The Sportsman's Inn

Just what Boyle needed - another traditional Irish pub with a bed thrown in upstairs. The Sportsman's Inn sits there on the main drag, practically daring you to judge it by its weathered exterior and decidedly unglamorous name. And yet, against my better judgment and professional cynicism, I found myself warming to the place like a perfectly poured pint settling into its glass.

Let's address the elephant in the room - this isn't some swanky boutique hotel masquerading as a pub. The Sportsman's Inn in Boyle is exactly what it says on the tin: a proper Irish pub where the locals actually drink, with rooms above for those wise enough to avoid driving home. The accommodation is basic, clean, and utterly lacking in pretension - rather like that reliable friend who never tries to be something they're not.

I arrived determined to find fault, notebook in hand, ready to skewer another mediocre small-town establishment. But here's where things got awkward - the staff had to go and be genuinely welcoming. Not that manufactured, corporate-training-manual friendliness, but the kind that makes you forget you're supposed to be maintaining professional distance. Maggie and Hazel behind the bar could probably charm the sourness out of a lemon.

The pub itself is a master class in authentic atmosphere, though I'm quite sure they've never taken a class in anything. The television quietly shows whatever match is on, the pool table stands ready for impromptu tournaments, and the preserved wooden features tell stories that predate most of its patrons. It's the kind of place where your phone signal mysteriously weakens, forcing you to engage in that increasingly rare activity known as conversation.

What truly caught me off guard was the breakfast. Now, I've endured my share of greasy spoon offerings in establishments like this, but The Sportsman's Inn in Boyle somehow manages to serve up a morning feast that could cure more than just a hangover. The regular breakfast arrives with none of the pretentious plating that plagues modern establishments, just honest-to-goodness proper portions and attentive staff who seem personally invested in ensuring you don't leave hungry.

The evening atmosphere deserves special mention, though I'm loathe to admit it. Live music fills the space periodically, and unlike many venues where traditional music feels forced for tourists, here it flows as naturally as the Guinness. Speaking of which, they pour a proper pint - I know, I checked. Multiple times. For research purposes, obviously.

For those concerned about practical matters, they've somehow managed to drag themselves into the 21st century without losing their soul. You can pay by card (yes, even contactless), there's actual parking both on the street and in a proper lot (free, which in today's world feels like finding a unicorn), and the outdoor seating area provides a front-row view of Boyle's comings and goings.

The real charm of The Sportsman's Inn, and I cannot believe I'm writing this, lies in its steadfast refusal to chase trends. While other establishments desperately reinvent themselves every other season, this place remains unapologetically authentic. The locals treat it like an extension of their living rooms, and visitors are welcomed into this community with a warmth that can't be manufactured.

Here's the thing about The Sportsman's Inn in Boyle - it's not trying to be the next big thing. It's not aiming for Michelin stars or Instagram fame. Instead, it offers something increasingly rare: a genuine Irish pub experience with all the comforts of home, plus a bed for when you've enjoyed perhaps a bit too much comfort.

So, against every cynical bone in my body, I'm recommending The Sportsman's Inn. Whether you're passing through Boyle or looking for a proper local, this place deserves your attention. Just don't all rush there at once - I've grown rather fond of my corner spot at the bar, and I'd hate to have to share it with too many converts to this unexpectedly charming establishment.