no, no.

Great Guinness but very rude and unpleasant staff working behind the bar.

Price of drinks and service was good. Very small venue though and stunk of BO - open some windows please so the non-smelly clientele don't get gassed. Tysm

Good atmosphere but god, it was dear to drink there

One of my favourite places to visit in Bristol. Would highly recommend.

A wonderfully friendly welcoming traditional pub that I visited on a quiet Monday in late October. Friendly barkeeps with beautiful dogs and friendly chill people passing through for a couple. Certainly started my birthday off in good spirits here x

Awesome and unforgettable first visit. Can’t wait to come back in the future xx so lush!

Started a pub crawl from this pub while in Bristol but never made it to a second venue because the craic and atmosphere was so good here.

We went during a music event in the old town. Watched some live music, well priced drinks, friendly staff and good vibes.

had a great time there this friday with live music and amazing acid humor

Walked in, got asked what event we were there for. When we said stag do, they asked us to leave with no explanation.

My only complaint is plastic glasses late on a Friday night - but I understand why.

Great staff and fab entertainment. Best Guinness in the South West. If you want to eat you can BYO from the nearby market

Great fun , especially Friday cabaret nights 😀

For a bar which vigorously displays its open-mindedness... I was very poorly received there the first time, my first day of visit to Bristol... Being in the profession I can imagine that it would be difficult to be always impeccable regarding reception.. so I returned there 2 days later still with my French accent, which, always the same waiter, used to pretend not to understand my order making me repeat it three times while taking my own expressions... So this second visit was worse. Barely a look, not a single smile and a disconcerting contempt is felt while he waits, bottle in hand, for my transaction to be accepted by the credit card machine before finally having to serve me as if with regret, raising his hands. eyes to the sky. This is the only downside of my stay in Bristol, which is a city worth the detour. I cannot conceive that my national or ethnic origin is the origin of this contempt and this rude welcome of which I was the victim. But I must admit that I still don't understand if I eliminate these explanations 🫤

Estuve aquí unos fines de semana seguidos, Gran lugar para reunirse con algunos amigos, Robbie detrás de la barra es genial, y el resto del equipo tan servicial, buena relación calidad-precio y gran música

Excellent venue for drinks for all sexuality

Great pub, great service. Only been in a couple of times on a Thursday, going to visit on a Friday for the drag night.

Never ate but service from the 2 lads behind the bar was great the atmosphere was friendly everyone was singing and dancing along to the kareoke very small place but I would say that added to the atmosphere the only negative and partly down to being with an older person was the steep stairs down to the toilets but would definatly go there again

Very great gay bar. Great performances and karaoke is good fun. Also 10/10 because dogs.

Eveytime you buy the same round of drinks it's a different price, you question it they get very defensive....... we won't be going back

Absolutely an amazing pub regardless what identity you define as, your made to feel welcome and respected! Frigays is an absolutely amazing busy night with a fantastic drag show! Some may say too “g*y in your face” each to their own, please use your own judgement/opinions and find out for yourself how much fun you can have and not allow Smirnoff or jimmy to cloud your judgement with the colourful rainbow flags and drags performing amazingly with lacking 2034 air con conditions 😉 Every day of the week staff always friendly and welcoming! I’d give them a pay rise 😎 if I could, please buy them a lemonade drink lol. Saturday karaoke blew me away! No rainbow was gonna damper my parade.. live music gigs never to be missed! Don’t panic most live music is straight and your drinks and husbands are safe 😉 an amazing irish gay proud lgbtq+ friendly local Bristol town pub is a must add explore/visit experience and a never forgettable night out! Bring your rainbows/ducks this world can be negative enough, let’s share more love and also being proud of being you ❤️ xx

Love this place, best Guinness in Bristol!!

Great night out. Great entertainment

A gay Irish bar , what more can you want ? Drag queen's of course! They have those too . Fabulous 🥳 💋💅

Great place with a effervescent atmosphere and lovely staff

Thanks for letting me eat my outside lunch alongside a lovely pint of the black stuff

Very nice place to go often there have music on beer very good nice cozy pub good staff gay friendly

Nhs discount they loving advertise will save you 20p on a £20 round

Very good entertainment and friendly staff ! Very clean toilets for a pub too

This has always been a decent little proper pub in the heart of Bristol and there are not many compared to other cities which I think is a great pity as I love proper pubs especially those with live entertainment. It has become a gay bar for several years now which for me is good as there are not that many now in Bristol, for me personally though it has become a little to full on (not every gay person likes camp) with drag nights etc, I would personally like it a lot more if it was gay friendly but not quite so in your face, I would far rather be entertained by a mainstream singer be it be a male of female than a Drag Queen and I know from what other people have told me it would be more appealing to them and a wider cross section of people if that was the case. I also strongly disagree with the card only system as i don’t even like taking a card out when I am drinking.

