Goslin's Pub

Another small-town Irish pub in Gorey? Just what this sleepy corner of Wexford needed - as if we were running dangerously low on places to nurse a pint while contemplating life's great mysteries. But here I am, reluctantly admitting that Goslin's Pub might just be the authentic local watering hole you've been seeking, assuming you can appreciate the subtle art of doing absolutely nothing in the most genuine way possible.

Let's address the elephant in the room - Goslin's Pub in Gorey isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. There's no artisanal cocktail menu featuring locally foraged herbs, no craft beer selection that reads like a hipster's manifesto, and certainly no small plates designed for Instagram. Instead, what you'll find is something increasingly rare: an honest-to-goodness Irish pub that remembers what pubs are actually for.

The Guinness here is poured with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious ceremonies, and I'll begrudgingly admit it's one of the better pints you'll find in the area. The staff has mastered that peculiarly Irish ability to be simultaneously welcoming and completely unimpressed by your existence - a skill that takes years to perfect and can't be taught in any hospitality course.

The interior is exactly what you'd expect, which is precisely the point. Dark wood, worn-smooth bar tops, and the kind of lighting that makes everyone look slightly better than they do in daylight. There's a pool table that's seen more action than a soap opera character, and yes, it tilts slightly to the left, but that's part of the challenge, isn't it?

What sets Goslin's apart - and I can't believe I'm saying this - is its steadfast refusal to chase trends. While other establishments in Gorey frantically update their décor to appeal to the Instagram crowd, this place maintains its dignified allegiance to tradition. The outdoor seating area isn't trying to be a Parisian café; it's there because sometimes you want to drink outside, end of story.

Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome here, which automatically earns Goslin's several points in my book. There's something wonderfully honest about a pub that allows dogs. It suggests a certain understanding of life's priorities: good company comes in all forms, even the furry kind.

For sports enthusiasts (or those looking for an excuse to day drink), the pub offers prime viewing opportunities for matches. The atmosphere during big games is electric, though I'm contractually obligated to maintain my cynical exterior and pretend I don't enjoy the communal experience of shouting at referees alongside perfect strangers.

The amenities are basic but functional. The restrooms work (an underappreciated luxury in some establishments), and the parking situation is remarkably civilized with free street parking available. They accept all major forms of payment, including contactless, though there's something charmingly anachronistic about paying for a pint with your phone in a place that feels wonderfully stuck in time.

Now, if you're looking for food beyond the holy trinity of pub snacks (crisps, nuts, and more crisps), you'll need to venture elsewhere. But isn't there something refreshingly honest about a pub that knows exactly what it is? No pretense of being a gastropub, no sad attempt at a burger menu - just drinks and good company.

The location in Gorey's heart means it's perfectly positioned for both locals and visitors, though let's be honest - this is a locals' pub that tolerates tourists rather than courts them. And somehow, that makes it all the more appealing.

Look, I didn't want to like Goslin's Pub. I wanted to dismiss it as just another small-town Irish pub in a country that has more pubs than reasons to drink. But there's something undeniably charming about its authenticity. Whether you're seeking a perfectly poured Guinness, a spot to watch the match, or just a genuine slice of Irish pub life in Gorey, you'll find it here. Just don't expect me to be happy about admitting it.