MJ O'Connor

Just what Carrick-on-Shannon needed - another pub with pretensions of grandeur. When I first heard about MJ O'Connor's latest venture in this riverside town, I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly gave myself a migraine. Because obviously, what this charming little spot in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands was desperately lacking was yet another establishment serving pints and pub grub to weary tourists.

But damn it all if I haven't found myself becoming a reluctant regular at MJ O'Connor's Carrick-on-Shannon location. And believe me, no one is more surprised about this than yours truly.

Perhaps it was the wood-fired pizza that first cracked my cynical exterior. In a country where pizza often means a sad frozen disc reheated to lukewarm mediocrity, finding properly blistered crusts and thoughtfully chosen toppings feels like stumbling upon a four-leaf clover in a field of artificial turf. The fact that they're serving this level of pizza in a traditional Irish pub setting seems almost deliberately provocative, like wearing trainers to a wedding and somehow pulling it off.

Let's talk about the burgers, shall we? I approached their new burger menu with the same enthusiasm I reserve for dental appointments, only to find myself making involuntary noises of appreciation that caused nearby patrons to shift uncomfortably in their seats. The Mexican Jalapeño burger, in particular, is a feat of engineering that somehow manages to be both authentic to its Irish pub setting and legitimately spicy - a rare achievement in a country that sometimes considers black pepper exotic.

The loaded fries deserve their own paragraph. Actually, they deserve their own sonnet, but I'll spare you my poetry. Suffice it to say, they've transformed what should be a simple side dish into something that people actually cross county lines to experience. Trust me, I've watched them do it, shaking my head in disbelief from my increasingly familiar perch at the bar.

Speaking of the bar - yes, they're occasionally understaffed. Yes, you might wait a bit longer than ideal for your pint. But unlike many establishments that treat service issues like an immutable law of nature, MJ O'Connor's staff somehow manage to maintain their composure and good humor even when juggling drink orders, food tickets, and the inevitable local who wants to recount the entire history of their family farm.

The outdoor seating area has become something of a local legend, particularly when they have live music. It's covered (because this is Ireland, and rain is less a weather condition and more a constant companion), and there's something oddly perfect about listening to a local vocalist while watching boats drift by on the Shannon. I've spent entire evenings out there, repeatedly telling myself I'd leave after "just one more song."

For the boating crowd - yes, you can moor right alongside. This might explain why I've witnessed more than a few impromptu parties spring up when passing vessels discover they can literally step from their boat to the beer garden. The management seems to have embraced this nautical clientele with the same casual efficiency they apply to everything else.

The space itself manages to thread the needle between traditional Irish pub and modern gathering spot without falling into the trap of trying too hard at either. The interior maintains its proper pub soul while the outdoor area offers a more contemporary vibe. It's like watching your stuffy uncle successfully pull off wearing trendy sunglasses - it shouldn't work, but somehow it does.

Here's what you need to know: They're open daily, with the kitchen serving until reasonably late. The bar accepts cards (including contactless), though carrying cash is never a bad idea in rural Ireland. There's free street parking, though you might want to walk if you're planning to sample their surprisingly decent cocktail selection. And yes, despite my initial skepticism, you should absolutely make the trip to MJ O'Connor's Carrick-on-Shannon location.

Look, I didn't want to like this place. I really didn't. But much like that one friend who keeps making terrible life choices yet somehow always lands on their feet, MJ O'Connor's has managed to win me over through sheer force of competence and charm. Go for the pizza, stay for the atmosphere, and accept that you'll probably end up becoming a regular. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.