Sports Bar Pubs in Clane

Just what Clane needed - another sports bar masquerading as a proper pub. The Newtown Inn and Sports Bar in Clane initially struck me as yet another establishment riding the wave of Ireland's seemingly inexhaustible appetite for watching other people exercise while we nurse our pints. But hold onto your skepticism for just a moment, because this place has somehow managed to pull off something rather... unexpected. First, let's address the elephant in the room - yes, there are screens everywhere. If you're hoping for a quiet corner to contemplate life's mysteries over a solitary Guinness, you might want to check your calendar and make sure there's no major sporting event happening in any corner of the globe. But here's the thing - they've actually done it right. The TVs are positioned with the kind of tactical precision that suggests someone actually thought about sightlines instead of just randomly hammering brackets into walls. The bar staff, contrary to my naturally pessimistic expectations, actually know how to pour a proper pint. I watched the bartender, Aidan, execute a perfect two-part pour with the kind of patience you rarely see these days. It was like watching an artisan at work, if your definition of artistry includes the perfect head-to-liquid ratio in a glass of stout. The price point won't make your wallet weep either, which in today's economy feels like a minor miracle. The recently refurbished function room deserves special mention. While most pub function rooms have all the charm of a 1980s community center, this one actually manages to strike a balance between practical and pleasant. It's the kind of space where you could host anything from a communion to a retirement party without feeling like you're settling for less. The fact that they allow you to bring in your own decorations shows a refreshing lack of the usual corporate stranglehold on personalization. What really throws you for a loop is the cleanliness. I've developed a fairly robust immune system from years of reviewing less-than-pristine establishments, but I found myself repeatedly shocked by how immaculate everything was. The floors weren't sticky (a low bar, I know, but one that surprisingly few pubs clear), the glasses were spotless, and even the bathrooms passed what I like to call the "mother-in-law inspection test." The outdoor seating area, while not exactly the Riviera, provides a decent escape when the inside gets too rowdy during big matches. It's particularly useful when you need to have a conversation that doesn't involve shouting over the collective groans of disappointed sports fans. The free parking lot is another small mercy, especially considering how some establishments in the area seem to think charging for parking is their path to fortune. Now, about that atmosphere - it's a curious mix. The locals provide that authentic Irish pub feeling, though as one regular noted, the clientele can be "a bit suspect" at times. But isn't that true of any proper pub? If you're not occasionally questioning the life choices of at least one patron, are you really in an Irish pub at all? They've embraced modern convenience without sacrificing traditional charm - they'll take your fancy contactless payments while serving you a pint in a glass that's actually seen the inside of a dishwasher this decade. The live music offerings add another layer to the experience, though timing your visit around these events requires the kind of strategic planning usually reserved for military operations. Look, I came to the Newtown Inn and Sports Bar in Clane prepared to write a scathing review about yet another soulless sports bar. Instead, I found myself repeatedly noting things they'd gotten right. It's infuriating when you can't find legitimate faults to complain about - it makes a critic's job so much harder. For those in Clane looking for a spot to watch the match, have a reliable pint, or host a function that won't leave your guests questioning your judgment, the Newtown Inn has somehow managed to become a legitimate option. Just don't tell them I said that - we can't have these places getting too confident. Book ahead for events, check the sports calendar if you're noise-sensitive, and prepare yourself for the unsettling experience of actually enjoying a sports bar. There, I said it. Now excuse me while I hand in my cynic's card.

