Poll
Question:
You walk into a pub, what's your first drink?
Option 1: A stout
Option 2: A pint of beer
Option 3: A Cider
Option 4: A wee one (Whisky, Gin, Vodka etc)
Option 5: Bottle of beer
Option 6: Other
What would be your favourite pub in ireland? Can be North or South.
Might be a bar you've been to once, visit once a year, or go to every weekend.
A few of us talking about doing a tour of Ireland this summer and trying to visit good bars along the way. 2 fellas have already stated 2 bars that we have to visit.
- Sean's Bar, Athlone. (Ireland and Europe's oldest, still functioning, bar)
- Johnny Foxes, Glencullin. (Anyone who's been will know why)
There's a small little pub on Fleet St in Dublin called Bowes that I like to go to sometimes,no loud music banging over speakers, a bit of an old man's pub if you know what I mean,and a great pint of Guinness. A pub you could just go it to on your own and not be bothered.
If you like pubs like Sean's Bar and Johnny Foxes then Morriseys in Abbeyleix is of a similar nature and pretty well known.
Quote from: toby47 on April 28, 2023, 09:19:21 AM
What would be your favourite pub in ireland? Can be North or South.
Might be a bar you've been to once, visit once a year, or go to every weekend.
A few of us talking about doing a tour of Ireland this summer and trying to visit good bars along the way. 2 fellas have already stated 2 bars that we have to visit.
- Sean's Bar, Athlone. (Ireland and Europe's oldest, still functioning, bar)
- Johnny Foxes, Glencullin. (Anyone who's been will know why)
Would agree with both of those. I was in Johnny Foxes last summer for some food, was really awful stuff & pretty pricey. The wife ate a quarter of her dinner, it was that bad. Its still worth a visit, loads of nooks & crannies.
Seans anytime of day, any time of year is a great spot. Sometimes far to packed with out of towners during peak tourist season.
Glen Bar in the village of Glen, close to Downings is worth a visit, old style pub with good food, although a wee bit over taken by Nordies ;D
The old Tom in Castlewellan and Lowry's in Hilltown county Down.
Quote from: toby47 on April 28, 2023, 09:19:21 AM
What would be your favourite pub in ireland? Can be North or South.
Might be a bar you've been to once, visit once a year, or go to every weekend.
A few of us talking about doing a tour of Ireland this summer and trying to visit good bars along the way. 2 fellas have already stated 2 bars that we have to visit.
- Sean's Bar, Athlone. (Ireland and Europe's oldest, still functioning, bar)
- Johnny Foxes, Glencullin. (Anyone who's been will know why)
Had 2 enjoyable nights in Sean's last week. Packed both nights which is some going on a Tue and Wed! Good pints and a courtyard out the back if you need to escape the crowds.
Quote from: laoislad on April 28, 2023, 09:34:26 AM
There's a small little pub on Fleet St in Dublin called Bowes that I like to go to sometimes,no loud music banging over speakers, a bit of an old man's pub if you know what I mean,and a great pint of Guinness. A pub you could just go it to on your own and not be bothered.
If you like pubs like Sean's Bar and Johnny Foxes then Morriseys in Abbeyleix is of a similar nature and pretty well known.
Bowes is on my list. One of those Guinness review sites (might have been guinnessguru) gave the pint an almost perfect score.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on April 28, 2023, 09:52:11 AM
Quote from: laoislad on April 28, 2023, 09:34:26 AM
There's a small little pub on Fleet St in Dublin called Bowes that I like to go to sometimes,no loud music banging over speakers, a bit of an old man's pub if you know what I mean,and a great pint of Guinness. A pub you could just go it to on your own and not be bothered.
If you like pubs like Sean's Bar and Johnny Foxes then Morriseys in Abbeyleix is of a similar nature and pretty well known.
Bowes is on my list. One of those Guinness review sites (might have been guinnessguru) gave the pint an almost perfect score.
Bowes would be a go to pub for me when I'm in Dublin, worked beside it for over a year and called in regular enough. The pint is genuinely worth the hype.
I would echo the comments on Bowes and the pint is really good. Can get busy.
O'Loclainn's whiskey bar in Ballyvaughan is a great experience, only opens at 8pm! The pint is excellent and they have an unbelievable selection of spirits.
Can get busy as it is small.
