Best Great Value Pubs

In the heart of Ballymote, The Still Bar stands as a testament to Irish hospitality, where warmth radiates not just from the crackling hearth but from the very soul of the place. This isn't merely a pub; it's where the town's stories collect like dewdrops on a spider's web, each one catching and reflecting the light of countless evenings shared. As you cross the threshold of The Still Bar Ballymote, the transition is immediate and profound. The amber glow of well-worn wood panels meets the dance of firelight on glasses, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and intimately present. The air carries the subtle symphony of conversation, clinking glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter that rises above the gentle murmur like a bird taking flight. The bar itself, a masterpiece of aged wood and careful maintenance, curves through the space like a river finding its natural course. Behind it, bottles catch and scatter light, their labels telling stories of distilleries near and far. Here at The Still Bar, every pour is performed with the reverence of ritual, each drink served not just as a beverage but as a connection to the generations who've stood in this very spot, raising glasses to life's moments both grand and modest. During evening hours, the space transforms with the addition of live music, when local musicians take their place in the corner by the fireplace. The melodies weave through the room like smoke, sometimes traditional tunes that have echoed through Ballymote's streets for centuries, other times contemporary songs that find their own place in the tapestry of The Still's atmosphere. The music here isn't background noise – it's the heartbeat of the establishment, as essential as the spirits behind the bar. The outdoor seating area offers a different kind of magic, where summer evenings stretch long and golden. Stone walls embrace tables where friends gather, the sky above serving as nature's ceiling. Even here, the warmth of The Still Bar's hospitality extends beyond its physical walls, creating a sanctuary where the fresh air mingles with the pub's inherent coziness. Sports fans find their own corner of paradise here, where important matches draw crowds that transform from individuals into a collective entity, rising and falling with every play. The Still Bar Ballymote becomes a theater of shared passion, where strangers become friends over the course of ninety minutes, united by their team's fortunes. The bar's dedication to hospitality extends to every detail – from the impeccable restrooms to the thoughtfully arranged seating that accommodates both intimate conversations and larger gatherings. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with traditional charm, with NFC payment options available alongside the time-honored exchange of cash across the bar top. Parking is never a worry, with both a free lot and ample street parking ensuring that your journey to The Still Bar is as stress-free as your time within it. The staff moves through the space with the easy grace of those who understand that their role extends beyond service to stewardship of something precious – the art of making everyone feel at home. Children are welcome here during appropriate hours, a nod to the Irish tradition of family-friendly pub culture that treats young ones not as interlopers but as the next generation of community members. It's this inclusivity that helps The Still Bar maintain its position as more than just a drinking establishment – it's a living room for the entire town. As evening deepens and conversations grow softer, The Still Bar in Ballymote reveals its truest self: a place where memories are not just made but held in trust, where every visit adds another layer to the rich patina of experience that coats these walls. Whether you're a local or a traveler passing through, The Still Bar invites you to become part of its ongoing story – to find your own place in this warm embrace of community and tradition. Step in, pull up a chair, and let yourself become part of the tale that continues to unfold here, night after night, in this cherished corner of Ballymote.

Looking for the beating heart of Kells? The Welcome Wagon isn't just another pub - it's that rare gem where every visit feels like you've stumbled into the best house party in town, except someone's lovely gran is cooking up a storm in the kitchen. This beloved Kells institution has mastered that magical sweet spot between proper Irish pub and your best mate's living room. Listen, I need you to understand something: this isn't just about grabbing a pint (though holy moly, they pour one of the coldest, crispest pints you'll find this side of anywhere). The Welcome Wagon in Kells is where random Tuesday nights turn into "remember when" stories, and where "just one quick drink" becomes four hours of banter with people who walked in as strangers and left as WhatsApp group members. The layout is pure genius - you've got your classic bar area that feels like it's been hosting quality craic since forever, and then there's the lounge that's basically designed for those nights when your crew starts small and somehow keeps growing as word gets out that you're having TOO MUCH FUN to be legal. And somehow? There's always room for one more! Y'all, the food here. THE FOOD. Remember when pub grub meant a sad sandwich and a packet of crisps? The Welcome Wagon said "not on our watch" and turned their kitchen into some kind of flavor laboratory. Everything comes out looking like it belongs on someone's Instagram story, but tastes like your Irish granny spent all day making it (if your granny was secretly a culinary genius). The staff? Absolute legends. They've got this sixth sense about everything - they know when you're celebrating something (even if you haven't told them), when you need a quiet corner for deep chats, or when your glass is about to empty before YOU even know it. It's like they've got some kind of hospitality superpowers, I swear. Speaking of superpowers - whoever designed their beer selection deserves a cape. From local craft heroes to international favorites, they've got everything your taste buds might fancy. And don't even get me started on their wine list! It's carefully curated for every possible scenario, from "fancy date night" to "girls' night out" to "I just got promoted and I'm feeling FANCY." Can we talk about the atmosphere for a sec? The Welcome Wagon has somehow managed to nail that impossible balance between "proper grown-up establishment" and "place where you can laugh so hard you snort." The lighting is perfect for both your selfies AND your dignity (a rare combination, trust me). The music sits at that perfect volume where you can still hear your friends' stories but also feel the buzz of a proper night out. Here's some insider intel: Thursday nights are when the magic really happens. The weekend crowd hasn't descended yet, the regulars are in fine form, and there's this amazing energy that makes every conversation feel more interesting than the last. Pro tip: grab a table near the bar around 7pm - trust me on this one. Parking? Sorted. They've got free street parking right outside, which is basically the universe telling you there's no excuse not to come. And the location? Perfect. Right in the heart of Kells, with a handy shop and post office nearby (though once you're inside The Welcome Wagon, you'll forget the outside world exists anyway). Look, I'm just going to say it: if you haven't experienced a night at The Welcome Wagon in Kells, you're basically living in the shadow of what your social life could be. This isn't just a pub - it's where memories are made, friendships are forged, and ordinary evenings transform into legendary nights. Don't be that person who keeps saying "we should go sometime" - grab your phone, text your crew, and make it happen. The Welcome Wagon is waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss another minute of the magic happening inside those walls.

