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Notable or historic pubs I have visited (1998)..... .....and ones I've been told about but haven't got round to yet: |
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Co Antrim |
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| The Crosskeys Inn, Crosskeys, 39 Grange Rd, Toomebridge (left off B52, 7 miles North of Randalstown on the Portglenone road). Tel: (028) 7965 0694 |
A listed thatched building, this 350 year old rural pub is
often seen on postcards and calendars. A step back in history with its whitewashed stone
walls and thatched roof and that beautiful smell of a turf fire. There is a
"main" public bar and several small rooms, full of knick-knacks. When we visited
in April 1997 its very friendly owner came across the road to open up for us! This pub should be on your "required viewing" list. Try a bottle of Worthington White Shield... |
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| Mary McBride's, Cushendun | I'm told that this is a most historic pub and well worth a visit. One day on a detour perhaps... | ||||
| Whittley's, Newtownabbey, Ballyclare Road (B56, at level crossing 2 1/2 miles NW of Glengormley) Tel: (028) 9083 2438 |
Very friendly public bar dating back to1840 with
a large lounge bar and fire adjoining the Signal Box (on the mothballed Bleach Green
Junction - Antrim railway line [re-opened 2001]). An excellent railway-themed restaurant. Try a bottle of Worthington White Shield... |
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Co Armagh |
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| The Mandeville Arms/ McConville's, Portadown |
This is Portadown's answer to The Crown Liquor
Saloon. Built in the 1890s as a first-class hotel it still retains its original central
heating, beautiful tiling, moulded ceiling and 10 solid mahogany snugs. Only the usual keg beers & lagers however... |
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| Directions from Portadown
Station : (5 mins): |
With the opening of the "new" station this is a five minute walk away. Exit the Booking Hall and turn right, down the stairs & turn left under the bridge. Then bear right across the car park towards the Allied-Dunbar building and continue past it for 50 yards. | ||||
Co Derry/Londonderry |
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| The Ponderosa, Glenshane Pass, On the A6 (12 miles from Toome/7 miles from Dungiven) Tel: (028) 7774 1987 |
At 997 feet this is the highest pub in Northern Ireland and consequently famous for its view. It's conveniently located near the Birren Scenic Drive and opposite Glenshane Adventure Forest. Food all day. | ||||
Co Down |
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| Jenny Watts, Bangor 41 High Street, Tel: (028) 9127 0401 |
Open plan, stone floored bar dating back to 1740 with a real fire. Children are welcome (which can be a plus or a minus depending on your point of view). One hand-pump (lovingly tended Theakston Best on last visit). Sadly, not the case in 2001 - no "real ale" any more. | ||||
| Directions from Bangor Station (this is how I found it but I'm sure there's a quicker way) 10 - 15 minute walk: | Straight on through the Booking Hall down to the sea-front road and turn right, then double-back up into the High Street (next right turn) for approx 150 yards. | ||||
| Grace Neill's, Donaghdee, High Street Tel: (028) 9188 2553 |
According to the Guinness Book of Records this is the oldest pub in Ireland. Dating back to 1611 most of the beams in the old bar are made from ships' timbers. | ||||
| Hillside, Hillsborough, 21 Main Street Tel: (028) 9268 2765 |
18th-century, country village pub with a low
ceiling, stone floor and friendly staff. Restaurant upstairs and a new, less formal
extension at the rear. Excellent food in both. 4 hand-pumps - normally all in use (but very occasionally none...) |
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| The
Plough, Hillsborough, 3 The Square Tel: (028) 9268 2985 |
Comfortable, country town pub
(est 1758), with
wood panelled seats, ceiling beams, china and memorabilia downstairs. Excellent restaurant
and bar food. 4 hand-pumps, usually all in operation featuring one local beer... |
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| The
White Horse, Saintfield, 49 Main Street Tel: (028) 9751 1143 |
"...The White Horse is a fully licenced Bar and Restaurant serving excellent food and drink in an establishment steeped in character and history dating from the early 17th Century..." | ||||
Co Fermanagh |
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| William
Blake's, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh 6 Church Street Tel: (028) 6632 2143 |
Unchanged for 100 years (except the conversion to
electric light in the 1930's) this remarkable pub has a friendly atmosphere and offers the
haven of a snug upstairs and the wintertime comfort of a foot-rail at the bar heated from
the fire. This pub should be on your "required viewing" list. Only the usual keg beers & lagers however... |
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"The Irish Pub Guide" (and other attractions) "The Virtual Irish Pub Guide" (opinions sent in by visitors) "Irish Pubs" (as it says, with plenty of pictures)
"The Northern Ireland Site" (reviews of leisure amenities - contains pub links) |
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