Not a Dublin City centre pub , but at Portabello, Ned O'Connels
Used to live in Portobello many moons ago and Ned's was for pinting and the better known Portobello was for pulling
Spent many an afternoon in Ned's , great pub , good pint - hope it is unchanged
https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2021/07/29/iconic-pub-in-shannonbridge-changes-hands/
Found ourselves in Teac Jack in Bunbeg after Christmas. Not everyone's cup of tea, but there was a trad music festival on in the area, and they were hosting a guitar session in the bar, the fire was lit, it was lashing outside, the wild Atlantic was down below us, and in between the music, I sat listening to the lads at the bar chatting away as gaeilge. Brilliant.
Other than the fact that I was driving and had a 10 month old and 2 year old with me. Despite that, the OH had a pint and was sent another one by a local fella in the bar who saw him dipping his finger in and letting the baby taste it.
Quote from: Rois on April 28, 2023, 10:51:32 AM
Found ourselves in Teac Jack in Bunbeg after Christmas. Not everyone's cup of tea, but there was a trad music festival on in the area, and they were hosting a guitar session in the bar, the fire was lit, it was lashing outside, the wild Atlantic was down below us, and in between the music, I sat listening to the lads at the bar chatting away as gaeilge. Brilliant.
Other than the fact that I was driving and had a 10 month old and 2 year old with me. Despite that, the OH had a pint and was sent another one by a local fella in the bar who saw him dipping his finger in and letting the baby taste it.
Thats Teac Jack Glassagh, a pub out on its own, serving food. Wouldnt be my cup of tea, each to their own I suppose. Hiudais in Bunbeg or Leos & Tessies Meelaleck would be better options in my humble opinion. In fact if you have 2 kids under 2, staying in the house would be better :D, not easy going anywhere with 2 that young. Fair play for trying all the same.
Quote from: Rois on April 28, 2023, 10:51:32 AM
Found ourselves in Teac Jack in Bunbeg after Christmas. Not everyone's cup of tea, but there was a trad music festival on in the area, and they were hosting a guitar session in the bar, the fire was lit, it was lashing outside, the wild Atlantic was down below us, and in between the music, I sat listening to the lads at the bar chatting away as gaeilge. Brilliant.
Other than the fact that I was driving and had a 10 month old and 2 year old with me. Despite that, the OH had a pint and was sent another one by a local fella in the bar who saw him dipping his finger in and letting the baby taste it.
Stayed in teac Jacks twice and loved it both times. Its not the Hilton for sure but good vibe in the bar with the live music. Weird to hear Irish being spoke by some with Glaswegian accents, lots of cross over that area to Scotland. Sean Ogs just up the road is sound as well.
Has Seán ogs not closed? Or maybe it's reduced it's food service days? I know the hotel in gweedore had shut so maybe I'm getting mixed up
Anyway Seán ogs was a great spot and great food too. Been maybe 8 or 9 year since I been up there though
Quote from: laoislad on April 28, 2023, 09:34:26 AM
There's a small little pub on Fleet St in Dublin called Bowes that I like to go to sometimes,no loud music banging over speakers, a bit of an old man's pub if you know what I mean,and a great pint of Guinness. A pub you could just go it to on your own and not be bothered.
If you like pubs like Sean's Bar and Johnny Foxes then Morriseys in Abbeyleix is of a similar nature and pretty well known.
Bowe's is a fantastic pub. One of my faves when in Dublin. Also The Bankers and The Dawson Lounge.
You have Freeney's in Galway. Murphy's across the street is opening up again soon, hopefully it'll have kept the same character.
JJ Harlow's in Roscommon town is another great pub.
Quote from: AustinPowers on April 28, 2023, 01:02:09 PM
Has Seán ogs not closed? Or maybe it's reduced it's food service days? I know the hotel in gweedore had shut so maybe I'm getting mixed up
Anyway Seán ogs was a great spot and great food too. Been maybe 8 or 9 year since I been up there though
Seaview and Ostan Gweedore hotels both closed in early 2015. Seaview already renovated and must be opening to the public soon. The old Seaview had the finest pint of Guinness I've ever tasted anywhere, and it never changed despite multiple different visits to sample it. Lovely part of the world and one I always look forward to visiting. Had never heard of Sean Og's closing though?
Sean Ogs is open.
The Harbour, Downings anyone?!
This thread will be a valuable resource for people travelling about the country!
Wee pub across the road from the Ostan was good for pints as well. Can't remember name was beside a Eurospar and a graveyard.
Matt Molloy's westport.
