Nestling in an attractive wooded hamlet in the Dublin Mountains, south of Dublin city, this popular pub dates back to the eighteenth century and has numerous claims to fame, including the fact that Daniel O'Connell was once a regular, apparently, and it's "undoubtedly" the highest pub in the land.
Owned by Geraldine and Tony McMahon since 1987, it's a warm, friendly and well run place, that's just about equally famous for its food at the "Famous Seafood Kitchen" and its music "Famous Hooley Nights" (booking advisable).
With a lovely view south to Wicklow, the outside seating is ideal for enjoying sunny summer days and the entrance is full of interesting items, setting the scene for what awaits inside, where there's an entertaining 'museum' collection of Irish themed, large bric-a-brac. But, unlike so many superficially similar pubs, it's very real - kitsch, perhaps, but the rickety old furniture is real, the dust is real and there is a turf or log fire at every turn.
It's plainly a business that is aimed at tourists and a wide variety of nationalities, and the Irish themselves, enjoy exploring the artefacts which are everywhere, toilets included - half the fun is spotting what others have missed. This results in a highly convivial atmosphere (marred a bit by piped music) and there's also an impressive array of mementos available to purchase, situated just beside the large room where groups are likely to be seated,with a stage set for storytelling, dancing and music.
Also a pleasant place to drop into at quieter times, if you're walking in the hills or just loafing around, it's held in affection by Dubliners too and makes an atmospheric destination for local diners. Executive Head Chef Aykan Arslan and Chef Jiri Pesak do a consistently good job cooking for large numbers at this ever-popular venue, and their wholesome specialities - like seafood chowder (served with homemade bread), mussels, ribs, and local lamb - never fail to please.
The efficient staff handle the numbers very well and best of all, for many visitors, is the speciality that they round it all off with - Irish Coffee, made with their own 'Johnnie Fox' whiskey.
Always an amusing place to take visitors from abroad - and reservations are recommended if you wish to eat.
