(The Ragg) Revel at the Ragg

Just what Thurles needed - another pub with aspirations. Revel at the Ragg (formerly just The Ragg, because apparently simple names aren't good enough anymore) sits there on the outskirts of town, wearing its recent makeover like an elderly aunt who's discovered Instagram filters. I approached with the enthusiasm of a cat being taken to the vet.

But damn them for making me eat my words. Not literally, thankfully, as they actually serve proper food here. The transformation of this traditional Irish pub into something that dares to call itself Revel at the Ragg has somehow managed to walk that precarious line between progress and preservation. It's like they actually knew what they were doing. How irritating.

The interior hits you first - they've maintained enough of the old-world charm to keep the regulars from staging a revolt, while adding touches that wouldn't look out of place in a Dublin gastropub. The wooden beams still bear their ancient patina, but now they're complemented by lighting that actually allows you to see what (or whom) you're drinking with. Revolutionary concept, I know.

Let's talk about that bar. It's stocked well enough to make a seasoned drinker weep with joy, though I'll never admit to having done so myself. The Guinness pour here is something approaching religious experience territory - and believe me, I've conducted extensive research across Ireland to make that comparison. The staff actually know their craft beers beyond just reading the labels, which in Thurles feels like stumbling upon a unicorn wearing a bow tie.

Live music nights here are a particular revelation. Instead of the usual tragic parade of wannabe Ed Sheerans murdering "Wonderwall," they actually book decent acts. I've caught myself tapping my foot more than once, though I'll deny it if questioned directly. The sound system is properly balanced too - you can actually hold a conversation without performing an impromptu sign language routine.

The outdoor seating area deserves special mention, if only because they've managed to create a space where you don't feel like you're dining in a car park. The covered sections mean you can enjoy Ireland's famous "outdoor dining weather" (read: constant drizzle) without requiring a change of clothes. It's thoughtfully designed, which pains me to acknowledge.

For sports fans (I reluctantly count myself among them), they've installed screens that don't require squinting or neck contortion to view. The atmosphere during matches is electric, though maintaining appropriate social distance during crucial GAA moments remains an aspirational concept at best.

The parking situation is surprisingly un-catastrophic, with actual spaces you can maneuver into without performing a 47-point turn. They've even included accessible parking spots, which in rural Ireland sometimes feels as rare as a vegetarian butcher.

The real surprise comes with their events hosting capabilities. Whether it's a family gathering or a proper knees-up, Revel at the Ragg handles it with an efficiency that makes you wonder if they've secretly imported staff from a five-star hotel. The reservations system actually works - a concept so revolutionary in these parts it deserves its own thesis.

Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, some reviews mention pricing that seems ambitious for Thurles. But here's the thing: in a world where mediocrity often comes with a premium price tag, at least here you're paying for something that doesn't make you question your life choices. The value proposition actually holds up, which I'm sure pains them as much as it pains me to admit it.

Look, I didn't want to like Revel at the Ragg. I approached it with the skepticism of a cat presented with supermarket-brand food. But here I am, voluntarily returning like some sort of hospitality Stockholm syndrome victim. For anyone in Thurles looking for a pub that's managed to drag itself into the 21st century without losing its soul, you'll find it here. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.