Some great pubs mentioned here. Old Tom's in castlewellan and Lowry in hilltown. Bowes is good, careful though you could drown in the urinal. Gravediggers in glasnevin is magnificent
You won't get a better pint in Dublin. Forget mulligans. Special mention to 2 gems in Sligo. Hopkins in Enniscrone and Austies in Rosses point. Guinness doesn't get better. Packies in Donegal. I haven't a clue where it is though. I was driven to it by a local. The owner a lovely man serves a magnificent pint.
Quote from: maddog on April 28, 2023, 12:17:58 PM
Quote from: Rois on April 28, 2023, 10:51:32 AM
Found ourselves in Teac Jack in Bunbeg after Christmas. Not everyone's cup of tea, but there was a trad music festival on in the area, and they were hosting a guitar session in the bar, the fire was lit, it was lashing outside, the wild Atlantic was down below us, and in between the music, I sat listening to the lads at the bar chatting away as gaeilge. Brilliant.
Other than the fact that I was driving and had a 10 month old and 2 year old with me. Despite that, the OH had a pint and was sent another one by a local fella in the bar who saw him dipping his finger in and letting the baby taste it.
Stayed in teac Jacks twice and loved it both times. Its not the Hilton for sure but good vibe in the bar with the live music. Weird to hear Irish being spoke by some with Glaswegian accents, lots of cross over that area to Scotland. Sean Ogs just up the road is sound as well.
What about The Thatch, Kiltullagh Maddog?
Quote from: ziggy90 on April 28, 2023, 02:55:12 PM
Quote from: maddog on April 28, 2023, 12:17:58 PM
Quote from: Rois on April 28, 2023, 10:51:32 AM
Found ourselves in Teac Jack in Bunbeg after Christmas. Not everyone's cup of tea, but there was a trad music festival on in the area, and they were hosting a guitar session in the bar, the fire was lit, it was lashing outside, the wild Atlantic was down below us, and in between the music, I sat listening to the lads at the bar chatting away as gaeilge. Brilliant.
Other than the fact that I was driving and had a 10 month old and 2 year old with me. Despite that, the OH had a pint and was sent another one by a local fella in the bar who saw him dipping his finger in and letting the baby taste it.
Stayed in teac Jacks twice and loved it both times. Its not the Hilton for sure but good vibe in the bar with the live music. Weird to hear Irish being spoke by some with Glaswegian accents, lots of cross over that area to Scotland. Sean Ogs just up the road is sound as well.
What about The Thatch, Kiltullagh Maddog?
You'll never leave !!
Quote from: NAG1 on April 28, 2023, 02:11:08 PM
The Harbour, Downings anyone?!
Good shout, although very packed in summer.
Quote from: NAG1 on April 28, 2023, 02:11:08 PM
The Harbour, Downings anyone?!
Would definitely get my vote.
——
McCaffertys in Donegal Town was brilliant, completely unexpected.
In Westport, the Grain Store (formerly Conway's) is a much nicer pub that Molloys across the road.
Blake's in Enniskillen lives up to its reputation.
I love all the back alley pubs in Belfast but they're now too expensive and lose a mark.
What does a pint in Bowe's run you these days?
Quote from: gallsman on April 28, 2023, 06:11:49 PM
What does a pint in Bowe's run you these days?
Even though it lies parallel to Temple Bar towards Pearse St, its fairly reasonable in comparison to some Dublin pubs. Its about 10-12 weeks since I was in it, it was definitely under €6 then, I'd guess €5.70\80 for Guinness
Farrens bar in malin head gets my vote. Maybe it's the novelty of where it is but a great wee bar, fantastic atmosphere in the few times I have been and best of all the guiness.
Quote from: maddog on April 28, 2023, 02:27:30 PM
Wee pub across the road from the Ostan was good for pints as well. Can't remember name was beside a Eurospar and a graveyard.
? Ostan in Gweedore, graveyard is in Maghergallon, me thinks you had a few to many .
Magee's & Blakes in Enniskillen
Smuggler's Creek and Surfers in Rossnowlagh
Linnet Inn in Boho
Marcie Regans in Trim.
Quote from: Duine Inteacht Eile on April 28, 2023, 08:19:04 PM
Quote from: Rudi on April 28, 2023, 07:41:47 PM
Quote from: maddog on April 28, 2023, 02:27:30 PM
Wee pub across the road from the Ostan was good for pints as well. Can't remember name was beside a Eurospar and a graveyard.
? Ostan in Gweedore, graveyard is in Maghergallon, me thinks you had a few to many .
He's in Gort a' Choirce and means Teach Bhillie.
Ostan Gortahork was wondering.
