Coast Tavern

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.