In the heart of Clane, Larry's Bar & Off Licence stands as a testament to the timeless Irish tradition of the local pub, where stories flow as freely as the perfectly poured pints. The warm glow from its windows spills onto the street like liquid amber, beckoning passersby into a world where conversations twist and turn like smoke rings in the evening air. From the moment you cross the threshold, Larry's Bar captures the essence of what makes Irish pubs the cornerstone of community life in Clane. The polished wood of the bar counter gleams with decades of elbow polish, each nick and scratch a testament to countless nights of raised glasses and shared laughter. The front bar pulses with energy around the pool table and dart board, where friendly competition and good-natured ribbing create an endless symphony of camaraderie. The space flows naturally between distinct atmospheres, each corner holding its own particular charm. In the front, the gentle click of pool balls and thud of darts against cork mingles with animated discussions about the day's match showing on strategically placed screens. The middle bar area serves as a conversational hub where regulars and newcomers alike find themselves drawn into impromptu debates and storytelling sessions, their words carried on the current of properly pulled pints of stout. Friday evenings transform Larry's into a sanctuary of traditional Irish music, where local musicians gather to weave melodies that seem to emerge from the very walls themselves. The sessions feel less like performances and more like conversations between instruments, each tune building upon the last until the entire room breathes in unified rhythm. It's during these moments that Larry's Bar & Off Licence truly reveals its soul – not just as a pub, but as a living, breathing piece of Clane's cultural fabric. The staff move with the assured grace of those who understand that serving drinks is only part of their art. They're keepers of stories, advisors on whiskey selections, and guardians of the pub's welcoming atmosphere. Watch as they guide a curious patron through the nuances of different whiskeys, sharing knowledge that transforms each sip into an education in tradition and taste. Their attention to maintaining spotless surfaces and immaculate facilities speaks to a deeper respect for both the establishment and its patrons. The off-licence portion of Larry's adds another dimension to its character, allowing patrons to carry a piece of the experience home with them. The carefully curated selection reflects the same thoughtful approach found behind the bar, with staff ready to offer expert guidance whether you're selecting a bottle for a special occasion or simply restocking your home collection. Outside, the beer garden provides a peaceful retreat where summer evenings stretch languorously into night. Here, under string lights that mirror the stars above, conversations take on a different timbre, mellowing like aged whiskey. It's a space that invites lingering, where the pressures of the day dissolve into the comfortable embrace of good company and well-crafted drinks. The parking situation – with both street and lot options available – speaks to the practical considerations that make Larry's Bar & Off Licence in Clane so accessible. Modern payment options seamlessly blend with traditional hospitality, ensuring that the focus remains where it should be: on the experience rather than the transaction. What sets Larry's apart isn't just the quality of its pours or the cleanliness of its spaces, but the way it has positioned itself as a cultural landmark in Clane. It's where wedding parties spill in to continue their celebrations, where sports fans gather to share in collective victory or defeat, and where lonely evenings transform into memorable nights thanks to the warm welcome of staff and regulars alike. Step into Larry's Bar & Off Licence, where Clane's past and present mingle like old friends at the bar. Whether you're drawn by the Friday night sessions, the sporting camaraderie, or simply the promise of a perfectly poured pint, you'll find yourself becoming part of a story that's been writing itself, one evening at a time, in this corner of Ireland's heart.

Listen up, because I'm about to put you onto something that's going to change your entire going-out game. The Carriage House at Carton House, Fairmont in Clane isn't just another spot to grab a bite - it's literally where fairy tales meet fantastic nights out. And I'm not even exaggerating! Picture this: you're rolling up to this gorgeous historic building in Clane, feeling like absolute royalty before you even step inside. The Carriage House at Carton House has this whole "am I actually in a movie right now?" vibe that hits different. Trust me, your Instagram story is about to make everyone else's evening look BORING. Let me tell you about the time I brought my crew here for what was supposed to be "just dinner" and ended up being one of those nights we still talk about. The inside is giving luxury-meets-cozy vibes, with these incredible comfortable seats that'll make you want to stay forever (dangerous in the best way possible). But wait until you see the outdoor seating area - surrounded by these massive trees that make you feel like you're dining in some secret garden. When the weather plays nice, it's absolutely unreal. Y'all. The FOOD. Where do I even begin? Their seafood chowder with Guinness bread is the kind of dish you'll dream about weeks later. And if you're feeling fancy (which, let's be honest, this place makes you want to), go for the black sole. Pro tip: their breakfast spread is lowkey one of the best-kept secrets in Clane - imagine starting your day feeling like actual nobility. But here's where it gets really good - they've somehow mastered being fancy without being stuffy. Like, you can roll in for a casual brunch with your besties OR make it your go-to spot for those "big deal" celebrations. The staff here? They're literally the best. They've got this sixth sense for knowing exactly when you need another cocktail (which, by the way, are crafted like little works of art). Speaking of celebrations - PLEASE do yourself a favor and host your next special occasion here. The way they handle birthdays is next level - we're talking surprise desserts and the whole team making you feel like the main character. I've seen them turn regular dinners into core memories without even trying. Let's talk logistics because I want you to do this right. First up, definitely make a reservation - this isn't the kind of place you want to risk missing out on. They're open for literally every meal (breakfast through dinner), but my personal sweet spot is that golden hour dinner time when the light hits different through those huge windows. If you're coming with a group (which you should), they've got you covered with plenty of space and a menu that'll make everyone happy - even your vegetarian friend who's super picky. The Carriage House is basically holding down the fort in Clane's luxury dining scene, but don't let that intimidate you. Yes, it's in the Fairmont, but it's the kind of place where memories trump menuprices every single time. Plus, the free parking situation means more budget for trying everything on the cocktail menu (just saying). Look, I know there are about a million restaurants you could go to, but The Carriage House at Carton House, Fairmont isn't just a restaurant - it's an experience. Whether you're planning date night, family dinner, or the group chat is blowing up with "where should we go?" messages, this is your answer. The only real question is: why aren't you already on your way there? Don't be the person who has to hear about how amazing everyone else's night was - be the person who made it happen.