THREE bars in the north and two in Donegal have been named among Ireland's Top 20 Pubs in a world renowned travel guide.
Compiled by the prestigious Lonely Planet guide, the list includes pubs it says travellers "should bookmark for that trip you've been daydreaming about".
Among the top 20 pubs are two in Belfast, one in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh and two in Donegal.
The Sunflower Public House, at the corner of Kent Street and Union Street in Belfast city centre, comes in at number 13.
The guide said the pub, which is a "cultural hub with plenty of history", is "instantly recognisable from its relic of 1980s Belfast, a security cage and though no longer in use, it has persevered as part of its social history.
"This is a no-nonsense, no gimmick pub - it bills itself as a simple corner pub".
The Duke of York at Commercial Court makes number 20 on the list with the guide describing it as being known for "a pint in the sun".
According to the guide, the bar is "tucked down a cobbled lane in Belfast city centre".
"...known for its colourful flowers outside and original mirrors and memorabilia inside.
"You won't find as many visitors as you will in Crown Liquor Saloon, this is a locals' haunt, so you need to step off the beaten track. The perfect spot for a cold beer when paying a trip to Belfast".
Blakes of the Hollow pub in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh is named 17th on the list.
The guide said the bar, which is known for its "Game of Thrones carved door", is "one of the best-known Victorian-style pubs in Ireland" adding that it is "lovely for a quiet drink by yourself or with a few friends in one of their original snugs.
"Sit back with an expertly poured pint (or Irish coffee - the ones here are perfection) or tap your feet at one of their live music sessions. For fans of the epic high-fantasy show, a photo with the carved Game of Thrones door is a must".
Donegal pubs Teach Hiúdaí Beag in Bunbeg and The Rusty Mackerel, in Teelin near the Sliabh Liag Cliffs, also make the guide's top 20.
Lonely Planet Top 20 best Irish pubs:
The Gravediggers, Dublin
Teach Hiúdaí Beag, Co Donegal
De Barra's Folk Club, Clonakilty, Co Cork
The Moorings, Dungarvan, Co Waterford
O'Connell's, Skryne, Co Meath
Dick Mack’s, Dingle, Co Kerry
Morrissey's, Abbeyleix, Co Laois
Thomas Connolly, Sligo town
Mickey Finns Pub, Co Wicklow
JJ Houghs Singing Pub, Banagher, Co Offaly
The Rusty Mackerel, Co Donegal
Street 66, Dublin
Sunflower Public House, Belfast
Tigh Neachtain, Galway city
O'Loclainn's Irish Whiskey Bar, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare
Clarkes Bar, Drogheda, Co Louth
Blakes of the Hollow, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh
The Cobblestone, Smithfield, Dublin
Mother Macs, Limerick City
The Duke of York, Belfast
