The Clare Inn Irish Pub

About The Clare Inn Irish Pub

The Clare Inn Irish Pub is a warm, welcoming community fixture nestled on Dominion Road in Mount Eden, Auckland. Owned and operated by Suzanne Harley-Conway and Raymond Conway, the pub brings the authentic spirit, hospitality, and craic of Ireland to central Auckland. Conveniently located just a stone's throw from the iconic Eden Park, it serves as a cherished hub for locals, visitors, and sports fans heading to or returning from matches.

The pub is celebrated for its award-winning kitchen and hearty Irish fare, holding four Beef and Lamb Excellence Gold Plate awards alongside two New Zealand Hospitality Awards of Excellence. Alongside comforting classics like slow-braised Beef and Guinness pie, Irish potato nachos, and artisan roast sausage dishes, guests can explore an extensive selection of fine Irish whiskies, fresh draughts, and weekly blackboard specials. An upstairs area complete with a Guinness pool table, jukebox, and fully stocked bar offers an inviting setting for private gatherings, functions, and summer relaxation.

Community entertainment anchors the pub's vibrant weekly calendar. Guests can test their trivia knowledge at Tuesday quiz nights, experience mid-week original music showcases, play Texas Hold'em poker, or settle in on Sunday afternoons for hearty roast dinners and traditional Irish music sessions. The Clare Inn delivers an authentic slice of Irish culture marked by great food, great company, and genuine warmth.

The Clare Inn: Authentic Irish Craic, Award-Winning Comfort Food, and Live Spirit in Mount Eden

Conveniently positioned along Dominion Road in Mount Eden, The Clare Inn Irish Pub is a beloved Auckland institution dedicated to traditional hospitality, hearty pub fare, and genuine community spirit. Guided by Suzanne Harley-Conway and Raymond Conway, this establishment captures the authentic warmth of an Irish local. Located just minutes away from Eden Park, it provides a welcoming haven for sports fans seeking pre- and post-game gatherings, as well as neighborhood regulars dropping by for pints, conversation, and comfort.

Award-Winning Kitchen and Hearty Irish Fare

The Clare Inn takes tremendous pride in the quality of its culinary offerings, having earned four Beef and Lamb Excellence Gold Plate awards alongside two New Zealand Hospitality Awards of Excellence. Rather than standard pub shortcuts, the kitchen crafts satisfying, richly flavored dishes that pay homage to traditional Celtic recipes while showcasing prime New Zealand produce.

The centerpiece of the menu is the signature Beef and Guinness Pie, featuring tender beef braised low and slow in Guinness, complemented by savory blue cheese, creamy champ potatoes, peas, and house gravy. Diners can also enjoy traditional pork and leek sausages with champ, freshly battered market fish and chips, and contemporary street-food favorites like the Irish Spicebag—a blend of salt-and-chilli fried chicken, chips, sautéed peppers, onions, and dipping curry sauce. On Sundays, guests gather for the rotating roast dinner served complete with crisp duck fat roasted potatoes and house-made Clare Inn gravy.

Lively Entertainment and Community Gatherings

Beyond its hearty kitchen, The Clare Inn serves as a dynamic social center with something scheduled nearly every evening of the week. Tuesdays bring friendly competition with the popular 'Believe it or Not' quiz night, where teams vie for bragging rights and bar tabs. Wednesdays feature a dedicated Singer/Songwriter night celebrating local musical talent, while Thursdays draw card players for weekly Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

The weekend culminates in a quintessential Sunday afternoon tradition: live traditional Irish music sessions kicking off at 4 PM. Locals and visitors alike pack the pub to listen to fiddles and whistles while enjoying a pint of stout or a dram from the curated Irish whiskey collection. For guests seeking a casual match of pool or private celebrations, the upstairs space offers a dedicated bar, jukebox, and a Guinness pool table, providing a comfortable setting for any occasion.

