Monthly Archive for May, 2005

Another Crosshaven pub we visited recently was Johnny’s Return. I know for a fact that the owners name is John which is something that is probably obvious anyway. It is another pub that commands very scenic views out over Cork harbour. I got the feeling that this was a very welcoming pub from the moment i walked in. There was an Irish music cd cohabiting the airwaves with a Westlife cd. A very strange but enjoyable selection. It was blatently obvious that there are some Liverpool fans involved in this pub. The seating is very comfortable and we sat just to the right inside the door. Setanta sports was showing some sporting event on their tv. The pint of Murphy’s was very enjoyable and one of the best i have had in a while. I spotted they have a pool table which is always useful. There are some funny slogans behind the bar and are worth reading if you visit. There are a lot of jugs and things hanging from the ceiling which are impressive.

I didn’t use the toilets so i can’t comment on them. We were only here for the one drink but it is certainly a pub that i liked. It has a very easy going atmosphere to the place and your custom is valued. Crosshaven has a wealth of decent drinking establishments and there are more waiting for us to review them!

Pint rating: 8.5/10
Overall rating: 8/10

Final comment: Johnny’s Return is a grand spot for a drink. If in Crosshaven pay a visit and try a pint of Murphy’s.

It has been a popular haunt with golfers down through the years. They have a magnificent 18 hole golf course on site. It has been renovated in the past few years and the Bowles family have made a great job of the place. We were up there tonight and had a few drinks. It is a very modern and spacious bar. A Murphy’s and a diet 7up cost 5 euro 60 cents. There was a few English lads enjoying pints in the bar and also a few others. There are many teams jerseys displayed on the walls in this pub. I have been at a few partys in their function room but this was my first time having a few drinks in the bar. The pints were of good quality and enjoyable. There is a nice conservatory looking over the golf course which would be nice to sit in during the day-time. The bar man was friendly and we got served promptly.

The toilets are near the front of the pub and are quite small but were in fairly good condition on our visit. Jen tried to use the ladies but couldn’t find the light in the toilet. I know that they have live music at the weekends so this is the time to head to Fernhill. They do well with partys and functions and it is very convenient for the people of Carrigaline and surrounding areas. It is a pub and place that i would like to return to and have little excuse not to. If you are a golfer interested in playing in this part of the country and need somewhere to stay visit, : www.fernhillgolfhotel.com.

Toilet rating: 7/10
Pint rating: 7/10
Overall rating: 7/10

Final comment: Fernhill golf and country club is a nice place for a drink with that country feeling. They do very nice food as well so i am told. With new housing developments in the near vicinity, Fernhill will develop a new expanded trade.

Adjacent to Mahon golf course is where you will find this pub. Unfortunate circumstances brought me there last Monday. It was following the funeral of my grandfather. It is a place i have never come across before. It was formerly Clover Hill House. In fairness it enjoys a very scenic location and is central as well. Smokers are catered for at the front with shelter from the rain included. It is quite a spacious pub with plenty of seating areas and tables. The quality of the drink served was very good. The prices were also very reasonable. Sandwiches were provided and they were very nice along with a tasty soup. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, something that was nice to see. Their Murphy’s was very good and no complaints about the pints.

The toilets were fine on the day. They were clean and well kept. There is a room upstairs but i didn’t see it. I will always remember my trip to the Blackrock Inn. I am sure it does well with golfers and locals alike. It is most certainly a place worth visiting.

Toilet rating: 7/10
Pint rating: 8/10
Overall rating: 8/10

Final comment: The Blackrock Inn is a decent pub with a promenent location and is under new ownership.

Just off the Kinsale road roundabout is The Brog Maker. It was formerly ‘The Touchdown Tavern’ and is situated on one of the busiest roads in Cork. This is a place i have passed most days in the car down through the years but only popped in for a visit recently. It was a morning visit for some breakfast prior to going to the city. It is a very spacious and modern pub and was very busy on the morning i was there. It was about 11am and i noticed one guy drinking a pint of beer, it turned my stomach to be honest. He was drinking a pint with his breakfast. Thankfully he was the only one. The breakfasts are served at a counter and you get quite a lot for the money you pay. 7 euro 50 for the full Irish was reasonable. The seats we vacated were comfortable. I didn’t get a look at the toilets.

I wonder how well a pub like this does in terms of selling alcohol as it caters for passing motorists who shouldn’t be drinking. I might head back at night-time in the future and see what The Brog Maker has to offer. I was impressed with the interior and it was interesting to see it at that time of the day. If you are driving past make sure to stop off.

Breakfast rating: 7.5/10
Overall rating: 7/10

Final comment: The Brog maker is an impressive pub and serves good food.

Ryan has to get a word in: I stopped here recently for Sunday lunch and next time I think I’ll try somewhere different. The food was served up to us like it was Army gruel, piled on top of a plate with no care or attention from the serving staff member. The food itself wasn’t bad, but I felt the manner in which it was served turned me off returning here somewhat. If I had been served a small hill of food on a plate and charged ?5 for it I wouldn’t complain, but I paid the same as you’d pay in say The Bull McCabes, where they pay a bit of care & attention to their serving. Only two minutes up the road too, it’s a damn crying shame they don’t serve Sunday lunch. If I’m faced with the choice again, I’ll go to Statoil across the road for a sandwich.