Da Barra's - Clonakilty
Gartlan's - Kingscourt
Hi-B / Oval / Sin é - Cork City
Was in the Morning Star in Belfast last Saturday afternoon for few before a late lunch with the missus, proper man's pub, been pulling pints since 1870. Hasn't changed too much since my first outing 35 years ago.
They also do great steaks, and a carvery during the week was a nasty cheap lunch
After dinner few drinks in Whites, couple in the new part which was busy and live music then some n the back original bar!
Afternoon drinking is unbeatable!!
Had a pint in Bittles last time I was in Bfast and really enjoyed it.
The owner is one of the most aggressive people I've ever seen the way he approaches customers as they come in the door is worth watching alone!!
Sadly Tommy McGrath's in Dungannon is no more, used to live in the place. But love Cleary's in Amiens Street, great pint of stout and sound barmen. Collins loved the place too. Enough said.
Quote from: snoopdog on April 28, 2023, 02:39:07 PM
Some great pubs mentioned here. Old Tom's in castlewellan and Lowry in hilltown. Bowes is good, careful though you could drown in the urinal. Gravediggers in glasnevin is magnificent
You won't get a better pint in Dublin. Forget mulligans. Special mention to 2 gems in Sligo. Hopkins in Enniscrone and Austies in Rosses point. Guinness doesn't get better. Packies in Donegal. I haven't a clue where it is though. I was driven to it by a local. The owner a lovely man serves a magnificent pint.
Is that Packies in Lettermacaward (basically old house in the middle of nowhere? Great spot
Quote from: screenexile on April 28, 2023, 10:59:55 PM
Had a pint in Bittles last time I was in Bfast and really enjoyed it.
The owner is one of the most aggressive people I've ever seen the way he approaches customers as they come in the door is worth watching alone!!
Enjoy pints in Bittles alright but on 3-4. Your man's a dick alright. Nights out for us generally fall back to Maddens which is always good craic.
Quote from: red hander on April 28, 2023, 11:05:40 PM
Sadly Tommy McGrath's in Dungannon is no more, used to live in the place. But love Cleary's in Amiens Street, great pint of stout and sound barmen. Collins loved the place too. Enough said.
Very atmospheric and best of all an 'early house' AIF Sunday.
Quote from: screenexile on April 28, 2023, 10:59:55 PM
Had a pint in Bittles last time I was in Bfast and really enjoyed it.
The owner is one of the most aggressive people I've ever seen the way he approaches customers as they come in the door is worth watching alone!!
What's his issue?
JJ Finan Charlestown, Abbey Tavern Howth, Eugene's Ennistymon, Peadars Derry, Glen Bar Downings, Griffiths Trim, Kirbys Tralee, McReynolds Dungiven and Ollies Bar in Skerries are some of the places I would recommend if you're in the area.
Nearer to home it's Cova Inn, Crosskeys or Pats Bar Portglenone (currently closed) or Tessies in Ballycastle.
I'd always say the best spots are the ones that you will go back to again and again. Sean's in Athlone gets a lot of stag and hen action so not sure I'd like it as my local. Great spot mind as I have been one of those stag groups!
So many in Dublin around Grafton St alone. Neary's and Kehoes are great then Mulligans on Poolbeg St. It won't be for everyone but I love Anseo on Camden St.
Met McGinley there one Christmas with a bunch of Errigal Ciaran's lads - poor hoor was on babysitting duty!
I'm from Kildare and I would say that anyone around Donadea Forest or passing through should hit Roches. It's a pub in the middle of nowhere. It's actually sinking into the bog and does get the odd tour group but the pints are amazing and it can't be beaten at Christmas. It was in the news years ago when the US Ryder Cup team landed in.
https://www.google.com/search?q=roches+pub&sxsrf=APwXEde0a3WV6LSBZVsJSRBRw_YS4FEMPQ:1682762786774&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi0iJbx687-AhXJS8AKHRgiCq0Q_AUoAnoECAIQBA&cshid=1682762792082831&biw=1280&bih=569&dpr=1.5
Stumbled across tig bhric in Dingle a few years back while visiting. Great pub.
There's a travel book called McCarthys bar, think there's two if I can remember right, but the first one is about this guy hitting all the McCarthy pubs in Ireland. So it's on my list one day with my Cuz to do.
There's one in Dingle that I had to go in, lovely Guinness if I can recall
That was a great read. He died of cancer shortly afterwards if I recall correctly.
