After a day spent climbing Snowdon and exploring the national park, you’ll probably find yourself pretty parched for a pint. Good news, Caernarfon is full of great bars and pubs where you can wet your whistle after rambling around North Wales.
Pubs in Caernarfon
Pubs
Pubs
First things first, if you’re looking for the local Wetherspoons pub, The Tafarn Y Porth is on Eastgate Street. It gets its name – The Gate Inn in Welsh – from its prime location near the east gate of Caernarfon Castle. You know what to expect from a Wetherspoons pub. There’s a wide selection of cheap drinks, a menu of fast pub grub and a lively atmosphere. However, the decor is a bit tired. If you’re looking for somewhere for a nice drink, try our other recommendations.
The Black Boy Inn is just off High Street on Stryd Pedwar a Chwech. It’s among the most popular pubs in North Wales and has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The food is also exceptional, and the staff couldn’t be more welcoming. There’s plenty of seating outside should the weather decide to be kind and you’re looking for some al frescos shandies.
On first glance, The Gors Bach Inn doesn’t look like much, but this no-frills countryside pub in nearby Llanddeiniolen has a simple but seriously delicious menu of locally sourced food. Visit, sample the exceptional steaks, sausages and burgers and wash them down with something from their extensive selection of wines, ales and single malts.
Making our way back to Caernarfon town centre, the Ship & Castle on Bangor Street is a one-of-a-kind local pub with a lively atmosphere and some of the cheapest drinks in town. They show live sports on the telly and Sunday is poker night. Staff are friendly, the jukebox plays good music and it makes for a great place for a couple of casual drinks.
Bar Bach is one of the smallest pubs in Wales. You’ll find the tiny tavern on Greengate Street. Don’t be fooled: It’s well stocked with spirit shelves brimming with bottles and a large selection of beers and ales. Yes, it’s a bit of a novelty, but it’s also a good pub and worth visiting.
If you’re after another excellent pub in the shadow of Caernarfon Castle, pay a visit to the Palace Vaults. You’ll find it on Palace Street. It’s a classic pub with good drinks, a tasty Sunday carvery and a prime location. Play some darts, watch sports or visit on the weekend when it’s at its busiest and best.
A couple of other honourable mentions go to The Anglesey Arms on the Harbour Front and The Market Hall Brewery on Palace Street. They’re both in the town centre and perfect if you want to put together a bit of a pub crawl.