Restaurant Pubs in Arklow

Just what Arklow needed - another pub claiming to revolutionize the Irish drinking experience. Mickey Finn's Pub in Wicklow has all the typical trappings: exposed brick, carefully curated "authentic" décor, and a beer list longer than my last relationship. I arrived prepared to be underwhelmed, armed with my finest eye-rolling capabilities and a notebook ready to document mediocrity. But damn them. They had to go and actually be good at what they do. Let's address the elephant in the room - the service can be slower than a hungover snail. There's a particular art to forgetting drink orders that some of the staff have truly mastered. Yet somehow, this inconsistency adds to the place's peculiar charm, like that friend who's always late but brings such good stories that you forgive them every time. The real revelation at Mickey Finn's Pub Wicklow comes when the food arrives (eventually). Just when you're ready to write it off as another pub grub disappointment, they serve you something that makes you question your life choices. The chef here is either a culinary genius or has made a deal with some gastronomic deity. Their fish and chips - a dish I've consumed enough times to consider myself a reluctant expert - achieves that mythical balance of crispy exterior and flaky interior that most places can only dream about. Their beer selection would be pretentious if it wasn't so damn good. The house-brewed offerings from the Wicklow Brewery show an attention to detail that borders on obsessive. The St Kevin's Red Ale, in particular, is the kind of drink that makes you temporarily forget about all the mediocre pints you've suffered through in your life. They even do this clever thing where they pair specific beers with menu items, which I wanted to dismiss as gimmicky until I tried it and realized they actually know what they're talking about. The space itself manages to walk that fine line between contemporary and traditional that so many pubs spectacularly fail at. Yes, there's live music, but it's actually enjoyable rather than the usual assault on your eardrums. The outdoor seating area provides a welcome escape when the interior gets busy, which it frequently does because apparently everyone else in Arklow has also discovered this place. Now, let's talk about the restrooms - they're occasionally in a state that would make a gas station bathroom blush. It's the kind of situation that makes you wonder if maintaining toilets is some sort of complex quantum physics that the management hasn't quite mastered yet. Consider yourself warned. Despite these flaws (or perhaps because of them), Mickey Finn's has carved out its own unique niche in Arklow's dining scene. The prices sit comfortably in that sweet spot where you can justify it as a regular haunt without having to sell a kidney. They take cards (welcome to the 21st century), offer free parking (a miracle in itself), and even manage to be family-friendly without sacrificing their soul to the god of chicken nuggets. The place works equally well for a casual lunch, a dinner that impresses without trying too hard, or a night out that starts with "just one drink" and ends with you becoming best friends with the entire bar. They've even managed to make their brunches noteworthy, which is no small feat in a country where "brunch" often means "breakfast served later with a mimosa." Located in the heart of Arklow, Mickey Finn's Pub Wicklow has become something I never expected - a place I actually recommend to people I like. Sure, you might wait a bit too long for your drink, and yes, you might need to strategically time your bathroom visits, but you'll leave having experienced something genuinely worthwhile. Go there. Order the fish and chips, try the house-brewed beer, and accept that sometimes the best places aren't perfect - they're just perfectly themselves. Just don't blame me when you find yourself becoming a regular, despite your best intentions to maintain higher standards.

Looking for that perfect Irish countryside escape? The Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge in Arklow is basically what would happen if a postcard came to life and offered you a drink. This hidden gem tucked into County Wicklow's verdant valleys isn't just another hotel - it's your next "remember that amazing time when..." story waiting to happen. Let me paint you a picture: You're sipping a perfectly poured pint while gazing out over the Vale of Avoca, as live music drifts through the historic halls of the Woodenbridge Hotel. The kind of place where "just one drink" turns into "wait, is that the sunrise?" But like, in the most magical way possible. The rooms? Think cozy-meets-luxurious, with some sporting private balconies that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. Pro tip: Request a Vale view room - trust me, your morning coffee will never taste better than when you're drinking it while watching the mist rise over the Irish countryside. It's the kind of view that makes you want to write poetry (even if you're terrible at it). And can we talk about the food situation? Because OH. MY. GOODNESS. The Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge isn't playing around. Their restaurant is serving up the kind of meals that make you want to hug the chef. Fresh seafood that tastes like it jumped straight from the ocean onto your plate, and traditional Irish dishes that would make your grandmother proud (even if she's not Irish). But here's where it gets even better - they've got this place called the Smokehouse that's basically food heaven. Picture this: You're tucked into a cozy corner, wood-fired pizza in front of you, local craft beer in hand, wondering how you got so lucky. It's the perfect spot for everything from romantic dates to group celebrations where stories get better with each round. Speaking of celebrations - the live music! Some nights, the hotel transforms into the kind of authentic Irish music venue you've always dreamed about. Not the touristy stuff - we're talking proper sessions where locals and visitors alike end up singing along by the end of the night. I've seen more than one quiet evening turn into an impromptu party that nobody wanted to end. The staff here? They're like that friend who always knows the best spots and makes sure you're having the time of your life. They've got that perfect mix of professional and personal that makes you feel like you're staying with particularly well-organized friends rather than at a hotel. For all you adventure seekers - the location is PERFECT. You're right in the heart of the Wicklow countryside, with some of Ireland's best hiking trails practically on your doorstep. Work up an appetite exploring the Vale of Avoca, then reward yourself with a feast fit for a Celtic king back at the hotel. It's the circle of life, Irish style. Let's talk logistics (but make it fun): The Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge in Arklow is easy to find but feels worlds away from everything. There's plenty of parking (because nothing kills a vibe faster than parking stress), and they're super accommodating with check-in times. Just give them a heads up if you're running late - they're cool like that. You know those places that make you feel like you've discovered something special? Where every corner holds the possibility of a new favorite memory? That's the Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge. It's where "I'll just stay one night" turns into "can I just live here forever?" Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a friend's reunion, or just need a slice of Irish paradise, this is your spot. Listen, I'm going to level with you - missing out on the Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge would be like skipping the last chapter of an amazing book. You're in Arklow, you're surrounded by some of Ireland's most stunning countryside, and there's a place that combines historic charm with modern comfort, serves incredible food, and practically guarantees memorable moments. What are you waiting for? The perfect pint, comfy bed, and unforgettable stories are calling your name.