Signature items

• Beef & Guinness Pie
• Irish Potato Nachos
• Spicebag
• Sunday Roast
• Roasted Pork & Leek Sausages
• Beef & Guinness Takeaway Pie

Menu

Mains

• Scotch Fillet — Chargrilled scotch fillet served with confit garlic butter, chunky chips, champagne dressed salad leaves, and mushroom or three pepper sauce
• Beef & Guinness Pie — Guinness-braised beef, blue cheese, champ potatoes, peas, and rich gravy
• Roasted Pork & Leek Sausages — Served with traditional champ potatoes, caramelised onion, and rich gravy
• Fettuccine Carbonara — Chicken, bacon, and mushroom tossed in a creamy parmesan sauce, served with salad greens
• Beer Battered Fish & Chips — Fresh market fish in beer batter, served with mesclun salad, chunky chips, tartare sauce, and lemon
• Beef Burger — Three cheese melt, jalapeño, smoked tomato jam, lettuce, and bacon, served with chips
• Crispy Fried Chicken Burger — Crispy chicken, mozzarella cheese, coleslaw, tomato relish, and chipotle mayo
• Fish of the Day — Fresh daily market catch displayed on the specials board
• Curry of the Week — Chef's rotating curry creation featured on the specials board
• Sunday Roast — Weekly rotating roast served on Sundays with duck fat potatoes, vegetables, and Clare Inn gravy

Desserts

• Chocolate Brownie — Decadent brownie served with berry coulis and ice cream
• Lemon & Lime Cheesecake — Tangy citrus cheesecake garnished with caramel cashews and raspberry coulis
• Affogato — Vanilla ice cream topped with a hot shot of espresso, with optional liqueur
• Special Coffee — Freshly brewed coffee spiked with choice of Kahlúa, Baileys, or Frangelico

Starters & Snacks

• Double Crumbed Crispy Fried Chicken — Served with chipotle mayo
• Roasted Garlic Cheddar Rolls — Warm savory rolls baked with roasted garlic and cheddar
• Hot & Spicy Chicken Wings — Crispy fried wings tossed in Clare Inn sauce, served with celery and blue cheese dressing
• Irish Potato Nachos — Ground beef, spring onion, cheddar cheese, tomato salsa, and sour cream with vegetarian option available
• Spicebag — Salt and chilli spiced chicken and chips tossed with peppers, onions, and curry sauce, with vegetarian falafel option
• Caesar Salad — Cos leaves, soft egg, croutons, bacon, and parmesan with Caesar dressing, with option to add chicken
• Chunky Chips or Skinny Fries — Served with aioli, curry sauce, or gravy, with optional chef's seasoning

Boutique Pies For Takeaway

• Beef & Guinness Takeaway Pie — House-baked boutique pie filled with Guinness-braised beef to enjoy at home

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Clare Inn located?

The pub is located at 276/278 Dominion Road in Mount Eden, Auckland, just a short distance from Eden Park.

Does The Clare Inn take table reservations?

Yes, table reservations can be booked directly through their website.

Are vegetarian options available on the menu?

Yes, vegetarian variations are available for popular items such as the Irish potato nachos and the spicebag (made with falafel).

What live events and entertainment happen during the week?

The weekly calendar features Tuesday quiz nights, Wednesday singer/songwriter open mic nights, Thursday Texas Hold'em poker, and live traditional Irish music every Sunday from 4 PM.

Can I host a private function or event at the pub?

Yes, The Clare Inn offers upstairs venue hire complete with a private bar, brand-new Guinness pool table, and jukebox.

Can I buy pub pies to take home?

Yes, boutique Beef & Guinness pies are available for takeaway.

Tips

• {"body":"Given its close proximity to Eden Park, the pub is a top destination before and after games; plan your arrival early or reserve ahead on game days.","title":"Plan Around Eden Park Match Days"}
• {"body":"Head along on Sunday afternoon around 4 PM to combine a hearty roast with duck fat potatoes and live traditional Irish music.","title":"Don't Miss Sunday Roast and Trad Music"}
• {"body":"Pick up a boutique chilled Beef & Guinness pie from the bar to enjoy the pub's signature braised beef at home.","title":"Grab a Takeaway Pie"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Vegetarian options available for dishes like nachos and the spicebag."}