Limerick Arms Hotel

South Melbourne's Limerick Arms Hotel has more history than your average corner pub. The two Irish brothers who established the venue in 1855 went on to form a brewing company you may have heard of - a little something called Tooheys. Over 150 years later, the Limerick continues to stand out from the crowd. Unlike the Irish pubs that have sprung up in recent years, it actually has a legitimate legacy and decor to back up its selection of Guinness and Kilkenny. The fittings here are all original pieces dating back hundreds of years - not the cheap knock-offs you can buy from 'buildyourownIrishpub.com'. This results in a real old-world charm about the place and all the renovations have sought to preserve this. The front bar is a slick amalgamation of old and new, the restaurant has a contemporary feel (alongside great specials) and the outside tables are a favourite with locals. Weekends see various functions in the upstairs rooms, and locals hit the tables for friendly pool comps. At the end of the day this is still a traditional (Irish) pub, so drinks tend to lean towards dark ales and the like. Obviously, Guinness is a popular, but there's also an extensive wine selection. 154 years since it opened its doors, this is still one of South Melbourne's most iconic venues.