This is a private members club so only open to members and their guests. Outstanding building on…read morethe corner of Main st and Lorne street by renowned Glasgow architect H Clifford I believe. Enter up a flight of stairs then turn right into the lounge which is roomy and recently decorated and carpeted. Off this room is a tiny bar area with seating for around ten or so. The main longe has a dart board and large screen tv as well as numerous comfortable tables and chairs. The most impressive feature of this building though can be found upstairs in the snooker lounge. Two full size snooker tables and plenty of room to sit and watch the games on this floor. There is also a novel way to get your drinks from the bar. A dumb waiter downstairs to the bar and then back up.

This is a good honest social club, cheap drinks, live sport and live music. The British Legion is…read moremembers only so unfortunately you can not just pop in for a casual drink. But I was lucky enough to attend a Birthday party that was held in the upstairs function suite. This is not going to be a very good review on my part because I can not tell you much about the night. What this tells you is that it was very very cheap drinks, £1.50 for a draught lager and 80p for a Bacardi. No wonder I was such a state. One thing I do remember is there was flashing disco lights and noise, so there must have been a DJ but I doubt he was a resident. All in all this is an honest working mans social that doubles as an excellent function room.

Eastway Social Club is commonly known as 'The Alpha.' It's situated in the middle of Rathcoole…read moreestate and in bygone days once housed the local cinema (called The Alpha) but is now home of the locals watering hole. It's a pretty basic bar, not great but by no means the worst I've ever been to. They're a chatty bunch, good service, good craic. Honestly though you need to be careful in this area . You probably wouldn't want to head here unless you come invited. I'm not a regular or know it all about the area, but I would reckon that's your safest bet. If you're interested talk to someone local about it. I don't want to put any one off but just be mindful of the area you're in if you decide to nip in. Rathcoole is a predominantly Loyalist estate so be careful. It falls under the category of a 'Blue nose bar' and is known as a Loyalist, members only working mens club.

RAOB - The Royal Ancient Order of the Buffalos, to give it it's full name, or simply, 'The Buffs'…read moreas it is locally known, is a two storey bar and members club, located directly across the road from Carrick Castle, with excellent views over Belfast Lough. I've been in here a number of times, usually to functions in the function room upstairs, but it's not somewhere that I would ever make my local, as it is pretty much an old man's bar! They do have a pool room, just off from the downstairs bar, which is cool as I do enjoy the odd game of pool, and most of the bars in Carrick don't have a pool table, however the pool room is rather shabby. The staff are reasonably friendly, and the drink is cheap enough, so you would be hard pushed to dislike this place - it's just that if you are under the age of 50, it's not a very happening place to be.

Very friendly pub. Was here last summer on a few occasions, never met such friendly people or…read morestaff. Especially when you are from another country. They made me feel right at home. Great smoking place in the back too, wish we had those in Canada. Very clean facility..