Family Friendly Pubs in Greystones

Just what Greystones needed - another pub claiming to revolutionize the Irish drinking experience. The Burnaby Pub & Restaurant sits there, all smug and well-positioned near the station, practically daring you to find fault with its carefully curated blend of traditional and contemporary. I went in determined to hate it. Spoiler alert: I failed. Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, The Burnaby Pub & Restaurant in Greystones is yet another establishment jumping on the "gastropub" bandwagon. But unlike many of its trying-too-hard competitors, this place somehow manages to pull it off without making you want to roll your eyes into the next county. The first crack in my cynical armor appeared when I discovered their seafood chowder. Now, I've survived enough mediocre chowders to fill Dublin Bay, but this one... this one made me pause mid-snark. Rich, creamy, and loaded with fresh seafood that actually tastes like it saw the ocean this century. It's the kind of dish that makes you temporarily forget you're supposed to be maintaining your professional distance. The space itself refuses to conform to easy criticism. Sure, it's got that predictable pub-meets-modern-eatery aesthetic, but The Burnaby has managed to preserve enough authentic character to avoid feeling like it was decorated by an algorithm. The outdoor seating area - which I fully intended to mock for its inevitable Instagram-worthiness - turns out to be genuinely pleasant, especially when the Irish weather decides to cooperate (approximately three days per year). Their draft beer selection is extensive enough to be impressive without crossing into pretentious territory. And while the prices won't have you checking your account balance mid-pint, they're reasonable enough to justify a second round. The wine list is surprisingly decent for a place that could've gotten away with three options of varying redness. The kitchen consistently delivers dishes that make you question your commitment to being unimpressed. Those duck spring rolls everyone keeps talking about? Annoyingly good. The button mushrooms? Frustratingly perfect. Even their fish and chips - a dish so common it should be impossible to stand out - somehow manages to be memorable, with what might actually be the best tartar sauce this side of the Irish Sea. Service manages to hit that sweet spot between attentive and overbearing, though I suspect they recognized my critic's scowl and adjusted accordingly. The staff maintains that difficult balance of professional efficiency and genuine warmth that's becoming increasingly rare in the industry. They're knowledgeable about the menu without reciting it like a memorized script, and they actually seem to enjoy their jobs, which is both suspicious and refreshing. For families (because apparently we must address this demographic), they've thoughtfully included a children's menu and enough space to accommodate the inevitable chaos that accompanies dining with tiny humans. The place is also surprisingly adept at handling larger groups without descending into the special circle of hell usually reserved for birthday parties and corporate outings. Sports fans will find enough screens to keep track of the match without the place feeling like a betting shop, and the sound levels are managed well enough that you can actually have a conversation without shouting yourself hoarse. It's an impressive balancing act that shouldn't work but somehow does. Located in the heart of Greystones, The Burnaby Pub & Restaurant has become an irritatingly essential part of the local scene. The parking situation can be a bit of a faff with paid street parking and lots nearby, but that's hardly the venue's fault (though I tried to blame them anyway). They take cards, support contactless payments, and have generally dragged themselves into the 21st century without losing their soul in the process. Look, I didn't want to like The Burnaby. I really didn't. But after multiple visits (purely for thorough research, of course), I've been forced to concede that this place actually deserves its reputation. Whether you're a local or just passing through Greystones, you'll probably end up here eventually. And despite my best efforts to maintain my professional cynicism, I have to admit - you could do a lot worse. Book ahead, especially for weekend evenings, and prepare yourself for the annoying possibility of having a genuinely good time.

