This past summer we made a quick detour during our time in Wicklow to Johnnie Fox’s Pub, Ireland’s highest pub. Established in 1798, this unique pub is also one of the oldest in the country. Winding and hilly roads lead to this fun spot, but the journey is more than worth it.

With fun outdoor seating overlooking the mountains to little rooms scattered throughout the building, this pub was the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing pint under the Irish summer sun. Little fires burned in hearths, vintage décor adorned the walls, and dark-wood tables and seats could be found in every nook and cranny.

In fact, this place is so popular, it has drawn its fair share of celebrities, from prime ministers to film stars to musicians. Everyone from Elijah Wood to Mohammad Ali, Maureen O’Hara to Brad Pitt, and Gary Oldman to even the Notre Dame football team have visited the pub, as well as bands like U2, the Rolling Stones and The Script. Artists have even come to perform, including The Dubliners, Sinead O’Connor, Olly Murs and The Pogues.

While we didn’t dine at the pub, Johnnie Fox’s serves lunch and dinner, as well. The Hearth Menu offers comfort dishes like seafood chowder, beef and Guinness pie, and Irish lamb stew.

We opted to sit outside, as the sun was shining and nothing sounded better than a cold pint. There were wooden tables and chairs as well as tables made from large barrels once used to store drinks. I sipped on, once again, Rockport Irish Lager. It was a great afternoon spent before returning to Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa for our dinner.

If you’re even relatively close to this pub, be sure to pop in for a pint (or two).

— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor