Wayside Inn

Just what Ireland needed - another centuries-old pub claiming to be the genuine article. The Wayside Inn in Macroom had me rolling my eyes before I even crossed the threshold. After all, how many "authentic" Irish pubs can one country possibly contain? And yet, here I am, reluctantly penning what amounts to a love letter to this unexpectedly charming establishment.

Let's get one thing straight - the Wayside Inn isn't trying to be the next big thing in Macroom's drinking scene. It's not attempting to reinvent the wheel with craft cocktails or obscure microbrews. And thank heavens for that. In an age where every pub seems desperate to prove its hipster credentials, there's something refreshingly honest about a place that's simply content being what it is: a proper Irish pub that's stood its ground for over a century.

The first crack in my cynical armor appeared when I realized they're still operating on a cash-only basis. Initially, I was prepared to pen a scathing commentary about living in the dark ages, but then something peculiar happened. When a cyclist came in parched and cashless, they sorted him out without hesitation. It's the kind of genuine hospitality that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time - and not in that contrived, tourist-trap way that makes me want to flee to the nearest modern bar.

The beer garden deserves special mention, if only because it manages to be both thoroughly unpretentious and oddly magical. While other venues in Macroom might be chasing the latest outdoor dining trends, this space feels like it evolved naturally over decades, with each imperfection adding character rather than detracting from it. It's the sort of place where you can lose an entire afternoon without quite meaning to, watching the shadows lengthen while nursing a perfectly poured pint.

Speaking of pints - and I can't believe I'm saying this - but they've managed to master that elusive art of the perfect pour. The Guinness here isn't just good; it's the kind of good that makes you question whether you've ever really had a proper pint before. The head is exactly right, the temperature is spot-on, and the taste... well, let's just say it makes you understand why people write poetry about this stuff.

The interior is exactly what you'd expect from a century-old Irish pub, but somehow it avoids feeling like a museum piece. The worn wooden surfaces, the slightly uneven floors, the comfortable nooks that seem designed for conversation - it all works together in a way that feels genuine rather than staged. The walls could tell stories, and occasionally, if you're lucky, the regulars will share them with you.

They've managed to strike that perfect balance between being a local's haunt and welcoming visitors. The staff have that rare ability to make you feel like you belong there, whether you're a lifelong Macroom resident or just passing through. It's a skill that can't be taught in hospitality school, and believe me, I've seen enough forced friendliness to last several lifetimes.

For sports enthusiasts (I reluctantly count myself among them), the atmosphere during matches is electric without being overwhelming. You can actually watch the game without feeling like you're in the middle of a riot - a rarer achievement than you might think.

The Wayside Inn serves coffee too, though I approached this offering with deep skepticism. But much like everything else here, it's done without pretense and is surprisingly decent. No fancy latte art or single-origin beans from obscure mountainsides - just a proper cup of coffee that does the job when you need it.

Look, I didn't want to like the Wayside Inn. I really didn't. But in a world of increasingly homogenized drinking establishments, this Macroom stalwart stands as a testament to what a pub should be. It's not perfect - the cash-only policy will frustrate some, and if you're looking for craft beer flights or Instagram-worthy cocktails, you're in the wrong place. But that's rather the point, isn't it?

Do yourself a favor and visit the Wayside Inn in Macroom. Not because it's trendy or innovative, but because it's everything a proper Irish pub should be - and these days, that's nothing short of revolutionary. Just remember to bring cash, leave your pretensions at the door, and prepare to stay longer than you planned. Trust me, you won't regret it.