Dog Friendly Pubs in Westport

Just what Westport needed - another pub claiming to serve "elevated" fare. M.J. Hoban's joins the ranks of establishments trying to convince us that putting microgreens on fish and chips somehow transforms pub grub into fine dining. And yet, against my better judgment and years of cultivated cynicism, I find myself returning to this place with alarming frequency. Let's address the elephant in the room: M.J. Hoban's occupies that annoying sweet spot between casual pub and proper restaurant that usually spells disaster for both concepts. The ground floor maintains its traditional pub soul, while upstairs aspires to white-tablecloth respectability. It's the kind of split personality that typically has me rolling my eyes all the way back to Dublin. But here's the thing - they somehow make it work. The moment my defenses started to crack came during an impromptu Tuesday lunch. I'd ordered the mussels mostly out of spite, fully expecting to pen a scathing review about yet another Westport establishment butchering seafood. Instead, I found myself mopping up the last drops of the broth with bread I'd initially dismissed as an unnecessary carb. The mussels were plump, perfectly cooked, and the broth... well, let's just say I've had worse in coastal France. Their fish and chips deserves its own paragraph, if only because it's forced me to eat my words along with every last bite. The batter actually maintains its crunch throughout the meal - a miracle in itself - while the fish inside remains moist without crossing into that unfortunate mushy territory that plagues lesser establishments. And the chips? Hand-cut, twice-fried, and seasoned with what I suspect is a proprietary blend they'll never reveal. Infuriating. The goat cheese croquettes should be terrible. They're the sort of starter that screams "we're trying too hard to be fancy." Yet there I was, fighting off my dining companion's fork as we squabbled over the last one. The sweet chili chicken wings achieve that elusive balance between heat and flavor that makes you hate yourself for loving something so basic. What's equally annoying is the staff's genuine warmth. In an era where service often swings between robotic efficiency and forced familiarity, the crew at M.J. Hoban's manages to be professionally friendly without making me want to flee. They know their menu, they know their drinks, and - most importantly - they know when to leave you alone with your Guinness and your thoughts. Speaking of drinks, the bar program deserves mention. Yes, they pour a proper pint (this is Westport, after all), but they've also assembled a surprisingly competent cocktail list. The wine selection won't win awards, but it's thoughtfully chosen and reasonably priced - words I never thought I'd use to describe a pub's wine list. The space itself strikes an irritatingly perfect balance between traditional and contemporary. Original features have been preserved without turning the place into a museum piece, while modern touches add comfort without destroying the atmosphere. The upstairs dining room offers views over Westport's rooftops, though I prefer the ground floor's honest pub ambiance. They take reservations (thank god), accept all major cards (including contactless), and offer both free parking and street parking - though good luck finding a spot on live music nights, which are surprisingly good despite my initial skepticism. They're also mysteriously good at handling both intimate dinners and larger groups without making either feel out of place. Look, I didn't want to like M.J. Hoban's. Westport has enough decent pubs and restaurants without adding another to the mix. But if you're going to insist on visiting - and based on the consistent crowds, you probably are - you might as well know they serve lunch and dinner daily, do a surprisingly solid weekend brunch, and yes, they're child-friendly without letting the place turn into a creche. They even manage to accommodate vegetarians without making them feel like an afterthought. Fine. I admit it. M.J. Hoban's has earned its place in Westport's dining scene. Book ahead, particularly for weekend evenings or if you're planning to catch the live music. And if you see a grumpy food writer in the corner begrudgingly enjoying every bite of their seafood chowder, do us both a favor and pretend you didn't notice.