Quote from: redhandloo on April 29, 2023, 12:19:45 PM
That was a great read. He died of cancer shortly afterwards if I recall correctly.
Was he the same lad that wrote "Around Ireland with a Fridge"?
Quote from: pbat on April 29, 2023, 01:48:29 PM
Quote from: redhandloo on April 29, 2023, 12:19:45 PM
That was a great read. He died of cancer shortly afterwards if I recall correctly.
Was he the same lad that wrote "Around Ireland with a Fridge"?
No, that was Tony Hawks (not the skateboard guy). MccCarthy's Bar is very funny. The Road To McCarthy is the 2nd one.
Quote from: PMG1 on April 29, 2023, 12:55:57 AM
Quote from: snoopdog on April 28, 2023, 02:39:07 PM
Some great pubs mentioned here. Old Tom's in castlewellan and Lowry in hilltown. Bowes is good, careful though you could drown in the urinal. Gravediggers in glasnevin is magnificent
You won't get a better pint in Dublin. Forget mulligans. Special mention to 2 gems in Sligo. Hopkins in Enniscrone and Austies in Rosses point. Guinness doesn't get better. Packies in Donegal. I haven't a clue where it is though. I was driven to it by a local. The owner a lovely man serves a magnificent pint.
Is that Packies in Lettermacaward (basically old house in the middle of nowhere? Great spot
Thats it I think. Great wee bar. We could see Jim McGuinness house in the distance. We'll that's what Packie told us.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on April 29, 2023, 11:53:18 AM
There's a travel book called McCarthys bar, think there's two if I can remember right, but the first one is about this guy hitting all the McCarthy pubs in Ireland. So it's on my list one day with my Cuz to do.
There's one in Dingle that I had to go in, lovely Guinness if I can recall
Quote from: redhandloo on April 29, 2023, 12:19:45 PM
That was a great read. He died of cancer shortly afterwards if I recall correctly.
McCarthy's Bar is the best book I've ever read. Absolutely loved it. Written in 2000, Pete McCarthy died in 2004. The second book is excellent as well.
The front cover featured McCarthys bar in Castletownbeare, and apparently loads of people still stop there because of the book . Never got there yet , but hopefully someday.
As mentioned earlier the Harbour bar in Downings is my favourite. Best in winter where there's only a few there and a turf fire but I do enjoy it in summer too. The steaks in the singing pub in Downings are unreal too, not much of a pub these days though as opposed to full blown restaurant.
Heading down to Kerry in June, I want to stop in the South Pole inn opened by tom Crean, just for the history alone. Has anyone been?
Quote from: markl121 on April 30, 2023, 02:23:24 PM
As mentioned earlier the Harbour bar in Downings is my favourite. Best in winter where there's only a few there and a turf fire but I do enjoy it in summer too. The steaks in the singing pub in Downings are unreal too, not much of a pub these days though as opposed to full blown restaurant.
Heading down to Kerry in June, I want to stop in the South Pole inn opened by tom Crean, just for the history alone. Has anyone been?
Been, great wee pub with good food, near Inch beach which is a great spot to go slso
Quote from: markl121 on April 30, 2023, 02:23:24 PM
As mentioned earlier the Harbour bar in Downings is my favourite. Best in winter where there's only a few there and a turf fire but I do enjoy it in summer too. The steaks in the singing pub in Downings are unreal too, not much of a pub these days though as opposed to full blown restaurant.
Heading down to Kerry in June, I want to stop in the South Pole inn opened by tom Crean, just for the history alone. Has anyone been?
Yes, been to the North Pole. Nice spot. Great photos and history on its walls. Good food too from what I recall
Nancy's in Ardara been mentioned? Great pub, they have a local cider on tap too which is lovely, it's strong enough so tread carefully
Conways in Ramelton is a class wee drinking bar too. The Guinness is excellent. The Bridge Bar in Ramelton is a good spot too if anyone is that area and fancy a crawl, good music most nights
Love Ardara, and Nancy's is a must....but the Corner Bar is the place for me there, Guinness to die for. The wee cafe on the main street does nicest battered cod ever too, two of life's greatest pleasures!
Is the restaurant with Tom Cream memorabilia not in Kenmare town?
Belfast-Duke of York, Kelly's cellar, brittles, morning star.
Downings /dunfanaghy-Harbour bar, singing pub, patsy Dan's.
Killybegs-fleet Inn, Harbour Bar and rusty mackerel.
Athlone-Sean's
Sligo- thomas Connollys
A few of top of my head lol