Great atmosphere, wonderful staff and Guinness !!!

I have come into this bar quite a few times over the past year and always loved the atmosphere, how friendly the staff were (especially the manager who once fixed my heel!) and I recommended it to friends (gay & straight) as a great little bar to have a few drinks in. In October, I came out with 5 friends for my birthday and told them all about this fabulous bar We could start our afternoon in. We came in and waited behind another group of people who were also a birthday group, but a touch older and dressed casually. My friends were dressed smart/casual, I had on a sequin dress and tiara. The girl behind the bar looked me up and down and said "I'm going to have to ask you to leave!" I was so embarrassed. Typically neither the manager or staff I knew were working and despite despately explaining I was not a hen, I had to walk away. The other group who had been served thought it terribly unfair. I wouldn't have minded if she'd been nice about it, but she made me feel like trash. I'm aware they don't serve hen groups for good reason, but I wasn't aware a tiara would bar me at the door. I was so bitterly disappointed and embarrassed that I've not been back since, nor likely will I.

Went for drinks here with work colleagues, great selection of beers and an absolutely cracking atmosphere.

Sat outside and had a Good pint of Guinness and cigarette 🚬, Service is always topnotch/polite and very clean.

Excellent pub, famous for it's atmosphere and use of the craic

Funking freezing, even the barman was wearing a wooly jumper and hat. Steer clear!!

Put 1 star but it was by accident. Popped in today for a quick beer and atmosphere was sound and staff were very friendly!

Love Irish music and The Ceili playing life every first Thursday of the month!

I've not been in here for years, and it was karaoke night, tbh it was fun. You had people who could sing and others who sounded like somebody strangling a seagull! But everyone got a cheer or round of applause

I have never felt so welcome, the owner the staff were amazing. All I can say is go and see and you shall enjoy!

LGBTQ+ venue. Live Drag Acts on Fridays and Saturdays. Good selection of Alcohol, reasonably priced. Always worth a visit if you are in the vicinity.

A group of us walked in the pub after a 3 day charity bike trip from Derby to Bristol. We wanted 1 drink before moving on, there was a group of us age ranging late forties to early 70’s. We were met by very rude bar staff saying no groups, strange policy as we could have easily walked in separate, also it was clear to see, we weren’t a stag party. So rules are rules, but no need to be rude and obnoxious with it!!! I’d avoid unless you’re on your own 😉

Lively, friendly and quirky. Actually only had one drink here but we'll definitely go back the next time we're in Bristol.

Small Irish pub with great vibes.

I've been going in for years. Great people a beautiful pint of Guinness, and hopefully we will see them soon

A pub with atmosphere, and with good beers and ciders.

Stopped here for drinks in the evening. Quite a small pub inside but more seating available outside. I'd imagine the place getting packed full on an event evening which they seem to have plenty advertised. The barman was friendly and the drinks were good. Would pop in again if in the area.

Great vibes in this little gem!

Firstly, this is a very Trans Friendly place. Staff are ALL GREAT, helpful, happy, quick, welcoming, and FUN. Drinks are typical, the usual you’d expect from an Irish pub. There are a couple of curious “features” that are very surprising and playful but you can discover them for yourself. FRIDAY NIGHT is the best time to visit, brutal drag act very sharp tongued, but also very funny. Can’t wait to come back.

Nice lively pub with good music and a good atmosphere 😁

Didn't have food , great atmosphere inside and out ,

First time in Bristol and after trying other bars we just got drawn back here and ended up staying until close. Big thankyou to staff and entertainment for making our stay in Bristol soo friendly and fun would highly recommend see you soon 😁😘😘😘

Fantastic night on Friday first time out in Bristol but would definitely come here again guaranteed to cheer you up

I was served wine that was too disgusting to drink.

Friendly pub with great staff and lovely outside seating area. Fantastic DJ Mr D'Arcy

Normal bar to eat a burger and have a beer, it is self-service. Cool place next to the river

Interesting space, hospitable staff and useful tables outside in a lovely old street by the indoor market but at lunchtime it was a perfect sun trap? Apparently it’s very popular and lively in the evenings particularly on Fridays when I think they have live shows.

