Huge interest in Mayo podcaster's 'World Cup of Pubs' online poll
by Caoimhín Rowland
Social media across Mayo has been abuzz as hundreds of nominations flew into the direct messages box of popular Mayo podcaster and sports insider Ah Ref’s account.
The final 64 of the best Mayo pubs have been released in the inaugural World Cup of Pubs.
Whittled down from 128 nominees, the preliminaries are over and crunch time awaits.
The online competition is hosted by Ah Ref in association with Chambers Marketing.
It’s a poll that has captured the imagination of publicans and pub-goers alike.
With rising operational costs, changing habits of customers and the cost of living crisis, many pubs have been forced to shut their doors.
However, this unique campaign looks to highlight some of the best watering holes Mayo has to offer.
With a varying spread on offer including a favoured haunt of GAA supporters the country over, Mick Byrnes of Main Street Castlebar.
Leonard’s Bar and Grocery Store, Lahardane, was recently recommended by the Guardian as one of the best traditional pubs in Ireland.
Máire Luke’s in Tourmakeady, a firm favourite of “Ah Ref Towers” sole occupant.
In east Mayo, Julian’s of Midfield and Guiry’s, the anglers’ pub in Foxford, might slip into the reckoning.
All 64 are indeed strong contenders for the people’s vote.
Take a look below and see if your local made the cut!
1.Harry Walsh’s – Kilmaine
2.The Loft – Ballina
3.Danny’s – Westport
4.The Clock – Ballyhaunis
5.O’Malley’s – Cross
6.Clare Island Community Centre
7.The Rendezvous – Balla
8.Rocky’s – Castlebar
9.Scott’s – Aughagower
10.Nevin’s – Newport
11.Coady’s – Castlebar
12.The Irish House – Castlebar
13.Ameysth Bar – Achill
14.Mitchel’s Bar – Moygownagh
15.The Brewery – Westport
16.Paddy’s – Tourmakeady
17.The Shamrock – Breaffy
18.Cot and Cobble – Ballina
19.Doherty’s – Ballina
20.The Arch – Killala
21.Toby’s – Westport
22.Holmes’s – Doohoma
23.Nevin’s – Tiernaur
24.Tolster’s – Castlebar
25.Gilligan’s – Claremorris
26.Lourdies – Achill
27.The Quay’s Bar – Westport
28.Punchbowl – Ballyheane
29.Mick Byrne’s – Castlebar
30.Gibbon’s – Shrule
31.Ray’s – Castlebar
32.Leonard’s – Lahardane
33.McDonnell’s – Belmullet
34.McGing’s – Westport
35.Harrison’s – Ballina
36.Hughes’ – Knockmore
37.Jester – Westport
38.Ryan’s – Kiltimagh
39.Moynish House – Mulranny
40.Keane’s the Quay – Ballina
41.Copper Beech – Straide
42.Julian’s – Midfield
43.Johno’s – Ballinrobe
44.Packie Mac’s – Killawalla
45.An Sean Sibín – Ballina
46.Garvey’s Dew Drop – Charlestown
47.The Brusna Inn – Brusna
48.Tower’s bar – Westport
49.Johnny McHale’s – Castlebar
50.T Breathnach’s – Ballina
51.Gallagher’s – Bonniconlon
52.Johnny Moran’s – Westport
53.Murphy’s – Lahardane
54.Bolg Buí – Ballina
55.Rouse’s – Ballina
56.The Old Grainstore – Westport
57.Finnerty’s – Hollymount
58.Guiry’s – Foxford
59.Mellet’s – Swinford
60.Lough Mask Inn – Tourmakeady
61.Frank O’Reilly’s Ballyvary
62.Una’s Bar – Blacksod
63.Bucko’s Bar – Castlebar
64.Máire Luke’s - Tourmakeady