Six Nations returns to Rome: the best pubs/sports bars in the city!

The most important tournament in the rugby universe is back: the six best national teams from as many countries in the world are competing to win the coveted trophy as we speak (or, as we write): the Six Nations!

Over the course of the long calendar of matches (the last game is scheduled for March 14th), Italy will also host two rounds, when it takes on Scotland (on February 22th) and England (on the very last day of the Six Nations).

For this eagerly awaited event, we have compiled a list of major Irish/British-style pubs in the city of Rome to serve as a guide for those supporters who will be traveling to Italy to attend a match. Rugby fans will find drinking and food options right by the stadium, but this is our very own selection of where to go when you want to mingle and meet like-minded people in Rome!

A note about sports bars in Rome

If you’re familiar with the concept of sports bars as they are in the U.S., you won’t exactly find them in Rome.

In Rome, and Italy at large, sports fans in general rarely go outside to see, say, football matches. They usually stay home or, at the very most, assemble at cafes where owners are known to be supporters, or even in restaurants where satellite/cable TV is an offered feature.

For this reason, pubs have pretty much taken over sports bars in Rome, with just a handful of exceptions. In both instances, most part of these types of hangouts have been opened by expats to serve as meeting places for other foreigners in Rome, regardless of whether they’re just passing through or staying put for a while for their work or their studies.

Because they’re also not that numerous, we tend to group them together regardless of their style. That is, whether they’re Scottish-inspired, or have an Irish theme is not as important: pub goers are not that fussy, and they get fond of these places regardless of their nationality, because they offer great beers, pub grub and the possibility of meeting other English mother tongues. So, forgive us for… painting them all with the same brush!

The Abbey Theatre

A solid Irish pub by Piazza Navona, walking distance from many of our managed rentals, that is a go-to place for beer and sporting events: they cover a wide range of televised sports match, including the Super Bowl, the Premier League and, indeed, the Six Nations. And they do pub quizzes on Mondays!

Via del Governo Vecchio, 51. Opens daily from noon to 2/3AM

The Highlander

A Scottish-themed pub easily reachable from Via del Corso and around the corner from our very own Casa Torretta, it’s a popular destination for sports-enthusiasts and expats alike. They routinely set up events for Thanksgiving, Italy’s Ferragosto and more!

Vicolo di San Biagio, 9. Opens daily from 11AM to 2AM

Trinity College

Walking distance from The Highlander, this pub switches back to an Irish theme. On top of sports events, this popular hangout regulary sets up DJ sets, gigs and karaoke nights.

Via del Collegio Romano, 6. Opens daily from 12.30PM to 3AM

Scholars Lounge

Yet another Irish-themed pub in the very center of Rome, walking distance from the Pantheon area and Piazza Venezia, also hosting gigs and open mic nights.

Via del Plebiscito, 101/b. Opens daily from 10/11AM to 3.30AM

The Flann O’Brien

Closer to the Termini area, this huge pub, first opened in 1993 offers a wide selection of sports events on their screens, plus a mix of English language standup, pub quizzes, acoustic gigs and more!.

Via Nazionale, 17. Opens daily from 7AM to 1/2 AM

The Fiddler’s Elbow

The oldest running Irish pub in Rome, having opened in 1976. A cozier place as compared to the other listed so far, it still focuses on showing major sports events from all over the world, leaving space in its schedule for open mic nights, live events and themed parties!

Via dell’Olmata, 43. Opens 4.30PM everyday but on Sundays (opens at 1PM then). Closes everyday at midnight/1AM.

The Druid’s Den

More Irish vibes in the Monti district, walking distance from both Via dei Capocci and Via Mecenate. It features folk gigs on Monday nights, along with karaoke sessions and beer tastings. They even celebrate the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia each year!

Via di San Martino Ai Monti, 28. Opens daily from 530PM to 2AM.

Finnegan’s

Another staple for the English-speaking community of Rome, and another pub based in the Monti district, this time on Via Leonina, closer to the Forum. This one is Irish-owned, with one more popular branch in Florence.

Via Leonina, 66. Opens daily from noon/1PM to 1AM.

The Shamrock

An Irish pub for those staying in the Colosseum area, it mixes international and Italian events, a welcome approach for those wanting to meet locals more than fellow British/Irish/Australians visiting (of course, this place is packed with international visitors, too!).

Via dei Santi Quattro 92-95. Opens daily from 10AM to 2AM

Camden Town

One of a handful of similar pubs in the Colosseum area, and yet another choice for sports enthusiasts visiting Rome during the Six Nations!

Via Ostilia 30. Opens daily from 5PM to 2AM

Please note that this list is in no way comprehensive! We rounded up all those pubs where we’re confident that sports events such as the Six Nations are being broadcast. More British/Irish/Scottish/U.S. themed hangouts are in Rome that won’t cater especially to sports fans, and even more are the Italian pubs where the clientele is mostly comprised of locals.