John Lee's Bar & Venue

Stop whatever you're doing right now because John Lee's Bar & Venue in Tullamore is about to become your new favorite spot in the universe. No, seriously - I'm talking about the kind of place where "just one drink" turns into the best night of your month, and random Tuesday evenings somehow become legendary stories you'll be telling for years.

Listen, if you haven't experienced the pure magic of this Tullamore gem yet, you're basically committing a crime against good times. The moment you walk through those doors, it's like being welcomed into the world's most perfect combination of cozy Irish pub and exciting venue space. And the best part? Your wallet won't hate you in the morning - this place is practically giving away good times!

The garden area out back? ABSOLUTE GAME CHANGER. Picture this: you're sipping on a perfectly poured pint, the fairy lights are twinkling overhead, and suddenly you're in the middle of the most Instagram-worthy setting in all of Tullamore. It's like someone took all your "dream pub garden" Pinterest boards and made them real, but better because there's actual drinks and actual fun happening.

Let me tell you about the live music situation, because OH. MY. WORD. When John Lee's gets going, it's electric. The venue space hits that sweet spot between "intimate enough to feel special" and "big enough to get properly wild." I've seen quiet acoustic sets turn into full-venue singalongs, and don't even get me started on their Rock 'n' Roll Bingo nights - absolute scenes!

The staff here? They're not just staff, they're basically your new best friends who happen to be really good at pouring drinks. They've got that sixth sense for knowing exactly when you need a top-up, and they're always ready with a recommendation that somehow ends up being exactly what you were in the mood for but couldn't quite put your finger on.

Speaking of drinks - the selection here is ridiculous. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a cocktail connoisseur, or just someone who appreciates a proper pint of the black stuff, they've got you sorted. And the prices? Let's just say you'll have enough left over to treat yourself to that taxi home instead of doing the walk of shame with your shoes in your hand.

But here's the real tea about John Lee's - it's got this magical ability to be whatever kind of night you need it to be. Want a chill catch-up with friends? There's a cozy corner with your name on it. Looking to watch the match? The atmosphere during big games is UNREAL. Need a venue for that birthday party you've been putting off planning? Sorted. First date? Perfect. Fifth date? Even better. Trying to impress your hard-to-please friends from out of town? They'll be planning their next visit to Tullamore before their first drink is finished.

Pro tip: Get there early on weekends because this place fills up FAST. The locals know what's good, and they're not about to let their favorite spots go to waste. And while we're talking insider intel, keep an eye on their events calendar - their special nights are the stuff of legend, and you do NOT want to be the person hearing about how amazing it was the next day.

The location is spot on too - right in the heart of Tullamore, with free street parking nearby (though trust me, you'll want to grab a taxi if you're planning on sampling their full drinks menu). It's perfect for that bar-hop you've been planning, though let's be real - once you're here, you probably won't want to leave.

Listen, I know Tullamore has its fair share of great spots, but John Lee's Bar & Venue is something else entirely. It's the kind of place that ruins other pubs for you because suddenly nowhere else quite measures up. So grab your mates, clear your schedule, and get yourself down here pronto. Because right now, someone else is making memories in what could be your new favorite pub, and that's just not right, is it?