Stop whatever you're doing and get yourself to The Horse and Hound Delgany in Greystones - trust me, this isn't your average pub night! This stunning Irish gem is basically what would happen if your coolest friend designed the perfect spot for EVERY occasion. And I mean EVERY occasion. Picture this: you're walking into what feels like the cozy living room of that one friend who always throws the best parties, except it's been elevated to an art form. The Horse and Hound Delgany isn't just serving drinks and food - it's serving MEMORIES, people! Whether you're planning a romantic date that'll actually impress or looking for the perfect spot to rally the troops for an unforgettable night out in Greystones, this is your answer. Let me tell you about the magic that happens here. Wednesday nights? TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC that'll have you questioning every other evening you've spent elsewhere. The beer garden out back is basically a secret paradise - imagine sipping craft cocktails under the stars while debating life's greatest mysteries (like why we don't do this more often). And if you're thinking "but what about food?" OH. MY. GOODNESS. The kitchen at The Horse and Hound Delgany is performing actual culinary wizardry. Their mussels? Life-changing. Not even exaggerating. The kind of dish you'll be texting your foodie friends about at midnight saying "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?" The menu hits that perfect sweet spot between pub classics and gourmet creations that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. But here's where it gets even better - they have ROOMS! Yes, you read that right. When the night's too good to end (and trust me, it will be), you can just float upstairs to your cozy bed instead of calling that expensive taxi. It's like they read our minds and said, "You know what? Let's make this the ultimate convenience package." The atmosphere here deserves its own paragraph because it's THAT special. Picture exposed brick walls that could tell a thousand stories, warm lighting that makes everyone look like their best Instagram filter, and a vibe that somehow manages to be both lively and intimate at the same time. It's like they've bottled the essence of Irish hospitality and sprinkled it everywhere. Pro tip: Get here early on live music nights - the place fills up faster than your group chat when someone mentions free food. The outdoor terrace is basically heaven when the weather plays nice (and even when it doesn't - they've thought of everything). And if you're into sports? They show all the big games with an atmosphere that'll make your living room setup feel like amateur hour. The staff here? They're not just staff - they're basically your new best friends who happen to make incredible cocktails. They remember your name, your usual order, and probably that embarrassing story you told them last time (but they're cool about it). They've got that rare gift of making everyone feel like a regular, even if it's your first time in. Let's talk location because The Horse and Hound Delgany has positioned itself perfectly in Greystones' most charming spot. It's like they knew exactly where to plant themselves to create the perfect storm of accessibility and atmosphere. Close enough to everything but just far enough to feel like your own secret spot. Listen, I'm not saying you HAVE to drop everything and head to The Horse and Hound Delgany right now... but if you don't, you're basically volunteering to miss out on what could be the highlight of your week/month/year. Whether it's for the food, the drinks, the music, or just the craic - this place is what memories are made of. And isn't that what we're all looking for? See you there tonight? (That's not really a question - you're coming!)

The Wicklow Arms in Greystones stands as a testament to the evolving character of this coastal Dublin suburb, where traditional Irish pub culture seamlessly melds with contemporary dining expectations. Nestled in the heart of this seaside community, this establishment has become more than just another local watering hole – it's a gathering place that reflects the area's transformation from a quiet fishing village to a sophisticated commuter haven. In a town where the old and new Ireland constantly converse, The Wicklow Arms has mastered the delicate balance between honoring pub traditions and embracing modern gastro sensibilities. The venue's stone exterior and warm wooden interiors pay homage to classic Irish pub architecture, while its thoughtfully curated menu and craft beer selection speak to current culinary trends sweeping through Dublin's suburban landscape. The evolution of Greystones itself is mirrored in the pub's approach to hospitality. As the town has grown from its humble origins into a desirable coastal community, The Wicklow Arms has adapted accordingly, creating an environment that caters to both long-time locals and the area's growing population of young professionals and families. This cultural fusion is evident in everything from the menu to the carefully maintained atmosphere that manages to feel both established and fresh. The pub's culinary offering deserves particular attention, as it exemplifies the contemporary Irish gastropub movement. Here, traditional pub fare receives thoughtful updates – the Sunday roast beef draws regular crowds, while the burger has achieved near-legendary status among locals. Each dish reflects a kitchen that understands its audience: sophisticated enough to satisfy Dublin's food-savvy commuters, yet unpretentious enough to remain true to its pub roots. What sets The Wicklow Arms apart in Greystones' dining scene is its ability to function as multiple venues throughout the day. Morning coffee service transitions seamlessly into bustling lunch trade, while evenings see a diverse crowd gathering for everything from family dinners to casual drinks. The addition of live music events has transformed the space into a cultural hub, providing a platform for local talents while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that regulars cherish. The venue's interior design cleverly accommodates this multiplicity of purposes. Various seating areas create natural divisions between dining and drinking spaces, while the outdoor seating area has become a coveted spot during warmer months, offering views of the neighborhood's charming streetscape. The traditional bar area remains the heart of the operation, where the art of pulling the perfect pint of Guinness continues to be practiced with appropriate reverence. Family-friendly policies during daytime hours reflect an understanding of Greystones' demographics, while the evening atmosphere shifts subtly to accommodate adult socializing. This careful balance has helped The Wicklow Arms maintain its position as a cross-generational meeting point, where young families can enjoy Sunday lunch while evening crowds gather for craft beers and cocktails. The pub's commitment to quality extends beyond its food and drink offerings. Service staff strike that characteristic Irish balance between professional efficiency and warm familiarity, while the management's investment in regular events – from sports screenings to music nights – demonstrates an understanding of the pub's role as a community anchor. The venue's moderate pricing structure reflects a conscious decision to remain accessible while maintaining high standards. Local ingredients feature prominently on both food and beverage menus, telling the story of County Wicklow's rich agricultural heritage. The selection of craft beers alongside traditional drafts speaks to Ireland's brewing renaissance, while the cocktail menu nods to global influences without overshadowing the pub's core identity. Visiting The Wicklow Arms offers more than just a meal or a drink – it's an opportunity to experience the evolving face of modern Irish pub culture. Whether you're a Greystones local or a curious visitor, this establishment provides a window into how traditional Irish hospitality can successfully adapt to changing times while maintaining its essential character. By crossing its threshold, you're not just entering a pub; you're participating in the ongoing story of how Irish social spaces continue to evolve while remaining true to their community-centered roots.