O’Neill’s Irish Pub / Sports Bar

Sol (El Centro), Madrid –

A stone’s throw away from the ever-popular – and nearly identical – Dubliners and O’Connell St. pubs, O’Neill’s offers patrons much of the same in the way of rowdy Irish-charged revelry, but with considerably more space to party.

English-speakers from all over the world dominate the scene throughout the week, filling up the venue’s two floors that are equally rife with cozy recliners and little nooks to get intimate over rounds of Guinness, local favorites, and the tidy selection of other sudsy imports on hand.

A large church organ stretches up one side the softly textured walls above the bar, while colorful chandeliers and warm furnishings give the vaulted space the feel of a classy, old-school hotel. Prices, thankfully, don’t follow suit with the décor, as regular beer and shot specials make it a popular hangout for college kids and anyone else on a budget, so any notions of pretense are best checked at the door.

Traditional Irish faves like fish and chips and banger sausages dominate the menu, making it easy for sports lovers to fight off any hunger pangs during regular rugby and soccer showings, as well as frequent broadcasts of American football and basketball games.

Nights at O’Neill’s are always loud and busy, with feisty internationals shaking it to the pop soundtrack or occasional live music (like Thursday’s mariachi bands), and lots of new-found friends laying waste to one too many cocktails before stumbling into the Spanish night.