Let me tell you about Crean's Bar in Fermoy - it's the kind of place where legends are born and perfect pints are poured. Nestled in the heart of this charming Cork town, Crean's isn't just another Irish pub; it's an institution where stories flow as freely as the Guinness, and every visit feels like coming home, even if it's your first time crossing the threshold. The moment you push open the weathered wooden door of Crean's Bar, Fermoy's finest watering hole, you're greeted by that unmistakable symphony of Irish pub life - the gentle murmur of conversation, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the occasional cheer from sports fans gathered around the television. The regulars might pause for a moment to size you up, but it only takes seconds before you're welcomed into the fold with a friendly nod or a raised glass. They say the measure of a proper Irish pub is its Guinness, and at Crean's, they've elevated the pour to an art form. The barkeeps here don't just serve drinks; they perform a time-honored ritual that would bring a tear to Arthur Guinness's eye. Each pint is drawn with the patience of a saint, allowed to settle with the reverence of a prayer, and topped off with a creamy head so perfect you'd swear it was painted on. As Dublin Martin (a regular whose endorsement has become local legend) will tell you, it's "the best pint of Guinness in the world" - and he's willing to bet a free drink on it. But there's more to Crean's than just exceptional stout. The pub has mastered that elusive Irish art of being simultaneously lively and relaxed. The walls, adorned with a tapestry of local history in photographs and memorabilia, tell stories spanning generations. Each corner seems to hold a different atmosphere - from the animated buzz around the bar to the cozy nooks where old friends share whispered conversations over warming glasses of Powers. The staff here have an almost supernatural ability to remember faces, names, and preferred drinks. They move with the efficiency of seasoned professionals but maintain the warmth of old friends, creating an atmosphere that makes every visitor feel like they've just discovered their new favorite spot. Whether you're a local or just passing through Fermoy, you'll find yourself drawn into conversations about everything from local GAA matches to global politics, all delivered with that particular Irish blend of wisdom and wit. During big sporting events, Crean's transforms into Fermoy's unofficial stadium. The energy is electric, with supporters from various teams coming together in good-natured rivalry. The clever positioning of multiple screens means you won't miss a moment of the action, whether it's rugby, football, or hurling that brings you in. And unlike some sports bars that sacrifice atmosphere for technology, Crean's maintains its soul even when every eye is fixed on the match. The surprising element that sets Crean's apart is its unexpected culinary offerings. While maintaining its traditional pub essence, they've embraced modern tastes, including - believe it or not - some remarkably good Indian food. It's this blend of old and new, traditional and surprising, that keeps Crean's feeling fresh while honoring its heritage. What makes this establishment truly special is its role as Fermoy's living room. It's where deals are sealed with handshakes, where friendships are forged over shared rounds, and where the community comes together to celebrate victories and console defeats. The payment options are thoroughly modern (they accept everything from cash to contactless), but the values are timelessly traditional - good company, good drinks, and good craic are still the currency that matters most. As evening settles over Fermoy and the golden light streams through Crean's windows, the pub takes on an almost magical quality. The music seems a little sweeter, the stories get a little taller, and the warmth of community grows stronger. Whether you're seeking the perfect pint, a place to watch the match, or just a friendly face and good conversation, Crean's Bar delivers with an authenticity that can't be manufactured. Do yourself a favor and make Crean's Bar part of your Fermoy experience. Drop in for a pint, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with stories of your own. Just remember to give that Guinness the respect it deserves - good things come to those who wait, and at Crean's, they're worth every second.