Sports Bar Pubs in Laytown

Stop whatever you're doing and get yourself to Gilna's The Cottage Inn in Laytown - trust me, this isn't your average suburban pub crawl destination. This place is basically what would happen if your coolest friend opened a pub and said "let's make this the spot where every great night starts." And honestly? That's exactly what's happening in this little slice of Laytown heaven. Let me paint you a picture: imagine walking into a place where the atmosphere hits that perfect sweet spot between "classic Irish pub charm" and "where the cool kids actually want to hang." Gilna's The Cottage Inn has somehow mastered that impossible balance, and I'm still trying to figure out how they've done it. The moment you step in, you can feel it - this is where stories begin. But wait, it gets better. There's this absolutely genius setup where downstairs is your classic pub paradise (complete with what MIGHT be the best pint of Guinness in Laytown, just saying), and then upstairs? An Italian restaurant that's serving up pizzas that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about pub food. And get this - you can order your drinks up from the bar while you're dining. It's like they read our minds about not wanting to choose between pub vibes and proper dinner! The beer garden is where the magic really happens though. We're talking multiple areas, including covered spots for when Irish weather does its thing. I've seen quiet afternoon catch-ups turn into legendary evening sessions out here. And there's always that one friend who shows up saying they're "just staying for one" and ends up leading the sing-along three hours later. Speaking of entertainment - if you're into sports, particularly rugby, you NEED to get yourself here for match days. The atmosphere is electric! There's something about watching a game at Gilna's that makes every try feel like a World Cup final moment. The crowd here knows their stuff, and the banter is top-tier. Here's a pro tip: if you're planning a group night out, this is your spot. The staff here have this supernatural ability to keep everything running smoothly even when it's packed to the rafters. Seriously, I've seen them handle a full house with the kind of grace that makes you wonder if they've got some sort of secret training facility hidden somewhere. And can we talk about the BYOB option for the restaurant? With a reasonable corkage charge, you can bring your favorite bottle to pair with those incredible pizzas. It's like they're actively trying to help us have the best possible night while keeping our wallets happy. This is the kind of thoughtful touch that makes Gilna's The Cottage Inn stand out in Laytown's pub scene. The location is spot-on too - right in the heart of Laytown, with plenty of parking options (both on the street and in their lot). It's perfect for those nights when you want to start early and let the evening unfold naturally. Plus, they're dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can join for those weekend afternoon sessions. They've got all the modern conveniences sorted - take your pick of payment methods, and they're even set up for takeout if you're having one of those "Netflix and pizza" kinds of nights. But honestly? The real magic happens when you're actually here, soaking up the atmosphere and letting the evening take you where it will. Listen, there are pubs, and then there's Gilna's The Cottage Inn Laytown. This isn't just another spot to grab a drink - it's where memories are made, where "quick catch-ups" turn into epic nights, and where you'll find yourself bringing every out-of-town visitor because you know it'll show them exactly what makes Irish pubs special. Don't waste another weekend wondering where to go - get yourself down to Laytown's finest and thank me later. Your next great story is waiting to happen here!

Just what Laytown needed - another pub. The Coast Tavern sits there, brazenly existing alongside the shoreline like it's doing us all a favor by serving reasonably priced pints. I'll admit, I approached with the sort of enthusiasm usually reserved for dental appointments, but sometimes life throws you a curveball wrapped in surprising charm. Let's address the elephant in the room - Coast Tavern Laytown isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It's a pub. In Ireland. Near the sea. Revolutionary stuff, really. But here's where my carefully cultivated cynicism starts to crack: there's something genuinely endearing about this place that makes me want to throw away my critic's notebook and just... enjoy myself. I know, I'm as shocked as you are. The front bar has all the pretense of a favorite cardigan - worn in, comfortable, and utterly uninterested in impressing anyone. Then there's the back bar with its pool table, where local legends are made and forgotten over the course of an evening. The jukebox, which I fully expected to mock, somehow manages to strike that perfect balance between nostalgic hits and tracks that don't make you want to plug your ears with bar napkins. But it's the outdoor seating that really throws you for a loop. Positioned with the kind of view that makes you forget you're sitting outside a pub in Laytown, it's both open and sheltered - a architectural feat that seems almost accidental in its perfection. On sunny days (yes, they occasionally happen in Ireland), it's practically Mediterranean. Almost. Let's not get carried away. The staff deserve special mention, if only because they've managed to perfect that rare art of being genuinely friendly without making you suspect they're angling for a better tip. The barman, in particular, has the kind of authentic charm that makes you realize why Irish pubs became a global export in the first place. Though I tried my best to maintain professional detachment, I found myself being won over by the easy banter and perfectly poured pints. Speaking of pints - let's talk about the Guinness. I've developed a rather jaded palate after years of sampling "perfect pours" across the country, but the Coast Tavern's offering is... well, it's proper. There, I said it. The kind of proper that makes you pause after the first sip and give that little nod of appreciation, even when you're trying to remain stoically unimpressed. The entertainment lineup seems designed to systematically dismantle any remaining criticism. Friday night jam sessions feature local musicians who are actually talented (a rarity that deserves recognition), and the sports coverage is comprehensive enough to satisfy even the most demanding fan. The atmosphere during match days has that electric quality that makes even non-sports people (like my reluctant self) get caught up in the excitement. What's particularly infuriating is the price point. In an era where buying a pint often requires a small bank loan, Coast Tavern Laytown maintains surprisingly reasonable prices. It's almost suspicious how they manage to combine quality with affordability, but I've investigated thoroughly (purely for professional reasons, of course) and found no catch. For context, this establishment sits right by the beach entrance, making it dangerously convenient for post-walk refreshments. The ample parking feels like an unnecessary bonus - though you might find yourself walking home anyway, not because you have to, but because you've been convinced to stay for "just one more." Let me be clear - Coast Tavern isn't trying to be your trendy gastropub or your craft beer paradise. It's something far more valuable: a proper local that actually delivers on the promise of good drinks, good company, and good craic. The fact that it's managed to accomplish this while maintaining reasonable prices and avoiding any hint of pretension is, frankly, annoying to someone who makes a living finding fault in venues. So here's my professional advice, delivered through gritted teeth: if you're in Laytown, do yourself a favor and visit the Coast Tavern. Whether it's for the live music, the sports, the perfectly poured pints, or just the surprisingly pleasant atmosphere, you'll find something to like. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.