Although Thomas Connolly's was first licensed in 1861, there's been a pub on this site since 1780 and the premises – which runs right through the block - is most easily accessed by its original entrance on Holborn Street, where the traffic is quieter than along the riverside Markievicz Road.
It's one of a generous number of great old pubs that are the pride and joy of Sligo - and a particular passion of the current owner, Paul O'Donnell, who took over this magnificent property in 2016 and is a previous owner of at least one other famous watering hole in the town.
The sense of history is tangible, and everything from the pot-bellied stove at the Holborn Street end to the view out over the Garavogue river - where merchant ships once plied their trade - at the other, has a story to tell. The name, for example, dates back 1890 when the incoming Mayor of Sligo, Thomas Connolly, bought the premises and it's been 'Connolly's' ever since. Charles Stewart Parnell visited once, apparently, and it's quite something to reflect that 'the uncrowned king of Ireland' may have had a pint here, just like you or me.
Dim and atmospherically aged, it's not a food place but what you will find here is all the best drinks, both old and new. Connolly's is a member of the Irish Whiskey Trail and they stock dozens of premium brands, including some of the best Scotch and Bourbons as well as Irish classics, and plenty of premium gins and mixers too.
A good pint of Guinness may be the drink of choice for many visitors but real ale enthusiasts are also sure to be happy here, with a rotating tap system offering a constantly changing selection of Irish craft beers on tap, as well as a great range in bottle. 'Meet the brewer' and craft beer tasting events are held, too (details from the pub).
But what they're most proud of at Thomas Connolly, and rightly so, is the friendliness of the staff, who enjoy nothing better than to share this great pub with visitors - who will also enjoy the live music (every night in summer - there's a schedule that can be downloaded) and, for those big match nights, all the big sporting events are shown live.
A truly great Irish pub - with a proud sense of history and a keen enjoyment of the present.
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