Suggestions for traditional pubs and restaurants?

csice · Newbie

Suggestions for traditional pubs and restaurants?

Michele Erdvig · Host

csice,

Welcome to my forum.

How would you describe a "traditional" Irish restaurant? What sort of things would you expect to find on the menu? Would you expect a certain type of decor?

Same questions about the pub. Are you looking for a place with only locals? Do you expect to find a certain decor or atmosphere?

Are you looking for traditional Irish music in pubs or will any type do? The Irish are really into country western. Once there is music in a pub it is an attraction for people of all sorts. You will find locals there and tourists. It will immediately become a "touristy" pub. Just to let you know.

Michele

shashie50 · Veteran Member

csice,

We enjoyed Cleere's and Bollard's in Kilkenny. Both have a nice atmosphere. I don't know their schedule for music, but each had one night of early trad music (starting about 7:30) the week we were there. I do not mean to say that was the only night they had music, though. You'd have to check.

The Old Stand in Dublin is one of my favorites, mainly because the staff is always so friendly. The decor has been brightened up, so I don't know if it would look as traditional as you might like. It fills up with Dubliners getting off of work, so I would suggest you go earlier or later to get a seat. Don't think they ever have music, but the food is good. Also enjoyed Cassidy's on Camden (near O'Connell Street Bridge).

Our neighbor, who spent a year in Ireland, recommended Hughes Bar on Chancery Street in Dublin for music. It had a nice atmosphere -- I think what would be considered traditional.

There are great pubs everywhere, and a lot of reviews if you just do a "google" (or other) search. When you are over there, just stick your head in at any place that looks interesting and see how it strikes you. You'll have a great time.

Marsha

WCOMALLEY · Veteran Member

If you are looking for authentic in Ireland, just walk down the street from wherever you are. If it isn't to your liking, the fellow next to you (enjoying a well-earned pint) will be glad to give a recommendation or two. If you look for the craic, most know where it will be on a specific night; when it will actually start is not known until it does, but it will be worth it. WC

csice · Newbie

Michele Erdvig wrote:
csice,

Welcome to my forum.

How would you describe a "traditional" Irish restaurant? What sort of things would you expect to find on the menu? Would you expect a certain type of decor?

Same questions about the pub. Are you looking for a place with only locals? Do you expect to find a certain decor or atmosphere?

Are you looking for traditional Irish music in pubs or will any type do? The Irish are really into country western. Once there is music in a pub it is an attraction for people of all sorts. You will find locals there and tourists. It will immediately become a "touristy" pub. Just to let you know.

Michele

Well I am more flexible as far as restaurants go, as long as they are good. However, I wanted to go to a few of them that are older in style, whether they are a pub or not. I would expect a homey, relaxed feel with some Irish classics like shepherd's pie and Irish stew.

With pubs I am speaking of older style places, not places with a club-like atmosphere. I enjoy lots of wood accent, fireplaces, etc. I don't mind if there are some tourists, but I prefer to be somewhere where locals enjoy going; i.e. I don't wan't to go to a tourist trap. As far as music, I would say either indie/up and coming or more likely traditional Irish: fiddles et. al. Thanks for the help by the way.

-- Edited by csice on Thursday 2nd of July 2009 04:13:07 AM

Michele Erdvig · Host

csice,

You will most likely find dishes like shepherd's pie and Irish stew at pubs. Too bad you won't be in Killarney or you could have boxty at Bricin. Although you can try Gallagher's Boxty House in Dublin.

For Dublin pubs try Brogan's, McDaid's, Neary's, the Stag's Head, the Long Haul Bar, Brazen Head.

In Sligo Hargadon's pub can't be beat. Yeat's Tavern near Drumcliff is very good.

Kilkenny: Langton's, Bollards, Matt the Miller's, Lawlor's.

Don't forget that Ireland is famous for "pub crawling". If you don't like the pub you are in, leave and pop into one after the other till you find one you really like.

Enjoy!

Michele

csice · Newbie

Thanks again. I will be in Killarney, but I am on a guided tour, so I don't know that I have any free time to explore in Killarney. It will probably mostly consist of the Ring of Kerry tour etc.

Michele Erdvig · Host

csice,

Hope you enjoy your tour and have some good meals at the pubs and restaurants we recommended. We would love to hear back from you after your trip.

Michele