Standing in rue Saint Georges since 1995, Johnny Walsh’s is Lyon’s oldest Irish-owned pub. With draught Guinness, a fine selection of whiskeys live music, and walls adorned with the paraphernalia that one would expect to find in a bar in the Emerald Isle, Dubliner Richy Higgins and his team provide an authentic piece of Ireland to wonderful mix of Irish and Anglophone expats, international students, travellers who are looking for some home comfort, and Lyonnais who appreciate the Irish atmosphere and their beer by the pint rather than the traditional French demi! 

Unlike most of the other Irish pubs in town, Johnny Walsh’s does not serve food. Far from a negative, however, this allows the staff to focus on what they do best; provide rapid bar service to customers there to sing and dance to live music until late! 

Live music

Johnny Walsh’s is very much an evening venue, it does not open until Xpm but closes a little later than many of its neighbours also. Live music is very much the focus of the bar and professional acts (Eric le Rouge, Flynn, José Neves, and Aaron De La Rocher are local favourites), open mic nights, and karaoke all feature. 

Live sport

A huge screen provides coverage of major football and rugby clashes. The atmosphere is particularly good when Ireland are playing during international football tournaments or rugby’s Six Nations! 

Terrace

It is fair to say that Johnny Walsh’s is particularly active during the autumn and winter months given its popularity with Lyon’s student population, but it does benefit from a small but pleasant terrace in the summertime when the bar opens a little earlier. Those who do arrive early to enjoy a beer on the terrace should look out for happy hour offers.

Address: 56 Rue Saint-Georges, 69005 Lyon

Transport: From the Vieux Lyon – Cathédral Saint-Jean metro station (line D), the pub is a 350m walk via Rue du Doyenné. By bus, number 31 stops at St Georges, a mere 70m from Johnny Walsh’s front door.

Opening hours: 

Tuesday – Saturday 9:00pm to 03:00am

Prices: 

Typical Beer : Half-pint, €3.50 ; Pint, €7.00