Ryans Bar

Just what Claremorris needed - another pub. When I first heard about Ryans Bar, I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly sprained an optic nerve. Because what this charming Mayo town was clearly missing was yet another establishment serving pints to the locals. But here's the infuriating part: I actually like the place. And believe me, I tried very hard not to.

Let's start with the obvious - it's not trying to reinvent the wheel. Ryans Bar in Claremorris is your quintessential Irish pub, complete with all the expected trappings. But while many venues lean so hard into the "traditional Irish pub" aesthetic that they tumble straight into tourist-trap territory, Ryans maintains an authenticity that's harder to fake than a politician's smile.

The first thing that cracked my cynical exterior was the Guinness. Now, I know every pub in Ireland claims to pour "the best pint of Guinness," the same way every Italian grandmother supposedly makes the world's best pasta sauce. But here's the thing - the pints at Ryans Bar are consistently excellent. The kind that makes you pause after the first sip, wondering if maybe, just maybe, you've been too quick to judge. The perfect temperature, the proper settle time, that satisfying cascade - they've mastered the art when many others just go through the motions.

The prices won't make your wallet weep, which in today's economy is practically a miracle. You'd think this would mean corners are being cut somewhere, but no - they're just not trying to fund anyone's yacht purchase with their pricing strategy. It's refreshingly reasonable, though I'm slightly annoyed at having to admit this.

The staff, curse them, are genuinely friendly. Not the manufactured, corporate-mandated cheerfulness you get at chain establishments, but actual, honest-to-goodness warmth. They remember regulars' names and preferences, engage in actual conversation, and - most impressively - maintain their good humor even during busy periods when lesser mortals would be contemplating career changes.

The live music nights are another reluctant highlight. While many venues treat live music as background noise for increasingly loud conversations, Ryans somehow maintains that delicate balance between entertainment and ambiance. The musicians they book actually know what they're doing, which shouldn't be remarkable but somehow is.

The space itself is well-maintained without being sterile. It's clean (shockingly so for a pub), but not in that clinical way that makes you feel like you're drinking in a hospital waiting room. They've managed to preserve character while maintaining standards, which is about as rare as a humble politician.

For sports enthusiasts (you know who you are), they've got multiple screens showing major matches without transforming the place into a sports bar. It's possible to watch the game without feeling like you're at a teenager's idea of what a pub should be. And if you're not interested in the match? There's plenty of space to enjoy your drink in peace.

The parking situation is surprisingly decent, with both street parking and a proper lot available. Though if you're planning your night around parking availability, you might want to reconsider your priorities.

Here's the real kicker - and I'm gritting my teeth as I write this - Ryans Bar has become something of a community hub in Claremorris. It's the kind of place where you might pop in for "just one" and end up spending hours chatting with people you've just met. The mix of ages and backgrounds creates an atmosphere that feels genuine rather than forced.

So here I am, a professional cynic, recommending Ryans Bar in Claremorris. If you're in the area and looking for a proper pub experience without the tourist markup or artificial "Irish" atmosphere, you'll find it here. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain. And for heaven's sake, let the Guinness settle properly before you drink it. Some traditions exist for a reason.