The qualities we all want to see in a proper Irish pub.
Communal sharing of ale is an eternal Irish theme. Ireland’s patriarch, St Patrick, saved the land from snakes along with his entourage and trusted brewer ‘Mescan’. Ireland’s matriarch, St Brigid, made miracle beer, as she cloaked the land with communities.
We visited Ballina in County Mayo to experience the classic signs of a proper, heart-and-soul Irish pub.
Ballina is home to the River Moy, salmon fishing, the ancestors of Joe Biden (America’s 46th President), and it was the favoured holiday spot of Jack Charlton (former Ireland football team manager).
So many pubs in Ballina combine all the elements of a proper, heart and soul Irish pub. We’ve highlighted particular pubs for their skill in providing flexible spaces, ingrained history, memorable characters, ‘craic’, and live music.
5. A pub for all purposes – The Loft
As community meeting points, Irish pubs have long been used for more than just socialising. The traditional Irish ‘snug’ (small room within pubs) was the place for discussing private affairs, business contracts, and even marital matches.
The three brothers at The Loft have created a hospital, respectable space that allows for quieter conversations we might need at the beginning of our day. They have a sturdy lunch menu to give you strength for pub tours.
The Loft may also serve your closing drink of the night, if you are a resident of their bed and breakfast. Located on Pearse Street, in the very centre of town.
Address: The Loft, Pearse Street, Ballina, County Mayo, F26 W2V6.
4. History – Rouses
Both The Loft and Rouses are on the same street as the Clarke Museum, which holds the town’s history. If you prefer word-of-mouth memoirs, try Rouses at a quieter time in the afternoon or early evening, and have a chat with the Proprietor.
His knowledge of the town is reflected in the black-and-white photographs adorning the walls. Listen to his love for his home-picked and dried dulse (seaweed snack).
At busier times, you’ll see three generations of his family serving from behind the bar, alongside traditional folk musicians.
Address: Rouses, Pearse Street, Ballina, County Mayo, F26 T042.
3. Memorable characters – Paddy Macs
After a couple of jars, you’ll be ready for a wander to Paddy Macs (first right from Rouses and positioned on the left), where you’ll be greeted by a host of memorable characters.
These are likely to include old fellas with their own bar stools, and knowledge of town-folk that would surpass Fionn mac Cumhaill’s (after eating his Salmon of Knowledge).
Together, with burly tattoos, housing voices that would challenge those of the ‘National Concert Hall’. This pub physically protects a patron’s need for escapism.
If the world comes calling, you can evade reality by exiting at the rear of Paddy Macs and entering the adjoining Bar Square (and its upstairs nightclub).
Address: Garden Street, Ballina, County Mayo, F26 EK19.
2. The craic – T. Breathnachs
If you haven’t been sidetracked by too much fun at the top of the town, you will be able for walking back towards the River Moy and across the bridge to Breathnachs.
The bar is owned by two ‘blow-in’ brothers with big personalities, together with their larger venue by the atmospheric Quay.
Take a stool at the bar to listen to the famous Irish ‘craic’ being exchanged. For the price of a pint, you’ll have more laughs than at a high-ticket comedy show. On busier nights, you’ll be forced to make friends with strangers, as you make your way through the cosy bar.
Address: 4 Abbey Street, Ardnaree, Ballina, County Mayo, F26 F304.
1. Live music – The Auld Shebeen
The Auld Shebeen is famous in Ballina for welcoming newcomers and helping them to feel at home in the town.
On Mondays they have quiz nights with ‘play your cards right’ and ‘open the box’ games; there are midweek folk evenings, and live gigs every night each weekend.
Sing along from your seats, have a dance by the stage, or take in the sights of the traditional signage and ‘purties’ (knick-knacks) on display. You might even be treated to some home-made boxty (Irish baked potato snack).
Address: Abbey Street, Ardnaree, Ballina, County Mayo, F26 XV56.
In Ballina there are too many establishments worth visiting to be able to mention in one article. You might have time for a pint overlooking the mesmerising Moy at the An Bolg Bui (The Yellow Belly).
Or a quiet pint in the adjoining fishing tackle store of Dohertys (a local’s favourite). These are both based on Bridge Street as you cross from the main town, over the bridge towards Ardnaree.
