Ryan's Irish Pub, Odense

A corner of Ireland on Odense’s waterfront

Ryan’s Irish Pub sits just off the harbourfront at Fisketorvet, but the moment you step inside you are firmly on Irish soil. The space is wrapped in dark timber, worn leather and the gentle glow of bar lamps, with shelves and walls crammed with photographs, brewery mirrors and curiosities gathered from pubs across Ireland. Ryan’s is both the oldest Irish pub in Odense and among the earliest of its kind in Denmark, and that heritage is visible in the way the interior feels layered and lived-in rather than themed. At the bar, taps line up in a neat row: Irish stouts, European lagers and a rotating cast of guest brews, plus several ciders. Behind them, bottles of whiskey rise in tiers, with Irish labels particularly well represented. Bartenders are used to guiding guests toward something new, whether that is a lesser-known stout or a local craft beer that pairs well with the kitchen’s menu.

Pub food with a street‑kitchen twist

Ryan’s Street Kitchen, integrated into the pub, puts a modern spin on classic pub grub. By day, the menu leans toward comfort: full English breakfast with eggs, bacon and beans, straightforward bacon-and-eggs plates and a playful “hangover fix” loaded with fries, cheese sauce and sausage. Later in the day, burgers, loaded fries and generous baskets of fried chicken and chips take over, alongside staples like fish and chips that nod clearly to the pub’s British and Irish roots. Food can be eaten at high tables near the bar, tucked into more secluded corners, or carried out to the terrace when the weather is kind. Portions are hearty, prices sit firmly in the mid-range for Odense, and the kitchen stays open late enough to keep step with long evenings of sport or live music. Vegetarian options are usually present, though the menu’s heart remains unabashedly carnivorous and indulgent.

Music, sport and late‑night energy

Ryan’s is as much a social venue as it is a place to eat and drink. On Friday and Saturday nights the pub stages live music, often guitar-led covers or Irish-tinged sets that encourage a bit of singing along near the bar. Midweek, the focus often shifts to the big screens, which show football and other major sports throughout the year, turning the pub into a casual fan zone for local and international fixtures. Beyond the stage and screens, games are a core part of the atmosphere. A dedicated area with pool tables, darts and table football offers an outlet between halves or between courses, and groups frequently cluster here with pints balanced on table edges. Regular themed evenings, such as comedy open-mic sessions, add another layer to the weekly rhythm and keep the calendar varied.

Spaces for gatherings small and large

The layout of Ryan’s mixes intimate nooks with larger open zones, making it flexible for different kinds of gatherings. Couples often stake out quieter corners along the walls, while long tables in the central area can accommodate groups celebrating birthdays or office milestones. The pub also offers private rooms that can be reserved for more contained events, allowing guests to enjoy the atmosphere of Ryan’s with a degree of separation from the main bar. In summer, an outdoor terrace extends the pub onto the square, softening the boundary between inside and out. Here the air carries a hint of hops from freshly poured beer mixed with the smell of fried food from the kitchen, and the harbour light stretches long into the evening. In colder months, the action pulls inward and the pub takes on a snug, sheltering quality.

An easygoing hub in the heart of Odense

Open from late morning until close to or after midnight most days, Ryan’s functions as a day-to-night hub. Lunchtime sees a quieter crowd of diners and freelancers, while after-work hours draw colleagues for a quick pint or Friday bar deals. As the night wears on, especially from Thursday onward, the volume rises, music intensifies and the space gently tips toward a party mood that can last until the early hours. The dress code is casual, and the atmosphere is inclusive and unpretentious. English is widely spoken, which makes Ryan’s an accessible meeting point for international students, visitors and locals alike. Whether you come for a solitary stout at the bar, a match on the screens, a comedy set or a late-night burger with friends, the pub offers a consistent mix of Irish charm and Danish ease in one of Odense’s most sociable corners.