Best Traditional Country Pubs

Stop whatever you're doing and get yourself to Corrigan's Bar in Gorey - trust me, this is the kind of authentic Irish pub that makes you wonder why you ever waste time anywhere else. If you're seeking that magical combo of perfectly poured pints, genuine local charm, and nights that turn into stories you'll be telling for years, Corrigan's is your spot. Let me paint you a picture of pure pub perfection. Picture yourself walking into Corrigan's Bar Gorey on a cozy evening, where the warm glow of well-worn wood and the hum of good craic instantly makes you feel like you've stumbled into your long-lost home away from home. The kind of place where strangers become friends over a pint, and friends become family by closing time. And speaking of pints - HOLY MOTHER OF GUINNESS! The black stuff here is poured with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious ceremonies. We're talking creamy-headed perfection that'll have you questioning every other pint you've ever had. Real talk: I've seen grown adults nearly tear up at their first sip here. The beer garden out back? It's like finding a secret paradise. On sunny days (yes, they happen in Ireland!), this outdoor space transforms into the kind of chill hangout spot that makes afternoon drinks turn into evening adventures. Bring your four-legged friend too - they're more than welcome to join the party! Live music nights here are EVERYTHING. Picture this: you pop in for "just one" and suddenly you're three hours deep into a trad session that has the whole pub stomping and singing. The energy is infectious, and before you know it, you're best friends with a local who's teaching you Irish drinking songs you'll definitely butcher at your next karaoke night. But here's what really sets Corrigan's Bar apart from your average watering hole - it's got that impossible-to-fake authenticity that money can't buy. The staff treats you like they've known you forever (in the best way possible), and the locals have enough stories to fill a book that would probably have to be censored for public consumption. For sports fans? Oh buddy, you're in for a treat. When there's a big match on, the atmosphere is electric. Whether it's GAA, rugby, or Premier League, you haven't really watched sports until you've watched them in an Irish pub where everyone has OPINIONS and isn't afraid to share them. The prices? Let's just say your wallet will be as happy as you are. This is the kind of place where you can have a proper night out without having to remortgage your house. More cash for more pints? Yes please! Parking's a breeze (there's a free lot right there), and they've gotten with the times - tap your card for payment like a modern human while still enjoying that traditional pub atmosphere. Need a taxi later? Just ask at the bar - they've got you covered. This is the kind of practical stuff that turns good nights into great ones. Pro tip: While they don't serve food themselves, there's a chipper right across the road that does a mean sausage and chips. It's like the universe conspired to create the perfect pub grub situation without Corrigan's having to install a kitchen. Location-wise, you're right in the sweet spot. Whether you're a local, just passing through Gorey, or making a special trip (which you absolutely should), Corrigan's Bar is easy to find but impossible to forget. It's the kind of place that ruins other pubs for you - in the best possible way. Listen, I could go on about this gem all day, but here's the bottom line: If you haven't experienced Corrigan's Bar in Gorey yet, you're officially missing out on one of life's great pleasures. Get yourself down here immediately, if not sooner. Your future self will thank you for the memories (assuming you remember them all!). Don't be that person who has to hear about the legendary night they missed at Corrigan's - be the person telling the stories!

Just when you think you've seen every possible permutation of the Irish pub, McCawleys in Athlone comes along and makes you question your carefully cultivated cynicism. Tucked away like a stubborn secret the locals would rather keep to themselves, this establishment has the audacity to be both a pub and an undertaker's – because apparently in Ireland, you can handle both ends of life's great celebration with equal aplomb. I'll admit, I approached McCawleys with the same weary resignation I reserve for most small-town pubs claiming "authentic character." Generally, that's code for sticky floors and tales of past glory that grow taller with each pint. But something happened when I crossed that threshold – something that made my jaded heart skip a beat. Let's talk about the whiskey selection, shall we? While other pubs might boast about their dozen or so options, McCawleys quietly maintains a collection that would make a Scotsman weep into his kilt. It's not about showing off; it's about knowing exactly what they're doing and doing it well. The kind of confidence that comes from generations of pouring the perfect dram. The Guinness – oh, the Guinness. I've had my fair share of pints across Ireland, from Dublin's tourist traps to Kerry's hidden gems, but there's something about the pour at McCawleys that makes you wonder if they've struck some unholy bargain with St. James's Gate. Each pint arrives with the kind of pristine head that would make a master brewer blush with pride. The space itself defies easy categorization, much like that one friend who somehow makes every social situation work. There's the main bar area, where locals gather with the easy familiarity of family (minus the awkward holiday dinner conversations). Then there's the lounge, where you can sink into comfortable seats that have clearly heard thousands of stories – though they're keeping mum about the best ones. What truly sets McCawleys apart is its peculiar dual nature. Where else can you discuss funeral arrangements while enjoying a perfectly poured pint? It's so quintessentially Irish that it almost seems like a setup for a joke, except it's been working this way for longer than most of us have been alive. There's something oddly comforting about a place that can handle both life's celebrations and its endings with equal grace. The staff operate with that rare combination of efficiency and warmth that makes you feel like you've been coming here for years, even on your first visit. They'll remember your drink preference after one order and somehow know when you need a sympathetic ear or blessed silence. It's a skill that can't be taught in any hospitality course. The grocery section – yes, there's a grocery section – adds another layer to this magnificent oddity. Need some tea bags with your tipple? They've got you covered. It's the kind of practical thinking that made Irish pubs the community centers they were always meant to be. For those concerned about modern conveniences, they've managed to incorporate contactless payments without sacrificing an ounce of traditional charm. The free street parking outside means you won't have to trek halfway across Athlone just to enjoy a drink, though the walk might do you good after a few hours here. Look, I didn't want to like McCawleys. Places this genuine make it harder to maintain my carefully cultivated skepticism about the state of modern pubs. But here I am, recommending that you make your way to this corner of Athlone post-haste. Whether you're a whiskey aficionado, a Guinness purist, or simply someone who appreciates establishments that understand their role in the community's fabric, McCawleys delivers with an understated excellence that's becoming increasingly rare. Just don't blame me when you find yourself becoming a regular. Some places have a gravity all their own, and McCawleys in Athlone has enough pull to keep both the living and the dead coming back for more. Though preferably in that order.