In the heart of Westport, where the wild Atlantic winds whisper tales of adventure, Staunton's Pub stands as a testament to everything a proper Irish pub should be. This isn't just another watering hole along the western coast - it's the kind of place where legends are born, friendships are forged, and the Guinness pours as smooth as velvet on a winter's night. Let's be honest - you can't throw a stone in Ireland without hitting a pub that claims to be "authentic." But Staunton's Pub in Westport has something different, something that makes even the most seasoned pub-crawlers stop in their tracks. Maybe it's the way the evening light filters through windows that have witnessed decades of stories, or perhaps it's the warm welcome that hits you before you've even crossed the threshold. The moment you push open that well-worn door, you're greeted by what can only be described as the pub equivalent of a warm hug. The resident pub dog - a furry ambassador of goodwill - might just saunter over to give you a friendly nuzzle, setting the tone for what's guaranteed to be a memorable visit. The locals, who've made this their second home, might glance up from their pints with that knowing look that says, "Ah, another one's discovered our secret." Speaking of pints, let's talk about that Guinness. Here's where Staunton's really shines - their pour is nothing short of artistry. The kind of perfect pint that makes you want to take a photo before taking that first sip (go on, we won't judge). The creamy head sits proudly atop the dark nectar, creating that perfect contrast that Guinness aficionados dream about. At prices that'll leave enough in your wallet for a second round, it's no wonder the regulars keep coming back. But Staunton's Pub isn't just about the drinks. Those in the know order the ham and cheese toastie - a simple pleasure elevated to an art form. Crispy on the outside, molten on the inside, it's the kind of comfort food that makes you wonder why all pub grub isn't this satisfying. Paired with a pint by the crackling fire on a chilly evening, it's the definition of contentment. The atmosphere here deserves its own paragraph. During the day, sunlight streams through the windows, creating perfect reading nooks where you can lose yourself in a book or catch up on some work (yes, they're that kind of welcoming). As evening falls, the pub transforms. The soft glow of well-placed lights creates an ambiance that photographers dream of capturing. On nights when live music fills the air, the whole place comes alive with the sound of traditional tunes mixing with contemporary favorites. Don't be surprised if you find yourself engaged in conversation with someone who just climbed Croagh Patrick, or a local farmer with stories that would fill a book. The pub's outdoor seating area becomes a prime spot during those rare sunny days, offering views that remind you why this corner of Ireland captures so many hearts. For those practical details you're wondering about - yes, they take cards (though having cash never hurts), there's plenty of free parking nearby, and they're remarkably dog-friendly. The staff navigate the fine line between attentive and overbearing with the skill of seasoned professionals. Whether you're popping in for a quick pint or settling in for the evening, they seem to instinctively know exactly what you need. Sports fans, take note - when there's a big match on, the atmosphere is electric. But even during the most intense games, there's an unspoken code of conduct that keeps things friendly and fun. It's the kind of place where rival supporters can share a laugh and a pint after the final whistle. Here's the thing about Staunton's Pub in Westport - it's more than just a stop on your itinerary. It's the kind of place that becomes part of your story, the pub you'll find yourself telling friends about long after you've returned home. So do yourself a favor - after that Croagh Patrick climb, or that wild Atlantic Way drive, or just because it's Tuesday - push open that door, find yourself a cozy corner, and let Staunton's work its magic. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.

Just what Westport needed - another Irish pub named after a mythological hero. When I first heard about Cú Chulainn's Bar, I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly sprained an optic nerve. Because obviously, what this charming Mayo town was desperately lacking was yet another establishment serving pints of the black stuff beneath Celtic memorabilia. But damn it all if this place hasn't wormed its way into my cynical heart like a persistent ear worm you initially hate but eventually find yourself humming in the shower. Located just far enough from Westport's town center to avoid the tourist crush (about a 6-minute wobble, depending on how many pints you've had), Cú Chulainn's Bar has achieved something I thought impossible: authenticity in an age of Instagram-ready "authentic" Irish pubs. The owners, Adrian and Emer (who I fully intended to dismiss as trying too hard), turn out to be the kind of publicans that remind you why Irish hospitality became famous in the first place. They remember your name, your drink, and somehow make you feel like you're in their living room rather than their business. It's the kind of genuine warmth that can't be faked - believe me, I've seen plenty try. The Guinness here is, and I hate myself for using this cliché, properly poured. None of that rushed, foam-collapsing nonsense you get at tourist traps. The bartenders here treat each pint like they're crafting the last beer on Earth, and while you