Quinn's Olde Village Inn

Just what Granard needed - another traditional Irish pub with a roaring fire and promises of the perfect pint. Quinn's Olde Village Inn even spells "old" with an "e" because apparently regular old wasn't quite old enough. I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly got stuck when I first pushed open that weathered door, fully prepared for yet another tourist-baiting attempt at "authentic" Irish hospitality.

And then, damn it all, the place had to go and be genuinely charming.

The first thing that hits you at Quinn's Olde Village Inn isn't the warmth from that perpetually burning fireplace (though we'll get to that), it's the complete absence of pretense. In an age where every pub in Ireland seems desperate to prove its authenticity with enough vintage memorabilia to fill a museum, Quinn's simply... exists. It wears its decades of history like a comfortable old jacket - slightly worn around the edges, but all the better for it.

Let's talk about that fire, shall we? In most pubs, a fireplace is either purely decorative or lit so sporadically you'd have better luck finding a unicorn than actual warmth. But here, in this corner of Granard, Colette (the proprietor who I'm irritated to admit is impossible not to like) keeps it blazing like she's personally offended by the concept of cold. On a bitter Irish evening, it's the kind of welcome that makes you forgive almost anything - even the fact that they've somehow managed to pour one of the finest pints of Guinness I've had outside Dublin.

Speaking of drinks - and I can't believe I'm saying this - but they actually know what they're doing behind that bar. The Guinness isn't just good, it's consistently good, which any serious drinker will tell you is the real test. The selection of spirits is thoughtfully curated rather than overwhelming, and the staff actually know their products. No blank stares when you order anything more complicated than a pint - a refreshing change from the usual rural pub experience.

The live music nights (because of course there's live music - this is Ireland) somehow manage to strike that elusive balance between entertainment and intrusion. You can actually hold a conversation without shouting yourself hoarse, which shouldn't be remarkable but sadly is. The musicians are clearly local talents rather than touring professionals, but there's an authenticity to their performances that fits the space perfectly.

The crowd is an engaging mix of locals and visitors, though the regulars clearly rule the roost. There's none of that awkward silence when strangers walk in - you know the one, where every head turns like you've just interrupted a secret meeting. Instead, Quinn's Olde Village Inn manages to make everyone feel like they might as well be a regular, even if they're just passing through Granard.

For those planning a visit (and yes, I'm reluctantly suggesting you should), they take cards - a modern convenience I wasn't expecting but grudgingly appreciate. There's street parking right outside, though you might want to leave the car at home given the quality of their pours. They're smart enough to take reservations for busy nights, which, given their 4.7-star Google rating (not that I pay attention to such things), is most nights.

The real magic of Quinn's Olde Village Inn lies in its ability to be exactly what you need it to be. Looking for a quiet pint and a warm fire on a cold day? Done. Seeking a livelier evening with music and chat? They've got you covered. Want to watch a match with people who actually care about the game? You'll find your tribe here. It's infuriatingly versatile like that.

For context, Quinn's sits in the heart of Granard, a town that could easily be dismissed as just another spot on the map of County Longford. But this pub, this annoyingly excellent pub, gives you a reason to stop and stay awhile. Whether you're a local or just passing through, you'll find yourself making excuses to return.

Look, I didn't want to like Quinn's Olde Village Inn. I really didn't. But much like that perfectly poured Guinness they serve, it's got layers of quality that reveal themselves slowly, building to something that's frustratingly close to perfect. Go there. Experience it yourself. Just don't blame me when you find yourself becoming one of the regulars - I tried to maintain my cynicism, but some places just won't let you.