Harry Byrnes, Clontarf

In the first of a new series of Pub of the Week features, we caught up with Alan Byrne from the famous Harry Byrne's in Clontarf.

I walk inside the door for the first time – what am I faced with?

You’re faced with the thought: Now this is a real boozer!

What’s the sports set-up like?

We try not to make it all about the sport, but it’s fair to say we certainly make a big effort for all the big games.  Come down and see for yourself for the Heineken Cup final in a couple of weeks. Great game atmosphere.

What’s on tap? Any unusual drinks on tap or in the fridge?

All the usual suspects on tap and in the fridge. We always try to have a few special bottles in the fridge for the more discerning drinker, perhaps a Leffe, Tiger, Erdinger Dunkel, Galway Hooker, to name a few. Suggestions and requests are always welcome.

What’s on the jukebox?

We’re all about the lost art of conversation in this pub (some more than others!). You might here a few golden oldies or even some classic rock in the background, but this is definitely a pub where you can have a good chat and get down to the real business of solving the problems of the world.

What’s the weirdest or most wonderful promotion you’ve run to bring people in?

We recently had The Sean Moncrieff show on Newstalk broadcast live from Harry Byrne's. That was a great success and great craic.

Can we find you on Facebook?

We keep everyone up to date on any news or events at the Harry Byrne's Facebook page. You can also find us having a bit of friendly banter with some of our regulars. We’ve got a sense of humour too, so be warned.

Harry Byrne's pub in Clontarf. You won't be needing games.

What’s the snack situation?

We keep it strictly crisps and peanuts. You could say we’re kinda purists. You won’t find a smell of food interfering with your pint.

Saturday night male to female ratio – is it in lads’ favour?

James Brown once said about Harry Byrne’s: ‘This is a man’s pub, but it wouldn’t be nothing without a women or a girl.'
It may not have been the actual James Brown but we tend to agree with him anyway.

What’s the smoking area or beer garden like?

It keeps the rain off our heads! Actually, we’re quite proud of it. With comfortable seating, big screen TV and cosy heating it’s definitely worth a look.

Is there a snug?

Actually yes. You’ll find it tucked away in the busy back bar. If you’re lucky enough to get a spot in it, it’s a real gem. The fire also makes for good company on the dark winter nights.

Who’s the most famous customer you’ve ever had?

Brian O'Driscoll, Cian Healy and Roddy Doyle would be regulars, but actor Brendan Gleason and The Script’s Danny O' Donoghue have been known to meet their friends here for a pint or two.

Any late license we should know about?

Standard hours. We believe drinking should be a pleasure and that there’s plenty of time to reach ‘content before capacity’.

What’s the footwear policy?

Footwear must me keep on feet at all times, people.

What’s the best way to stop table quiz cheaters?

Ask them easy questions?

Any games to keep us interested – pool/darts/rings etc?

We keep it simple and try not to take away from the craic and chat.  If you need games to keep you interested, you may be in the wrong place.

We have a family outing coming up – what’s the deal with the function room?

We don't have a function room but we do welcome celebrations and find that there are lots of people that seem to prefer to share their celebration with the rest of the pub, rather than be cut off from the atmosphere in their own room.

Any special characters we should look out for?

Yes, definitely. And that’s just the bar-staff.

Why are Irish pubs the best in the world?

Because they’ve got the best customers in the world, simple.

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