might wait an extra minute or two, you'll thank them when that perfectly settled pint arrives. The price point is refreshingly reasonable too - in an era where some places charge cathedral-worthy prices for a mediocre pint, Cú Chulainn's keeps things honest. Live music nights here are something special, and I write that through gritted teeth because usually, pub music makes me want to commit grievous bodily harm. But there's something about the way they do it at Cú Chulainn's - maybe it's the acoustics, maybe it's the crowd, or maybe it's just that extra shot of whiskey, but the music feels less like a tourist performance and more like you've stumbled into someone's particularly talented family gathering. The walls are adorned with Celtic memorabilia, which would normally send me running for the hills, but somehow they've managed to curate it in a way that feels more like a natural accumulation of history rather than a themed restaurant designer's fever dream. Each piece seems to have a story, and if you catch Adrian or Emer in a quiet moment, they'll actually tell you one worth hearing. For sports fans (and I usually avoid sports bars like I avoid my ex), they've managed to create an atmosphere that's enthusiastic without being overwhelming. You can watch the match without feeling like you're in the middle of a riot, which is a delicate balance few establishments achieve. The payment system is modernized (they accept cards, contactless, and yes, actual money), which shouldn't be noteworthy in 2024 but somehow still is in some Irish pubs. The restrooms are clean - a detail I wouldn't normally mention except that it's surprisingly rare in pubs of this vintage. Look, I didn't want to like Cú Chulainn's Bar. I really didn't. But like that friend who keeps setting you up on blind dates, Westport knew better than I did. It's the kind of place that makes you cancel your plans to "just stay for one" and end up closing the place down, having learned three new songs, made two new friends, and forgotten whatever it was you were annoyed about when you walked in. So here's my begrudging advice: If you're in Westport and looking for a pub that hasn't sold its soul to tourism while still being welcoming to visitors, drag yourself to Cú Chulainn's Bar. Just don't blame me when you miss your dinner reservations because you got caught up in a spontaneous singing session or an enlightening conversation with a local about the finer points of hurling. Some places are worth the hangover, and this, I reluctantly admit, is one of them.

In the heart of Westport, O'Raghallaighs Pub stands as a testament to the timeless art of Irish hospitality. Like a well-worn leather book that holds countless stories within its pages, this pub has become woven into the very fabric of the community, each evening adding new chapters to its continuing narrative. The moment you cross the threshold of O'Raghallaighs Pub in Westport, you're embraced by the warm glow of tradition. A turf fire crackles in the hearth, sending tendrils of sweet, earthy smoke dancing through the air, while worn wooden floors bear the pleasant patina of countless footsteps. The soft amber lighting catches the edges of well-polished brass fixtures, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and inviting. The pub's architecture speaks in whispers of history, with exposed wooden beams overhead that have witnessed decades of celebrations, consolations, and everyday moments of connection. Natural light filters through windows that have framed generations of Westport life, creating soft pools of illumination that puddle on tabletops during afternoon visits. As day transitions to evening, the pub takes on a golden warmth that seems to emanate from its very walls. Here at O'Raghallaighs, the art of pulling a perfect pint is elevated to something approaching ceremony. Watch as the bartender tilts the glass at precisely the right angle, the cascade of dark liquid rising slowly to form that iconic creamy head. The first sip is always a moment of quiet revelation – this is how Guinness was meant to be served, with patience and precision that honors both the beverage and the person waiting to receive it. The selection of spirits behind the bar tells its own story, with bottles of whiskey catching the light like amber jewels. Each label represents not just a drink but a heritage, a craft passed down through generations. The wine list, though carefully curated, plays a supporting role to the true stars: the perfectly kept ales and stouts that have long been the lifeblood of Irish pub culture. Live music fills the space on regular evenings, when local musicians gather to share tunes that seem to rise from the very ground beneath your feet. The music here isn't a performance so much as a conversation – between players and listeners, between past and present, between tradition and spontaneity. You might find yourself tapping your foot to a reel or humming along to a ballad you've somehow always known. The staff at O'Raghallaighs move through the space with the easy grace of those who understand that their role extends far beyond serving drinks. They're custodians of community, knowing when to share a joke, when to lend an ear, and when to simply let the evening unfold at its own pace. Teresa and Ray, along with their team, have mastered the delicate art of making everyone feel like a regular, whether it's your first visit or your five hundredth. Immaculate attention to detail extends to every corner of O'Raghallaighs. The ladies' facilities, with their thoughtful touches like complimentary sanitary products