Just back from Ireland, and Yelp suggested I post a review. I've selected my favorite tavern, The…read moreAbbey. Only got there once, but of the many, many bars I stumbled out of on this trip, I recall this as the one I'd most want to see again.
The photos cannot do it justice. It's in Houth, a gorgeous coastal village just a short train ride from Dublin. The exterior photo is actually the rear entrance, while the street entrance is down the stairs. Like a secret path to a private lair. Fantastic bar! Stone and ancient wood floors. Built in 1042, I'm told. 24 taps, and all the Irish whiskey there is. A few of the better bottles showed prices by the glass, €15 and up. Sorely tempted to try one, but we had a long day ahead. Normally, an $18 glass of whiskey is just fine with me, but as I had moderated my intake, I had found myself less able to drink all day. Plus, it was about 10 am. Great service from a young bartender, who assured me NO hour was too early to drink in Ireland. Pro tip: Fly into Dublin Airport, skip that town, and head to Houth. Seafood galore, and The Abbey.
Bonus review:
Five minutes away is Ann's Ice Cream just off the Irish Sea. Worth it for the view. My child, a very particular eater, just loved a huge waffle cone with "Double Cream Vanilla" which is apparently quite tasty. Most notable for the "No Toilet's" door. Grammar be damned.