Loved the pub, was good craic 😊 so happy to hang out with my friends in such a fun pub 😊

Straight Friendly Irish gay bar , absolutely loved the music and dancing. Had a belated post pandemic family reunion night from Ireland and UK there . Excellent staff including absolute gent on the door . A happy place for a warm and diverse crowd fabulous craic- Bula bas! mo cairde - hurrah my friends -. I shall visit Aris -Again. Blessing of Arthur upon you beautiful souls .

Great little pub, Worth seeking out great beers and atmosphere. Will definitely go back.

Lively spot with a good drink. Worth a visit.

Great service and small and friendly

Had the best time at Friday night drag. Will definitely be back again!!!

Staff very friendly..nice wee pub

Best Guinness I've had in Bristol. Great atmosphere, really nice bloke behind the bar. Poitín too. Will be back.

Must visit pub in Bristol with an always friendly welcome and a good pint of Guinness. Would highly recommend to anyone and say hello to the pub dogs

Great bar, great Guinness, great fun😊

What an absolutely amazing night. No better Irish bar that I've been to. Jam Tart, Demeanor McCall, Chris on the decks and a whole amazing team of staff and management. If you want to be entertained and looked after then a visit to Seamus O'Donnells is an absolute must. Get yourselves in for a pint of the black stuff along with a side serving or sass, class and amazing service. ☘️🍀☘️🍀

Amazing place and best Guinness in Bristol

A friendly and fun place that everyone can enjoy. Took my dog in during the day and friends in during the night. It's a fabulous place that makes us all happy. I love it and you would aswell.

Terrible little bar, crammed in like sardines, advertised traditional Irish music (the reason we went) never played any, not that the clientele would have known, mainly drunk students. Been in gay bars and Irish bars before (not at all biased) but never an Irish guy bar and if this is what there like NEVER AGAIN

Always a great night out! Music and happy people 🙂

Fun LGBTQ+ venue! Great drag acts. Small and intimate but fun. Only annoying thing is there are often loads of straight guys/stag parties that wander in, even though there’s a sign saying they’re not allowed. They’re often rude to other clientele. One grabbed a friend inappropriately just because he felt like he could. Obviously not the venue’s fault, just wish they would leave us be!

Not really a traditional irish pub anymore, sortofplace youd see in the tourist part of dublin temple bar. Used to show the Ireland games but didnt this six nations. Reminds me of the song irish pub by rumjacks but the poitin is good

Great atmosphere and great live music!

Nice little pub, friendly atmosphere and though we went early on in the evening it looks like it'd be fun to go later on too!

A stunning atmosphere, with beautiful decor, reasonably priced drinks and some lovely lovely staff. A must stop for any tourist and a friendly watering hole for the locals

Great pub with great atmosphere and friendly staff

fun atmosphere and can bring your own food in which is good but difficult to get to toilets or the bar when busy! am not a Guinness drinker so can’t comment on that sadly

A most unpleasant experience overall Attended a free drag event here only to be packed in like sardines to watch a bloated drag performer lazily plonk herself onto a stool and scroll through her phone and receive abuse from other customers abusing drugs, all whilst paying £6+ a pint for the privilege. Personally I would advise avoiding this establishment unless you are desperately in need of a near perfectly poured pint of Guinness which I personally cannot fault. The security staff were also incredibly professional, friendly and understanding, a true credit to the team there. Drink Quality: Excellent Drink Selection: Poor Entertainment: Very Poor Atmosphere: Very Poor Value: Very Poor

Cold by the door that didn’t completely close & £6.50 for flat Heineken. Did get to listen to someone sing along with Xanadu though.

Only pub I know where you MUST pay by card !! Also beers are £5 or more !! Unless you are going for the entertainment give it a miss and go to one of the many wetherspoons and save a fortune !!

Lovely friendly and straights welcome!

Best Guinness in Bristol very friendly and now the do Friday night drag artists absolutely brilliant great fun so much laughter

Very well kept city centre pub with great live music

A bit of a gem in the hart of the old city.

Great place to drink! Open to all! Went on a week night, there was a guy playing the guitar, he was decent! Asked for a shot for a mate, they gave us cranberry, beer and pork fat in a shot glass!! So bizzare, never heard of it, the guy who drank it threw up in a pint glass.

Love this pub! Always a brilliant atmosphere. Paul and Chris ( the landlords) are always welcoming and ready for a good laugh. They also put on excellent entertainment. Great selection of drinks and obviously the best pint of Guinness you’ll get outside of Ireland. 😊