and quality hand lotions, speak to a level of care that goes beyond the expected. Even on a quiet Monday afternoon, there's a gentle buzz of conversation, punctuated by commentary from the horse racing on the television – a soundtrack as familiar as the pub itself. The pub draws a diverse crowd: locals unwinding after work, tourists seeking authentic Irish pub culture, groups gathering to celebrate or simply share stories over a pint. Dogs are welcome too, adding to the homely atmosphere as they doze by the fire while their owners chat above. This is a place where the lines between stranger and friend blur easily, where conversations flow as smoothly as the drinks. Find your way to O'Raghallaighs Pub in Westport, where every visit writes you into the ongoing story of this beloved establishment. Whether you're seeking the perfect pint, a night of music, or simply a moment of connection in an increasingly disconnected world, you'll find your place here, where the warmth of welcome never fades and the door is always open to another tale waiting to be told.

Tucked away in the heart of Mayo's stunning countryside, the Buckfield Inn Kilmeena near Westport is what happens when Irish hospitality decides to show off a bit. This isn't just another pub with rooms - it's the kind of place where the boundary between guest and family gets delightfully blurry, and where every pint comes with a side of storytelling that would make your grandmother's best tales seem brief by comparison. The moment you pull up to this charming establishment, you'll notice something different about the Buckfield Inn. Maybe it's the way the evening light catches the whitewashed walls, or how the hanging baskets seem to have been arranged by someone who actually whispers to their flowers. But more likely, it's the chorus of warm greetings that'll hit you before you've even crossed the threshold - a mix of friendly barks from the resident dogs and cheerful hellos from both staff and locals who've long since claimed their favorite corners of the bar. Inside, the pub portion of Buckfield Inn Kilmeena is everything you've ever dreamed an authentic Irish pub should be, minus the touristy shamrock overload that plagues lesser establishments. The bar gleams with well-polished wood that's absorbed decades of good craic, while the walls tell their own stories through a carefully curated collection of local memorabilia. It's the kind of place where your phone will stay firmly in your pocket, not because there's a sign telling you to put it away, but because you'll be too engrossed in conversation with the friendly local who just bought you a pint "because you look like you needed one." The accommodations upstairs manage that rare feat of being both spotlessly clean and genuinely cozy - think perfectly crisp sheets with the kind of comfort that makes you want to skip your morning plans and just nestle in for an extra hour. Paul and Carmel, the owners, have mastered the art of knowing exactly when to check in on guests and when to let them simply soak in the atmosphere. It's like they've installed some sort of hospitality radar that only the best innkeepers possess. When evening rolls around, the pub comes alive with a gentle buzz that feels more like a gathering of friends than a business transaction. The Guinness here is poured with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious ceremonies, and the wine selection, while not encyclopedic, is chosen with the same care you'd use picking out a birthday present for your mother-in-law. There's no food service, but that's actually part of the charm - it keeps the focus on the drinks, the conversation, and the genuine connections that happen when people aren't distracted by menu decisions. The outdoor space deserves special mention - it's where many a summer evening has stretched into night, with guests from the B&B mingling with locals under stars that seem impossibly bright this far from any major city. There's something about the way conversations flow out here that makes even complete strangers feel like old friends catching up after too long apart. For those traveling by motorhome, the Buckfield Inn Kilmeena has thoughtfully set aside space for up to three vehicles, making it an ideal stop for road warriors seeking both a proper pint and a proper rest. The free parking lot is generous enough that you won't have to perform any of those awkward multi-point turns that make other guests wince in sympathy. Location-wise, you're perfectly positioned to explore everything Westport has to offer without being caught in its tourist crush. The inn sits about a short drive from town, making it an ideal base for adventures around Mayo. Croagh Patrick looms in the distance like a challenge waiting to be accepted, while the Wild Atlantic Way beckons with promises of breathtaking coastal drives. Here's the thing about the Buckfield Inn Kilmeena - it's not trying to be the fanciest spot in Westport, or the most innovative, or the most anything really. Instead, it excels at being exactly what it is: a genuine Irish inn where the welcome is warm, the beds are comfortable, and the craic is mighty. The reasonable rates for rooms feel like a blessing in today's travel landscape, while the perfectly poured pints remain one of the area's best values. Don't just add this to your Westport itinerary - make it your base of operations. Book a room, pull up a barstool, and prepare to become part of the Buckfield Inn's ongoing story. Just don't blame me when you find yourself extending your stay "just one more night" - it happens to the best of us.

