Just using this thread since I didn't want to create a new one for it, but the owners of Powers Pub in Clarecastle are retiring and selling.
Now I can't help but feel a lot of the decision is attributed to the dying trade rather than simply wanting to retire, and it will officially leave Clarecastle with just 1 pub! (O'Reillys - Formerly Navins)
I'm surprised they never started doing pub grub there - There definitely is an opening for something like that on the outskirts of Ennis.
O'Neills in NoF definitely has to be a contender.
Is The Magpie gone?
Keanes Bar in Carrigaholt is the best pint I've ever had, anywhere. The keg is right below the tap under the counter so there'd hardly be a full pint in the line. Spend many an hour in there whenever I'm down.
Been gone for couple of years now. I think the premises is still for sale
as a lad said, once a pub starts doing food, it's not really a pub. doesn't bother me as change is inevitable and people have to do whatever they can to survive, but it's true
Ya look, I'd completely agree and I'm sure that was a decision that Powers and other pubs can't take lightly with their history as a 'Pub'. I'm sure there can be some middle-ground. Margins just too small now for Alcohol that it's completely unsustainable for 'quieter' pubs unless they are charging a fortune.
Good pints in Frawley's and the 19th in Lahinch.
Who said it was closing?
They are retiring and it’s up for sale
But that doesn't mean it's closing.
Did I say in my original post that it was closing?
‘The owners of Powers Pub are retiring and selling’
Stop being a moron about it.
Here's what you said.
"and it will officially leave Clarecastle with just 1 pub! (O'Reillys - Formerly Navins)"
Yes - As of right now, they are retiring and selling. There's nothing to say the 'pub' or a new pub will continue is there?
If there's a Butcher/Jeweller/Baker/Shopkeeper where the owner is retiring and selling the premises, is it not assumed it's just closing down? Anything different is a pleasant surprise.
What's with people disagreeing with that so vehemently?
But you said it will leave the village with just one pub? Am I missing somethiong?
Plenty of demand for a second bar in Clarecastle IMO. You are pretty much implying it's closing down which is misleading
From what I saw of it on daft, it's being sold as a going concern.
Jaysis, I didn't say there isn't demand for a 2nd bar in Clarecastle, but I stated a fact that they are retiring and PERHAPS it's no coincidence that Clarecastle is down to 2 pubs (soon to be 1 unless one comes in Powers' place). It always feels like they do well on a Saturday night but that's about it. They don't do food. 1 good night a week can't be sustainable.
I literally said in my original post by the way that a bar that does food may fare better than a flat-out pub.
I don't get this notion that people who like selling drink should also be expected to start selling food.
Imagine telling a butcher he should start selling flowers.
Plenty of drinking bars do well, once they have sufficient catchment population.
If the owners are retiring they probably hadn't much drive in the last few years.
I'm not saying they have to sell food. Clearly though the demand for the pint itself and/or the pub culture has gone rurally. It can't all be a coincidence that more-and-more 'pubs' are leaving the industry. Simply saying the 'owners probably didn't have much drive' is very simplistic and a cop out. Can say for a fact they absolutely love it.
You mention the catchment population - While Clarecastle has a decent population, the amount of younger families/non-nationals doesn't scream 'pub goer'. Hence maybe why the Magpie Bar closed after 22 years in Business; Powers (as it currently exists) is closing after more than 100 years in Business. Another pub I can't remember the name of (opposite the Post Office) also closed.
I'm not sure how this conversation has gotten to here. All I wanted to note above in my original post was that Powers who have been in business for over 100 years are retiring and the premises is up for sale and it's sad to see them go.
wait until you see his alter personality, finbite.... he is much nicer
Haven't been there in years but lads I work with say the pint is excellent up there and apparently a great place to watch a match on big screen.
Used to frequent Bunratty a lot but Nelly's is gone to pot. Only interested in tourists and the pint is overpriced and soft.
The creamery is under new management but is fairly dull atmosphere wise, over reliant on food sales. Pint isn't great.
Best pints in the area are Casey's and Gilly's in SMB, Hunters lodge and o Neil's in Newmarket and the honk and crabtree in the more rural areas of the parish.
