The George Payne Irish Bar (aka El Teatro)
Placa Urquinaona, 5
Tel: 93-481 52 94
Open: Daily: 9am - late
www.thegeorgepayneirishbar.com

How to describe the cavernous pub that is the George Payne Irish Bar (also known as El Teatro)?

Well, it can be summed up as very big and typical (Barcelona-style) Irish. Five yes, count them, five separate rooms, from the two small bars at the front to the upstairs dining room and the huge back room, each one with at least one screen, often more, showing whatever sport is playing at the time.

Staff are all English speaking, prices are the usual 20-30% higher than non-Irish bars and the food is mostly burgers, chillis and nachos - although not badly done, if you are in the mood for that sort of thing. Traditional its not, but it serves a purpose. Get there early for big sporting events and check the site - they have been known to charge entry for the biggest ones.

My Bar
Ferran, 8
Open: Sun - Thurs: 12pm - 2am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 3am
Tel: 93-317 94 32

Along with Temple Bar and Molly Malones, My Bar makes up a set of largely identical Irish pubs just next to Plaza Reial.

Everything you expect is here - friendly, English speaking staff, British beers and foods and sports on big screens. If you like it Irish head here - if you are looking for somewhere to mix with the locals, steer clear.

P Flaherty's
Placa de Joaquim Xirau
Open: Daily: 9am - 3am
Tel: 93-412 62 63
www.pflaherty.com

One of the best known Irish bars in the city, this one has 3 TV screens (4 if you count the outside one that's sometimes on) showing all of the sporting events you are ever going to want.

Add in the tables in the square out front that catch the sun most of the day and you can see why this is where many English and Irish groups head for a bit of home. Spanish its not - most of the bar staff don't even speak it - but if you are looking for loud and rowdy, this is the place for you.

As with most Irish bars in the city its not cheap - a bottle of Bud will set you back €3.50 and a pint bottle of cider €5.50. Menu is better value if you are looking for a hearty burger or similar.