Just when you think you've seen every quaint Irish pub Westport has to offer, The West End Bar manages to sneak up and remind you why these old-school establishments endure. And by old-school, I mean properly old-school - not some Pinterest-inspired "vintage" aesthetic dreamed up by a marketing team who thinks exposed Edison bulbs equal authenticity. I'll admit, I approached The West End Bar in Westport with my usual skepticism. Another traditional Irish pub? How groundbreaking. But somewhere between pushing open that weathered door and settling onto a well-worn barstool, something shifted. Maybe it was the complete absence of pretense, or perhaps it was the way the barman poured a Guinness with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious ceremonies. Let's talk about that Guinness for a moment. In a world where craft beer menus read like pretentious novellas, there's something refreshingly honest about a pub that knows its primary mission is to pour the perfect pint. The West End Bar doesn't need to advertise their expertise - the proof is in that first silky sip, in the perfect temperature, in the way the head holds its form like some sort of black and white architectural marvel. I've had Guinness in Dublin's most famous establishments, and I hate to admit it, but this remote Westport pub gives them a serious run for their money. The physical space itself is exactly what you'd hope for, though I initially tried to resist its charms. The snug area in the back, complete with a peat fire that makes you forget what century you're in, feels like stepping into your Irish grandmother's living room - assuming you have an Irish grandmother, which I don't, but you get the point. It's the kind of cozy that Instagram influencers attempt to recreate but never quite manage. What truly sets The West End Bar apart from Westport's other drinking establishments - and believe me, I've done extensive "research" - is the complete absence of what I call "pub pollution." No blaring sports screens, no automated playlist of top 40 hits, no menu featuring fusion tacos or artisanal sliders. Just conversation, properly poured drinks, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you understand why Irish pubs have been the center of community life for centuries. The locals who frequent The West End Bar deserve special mention, though I'm slightly bitter about how quickly they managed to break down my professional detachment. These aren't your tourist-weary pub denizens who've developed an immunity to strangers. Within minutes, you're likely to be drawn into conversations ranging from local history to global politics, all delivered with that distinctive Mayo wit that makes you feel simultaneously entertained and slightly outmatched. For those requiring practical information - yes, there's a restroom, and yes, it's actually clean, which shouldn't be noteworthy but somehow is. They welcome dogs, though your four-legged friend might have to compete for attention with the regulars. The bar serves both beer and wine, though ordering anything other than Guinness or whiskey feels like ordering a hamburger at a sushi restaurant - technically possible, but missing the point entirely. Speaking of missing the point, if you're looking for craft cocktails, small plates, or anything that could be described as "fusion," you're in the wrong establishment. The West End Bar in Westport specializes in one thing: being exactly what it is, without apology or pretense. In an age where every other establishment seems desperate to be all things to all people, there's something admirable about that singular focus. I find myself impossibly charmed by The West End Bar, much to my professional chagrin. It stands as a testament to the fact that sometimes - just sometimes - the simple things really are the best things. So here's my advice, which I can't believe I'm giving: Next time you're in Westport, ignore the trendy spots with their artisanal everything, and push open the door to The West End Bar instead. Just don't blame me when you find yourself canceling your evening plans because you've found your new favorite spot in Mayo. Some places are worth surrendering your cynicism for, and this, reluctantly, is one of them.