McCauls

Just what Cavan needed - another traditional Irish pub. McCauls sits there on the main drag, acting like it's something special among the countless other watering holes that dot this midlands town. I'll admit, I approached with the enthusiasm of someone getting a root canal, but sometimes life throws you a curveball wrapped in pleasant surprises.

The first thing that strikes you about McCauls Cavan isn't what it is, but what it isn't. It's not trying to be some hipster haven with craft beers sporting names that sound like rejected indie band titles. It's not attempting to reinvent the wheel with molecular mixology or Instagram-worthy cocktail presentations. Instead, it's doing something far more dangerous - being authentically itself.

Let's talk about the whiskey selection, because frankly, it's annoyingly impressive. Declan, the proprietor, has curated a collection that would make even the most jaded spirits enthusiast raise an appreciative eyebrow. I wanted to find fault with it, I really did, but watching him discuss each bottle with the reverence of a museum curator explaining a rare artifact, I found my cynicism beginning to crack.

The interior manages to walk that precarious line between traditional and tired. The wood-paneled walls could tell stories that would make your grandmother blush, yet somehow avoid feeling dated. It's comfortable in its own skin, like that one friend who never followed fashion trends but always managed to look effortlessly put together.

Now, about the drinks. The pints here are poured with the kind of care that's becoming increasingly rare in an age of rushed service and quick turnover. Each Guinness is allowed to settle properly - a concept apparently foreign to many establishments claiming to serve "authentic" Irish pub experiences. The selection of gins (because apparently, we're still riding that trend) is surprisingly well-thought-out, and the cocktails are crafted with a competence that betrays the humble façade.

The atmosphere deserves special mention, though it pains me to praise it. McCauls Cavan has mastered that elusive quality of being both a local's haunt and a welcoming spot for visitors. The regulars don't give you that "you're sitting in my great-grandfather's seat" death stare, and the staff manage to make you feel like you've been coming here for years, even on your first visit.

Sports fans will find themselves well-served here, though I generally prefer my pints without the background chorus of passionate GAA supporters. The screens are positioned thoughtfully enough that you can either immerse yourself in the match or find a quiet corner to ignore it entirely. It's this kind of considered design that makes me grudgingly respect the place.

The outdoor seating area - because every pub needed one after 2020 - is actually quite pleasant, offering a front-row seat to the street life of Cavan town. It's well-maintained and sheltered enough to be useful in Ireland's famously "varied" weather conditions.

Location-wise, you couldn't really ask for better positioning. It's central enough to be convenient but just removed enough from the main nightlife surge to maintain its dignity. The proximity to local shops, takeaways, and even a nightclub makes it an ideal base of operations for an evening out, though you might find yourself reluctant to leave once you've settled in.

The pricing sits squarely in the reasonable range for what you're getting - not cheap enough to make you suspicious, not expensive enough to make you resentful. They've found that sweet spot where you can enjoy a few rounds without having to remortgage your house or feel like you're drinking in a student union.

Here's the thing about McCauls Cavan - and I hate admitting this - it's exactly what a proper Irish pub should be. While others chase trends or rely on tired stereotypes, this place simply exists as a genuine article. It's the kind of establishment that reminds you why Irish pubs became famous in the first place.

So yes, make your way to McCauls. Whether you're a local who's somehow never ventured in, or a visitor looking for an authentic Irish pub experience, you'll find something here worth your time. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation as a cynic to maintain.