Gilna's The Cottage Inn

Stop whatever you're doing and get yourself to Gilna's The Cottage Inn in Laytown - trust me, this isn't your average suburban pub crawl destination. This place is basically what would happen if your coolest friend opened a pub and said "let's make this the spot where every great night starts." And honestly? That's exactly what's happening in this little slice of Laytown heaven.

Let me paint you a picture: imagine walking into a place where the atmosphere hits that perfect sweet spot between "classic Irish pub charm" and "where the cool kids actually want to hang." Gilna's The Cottage Inn has somehow mastered that impossible balance, and I'm still trying to figure out how they've done it. The moment you step in, you can feel it - this is where stories begin.

But wait, it gets better. There's this absolutely genius setup where downstairs is your classic pub paradise (complete with what MIGHT be the best pint of Guinness in Laytown, just saying), and then upstairs? An Italian restaurant that's serving up pizzas that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about pub food. And get this - you can order your drinks up from the bar while you're dining. It's like they read our minds about not wanting to choose between pub vibes and proper dinner!

The beer garden is where the magic really happens though. We're talking multiple areas, including covered spots for when Irish weather does its thing. I've seen quiet afternoon catch-ups turn into legendary evening sessions out here. And there's always that one friend who shows up saying they're "just staying for one" and ends up leading the sing-along three hours later.

Speaking of entertainment - if you're into sports, particularly rugby, you NEED to get yourself here for match days. The atmosphere is electric! There's something about watching a game at Gilna's that makes every try feel like a World Cup final moment. The crowd here knows their stuff, and the banter is top-tier.

Here's a pro tip: if you're planning a group night out, this is your spot. The staff here have this supernatural ability to keep everything running smoothly even when it's packed to the rafters. Seriously, I've seen them handle a full house with the kind of grace that makes you wonder if they've got some sort of secret training facility hidden somewhere.

And can we talk about the BYOB option for the restaurant? With a reasonable corkage charge, you can bring your favorite bottle to pair with those incredible pizzas. It's like they're actively trying to help us have the best possible night while keeping our wallets happy. This is the kind of thoughtful touch that makes Gilna's The Cottage Inn stand out in Laytown's pub scene.

The location is spot-on too - right in the heart of Laytown, with plenty of parking options (both on the street and in their lot). It's perfect for those nights when you want to start early and let the evening unfold naturally. Plus, they're dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can join for those weekend afternoon sessions.

They've got all the modern conveniences sorted - take your pick of payment methods, and they're even set up for takeout if you're having one of those "Netflix and pizza" kinds of nights. But honestly? The real magic happens when you're actually here, soaking up the atmosphere and letting the evening take you where it will.

Listen, there are pubs, and then there's Gilna's The Cottage Inn Laytown. This isn't just another spot to grab a drink - it's where memories are made, where "quick catch-ups" turn into epic nights, and where you'll find yourself bringing every out-of-town visitor because you know it'll show them exactly what makes Irish pubs special. Don't waste another weekend wondering where to go - get yourself down to Laytown's finest and thank me later. Your next great story is waiting to happen here!