THIRSTY IN DUNMORE EAST, CO. WATERFORD
Powers Bar and The Spinnaker
Dunmore East is a small picturesque fishing village about 20 minutes drive south of Waterford City. The village is built into the side of hill that looks across Waterford Harbour to Hook Head. The main street is lined with immaculately maintained thatched houses. Dunmore East is a relaxed and friendly place to spend a couple of days. It also has a couple of great pubs. The Spinnaker in the lower village serves great bar food – the seafood platter is a must – and has regular live entertainment at night. Powers in the upper village is more traditional with a seafaring atmosphere, friendly locals and impromptu sing songs and trad music sessions at the weekends
THIRSTY IN CORK CITY
The Long Valley, Winthrop Street, Cork.
The Long Valley is perhaps Cork’s most famous pub. It is certainly the one closest to every Corkonian’s heart. Known for the eccentricity of its barkeeps and the quality of its sandwiches, the Long Valley is a perfect safe haven from a bustling afternoon. The atmosphere is more country kitchen than city bar. You could comfortably while away hours here nursing a mug of tea and browsing the day’s papers. This is one of the few bars in Ireland where as much tea and coffee is served as beer. The staff has recently ditched the white butcher coats that so endeared them to everyone, but the sandwiches are still to die for. Try the ham salad or the toasted special. You’ll not regret it.
THIRSTY IN ENNIS
Fawl’s Pub, top of O’Connell Street, opposite the Cathedral.
OK, this gem of a pub will not be for everyone. The outside may be old and kind of run down but the inside is cozy and friendly. Do not be deterred. The Guinness is sublime and the locals friendly. But they will not be expecting you. Sit up to the bar, order a drink, keep your counsel. Before you know it, the locals will be chatting you up. Quiet during the week, busy at weekends. Trad sessions on Saturdays.
Expect to pay: one of the cheapest pints in Ennis.
THIRSTY IN GALWAY
The Lounge at g hotel, Wellpark, Galway. Tel 091 865200
This place will turn your head. The g is Galway's newest designer 5-star hotel. Recent years have seen the opening of numerous new boutique hotels, luxury resorts and spas in Ireland. Many are very nice indeed. But for sheer style and verve the g leaves them all standing. The hotel's interiors were designed by renowned hat designer, Philip Treacy, a native of Galway. If you are looking for old world charm, this is not the place. This is, however, the place to come for bold and daring design that is at once elegant and outrageous. Yes, you may be outraged on first entering the Pink Salon, but by the time you have relaxed into the sumptuous sofas and your drink is served, you will be feeling rather special and privileged. And if the pink lounge proves a little too much, there are three adjoining lounges to check out. Each has floor to ceiling windows so you never feel overpowered by the decor. The g is the perfect place for afternoon tea or perhaps a pre-dinner cocktail.
Expect to pay: probably the most expensive pint in Galway, but on this occasion, worth it.
THIRSTY IN BANAGHER
J.J. Hough's Pub (pronounced Hock's), Main Street, Banagher, Co. Offaly.
Eh, where? Yes, Banagher in the "did we really pass through there" county of Offaly. I'm reluctant to tell you about this one because we all like our secret, favourite bars we want no one else to know about, but I'm quietly confident that even though I'm about to reveal all, chances are you will never go there. Reason? It's a serious detour from almost everywhere. If you are intent on visiting Clonmacnoise you will be very close, but otherwise you will only end up there by taking a wrong turn. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, but unremarkable, quiet, but confident. This bar doesn't need you, or me. It doesn't care. There will be fun regardless. This is a bar where the atmosphere exists before the doors open. The bar itself is smiling before the owner sticks the key in the door. By the time it is full - and it is every night during the summer - the bar is practically hysterical. Everybody sings, everybody dances. There's a piano just inside the door. If you can play, you're next! If you find yourself in the neighbourhood check it out, you won't be sorry. Opens early, gets crazy around 9 or 10. Word of warning: the decor is - how should I put this? - lackadaisically dusty comfy, but after five minutes you will realise it is as it should be.
Expect to pay: cheap, cheaper if you can sing. |
