Billy Kelly's

Just what Wexford needed - another pub claiming to be the authentic Irish experience. Billy Kelly's sits there on the corner, practically daring you to be underwhelmed. And sure, I walked in with my critic's notebook and professional skepticism, ready to pen another scathing review about mediocre pints and tired decor.

But damn it all if Billy Kelly's hasn't wormed its way into my reluctantly softening heart.

Let's address the elephant in the room - that recent renovation some regulars are grumbling about. Yes, the seating feels a bit primary school-ish at first glance. But after a few pints (which, I'm irritated to report, are poured with textbook perfection), you'll find yourself settling into an oddly comfortable rhythm. The layout actually works, creating intimate corners for conversation while maintaining that essential pub openness that lets you spot your mate arriving from across the room.

The pool room out back is where Billy Kelly's really starts showing its hand. Multiple well-maintained tables, plus a proper snooker table that would make any serious player's eyes light up. I watched a friendly tournament unfold one evening, the crack of balls and goodnatured heckling providing exactly the sort of atmosphere that makes you cancel your next appointment and order another round.

Speaking of rounds - the prices won't have you checking your bank balance after every pint. They're not giving it away, mind you, but in a world where some establishments seem to think they're serving liquid gold, Billy Kelly's keeps things refreshingly reasonable. The kind of place where you can buy a round for your friends without having to eat toast for the rest of the week.

The beer garden deserves special mention, though I'm loathe to draw attention to it lest it become impossibly packed on sunny days (all three of them we get in Wexford). It's thoughtfully arranged, with enough coverage to shield you from the inevitable Irish drizzle while maintaining that crucial outdoor pub atmosphere. I've seen countless summer evenings stretch into night out there, the kind where strangers become friends and everyone somehow knows the words to songs they've never heard before.

The staff, particularly Luke (who I suspect is actually some sort of hospitality android given his impossibly consistent cheerfulness), manage that delicate balance of attentiveness without hovering. They remember your usual after a visit or two, which is either impressive or mildly concerning depending on your perspective on your drinking habits.

For sports fans (you poor, optimistic souls), the setup for matches is proper. Multiple screens strategically placed so you won't miss that crucial moment when you're at the bar, and the volume managed so you can actually hear the commentary without feeling like you're sitting in the commentator's lap.

What truly sets Billy Kelly's apart in Wexford's pub landscape is its ability to be whatever you need it to be. Want a quiet afternoon pint with the paper? There's a corner for that. Looking for a lively evening of pool and banter? The back room beckons. Need somewhere to watch the match with people who actually understand the offside rule? Pull up a chair.

The payment setup is modernized (they take cards, contactless, and yes, actual money for those still living in 1995), and there's paid street parking nearby, though after a few hours inside, you might want to consider a taxi anyway.

Look, I didn't want to like Billy Kelly's. I really didn't. My job is much easier when I can tear places apart with witty criticism and clever comparisons to failed relationships. But like that one ex you can't quite get over, Billy Kelly's has something special. It's not pretentious, it's not trying to reinvent the wheel, it's just... right.

So fine, Billy Kelly's Wexford, you win. You've earned your place as one of those rare pubs that actually deserves its reputation. Just don't let it go to your head - I'll be back to reassess, purely for professional reasons of course. Probably this weekend. Maybe sooner.