Wednesday 17 August: Doolin Pubs

Our landlord Martin Reilly advised us that O'Connors pub was the best in town, but it is usually packed out. So it was tonight. We settled for McGanns Pub - also very full, but the landlady was very adept at finding tables for diners, getting people to share tables, and asking those who were drinking but not eating to move up to the bar.

The music was provided by a four-piece outfit playing flute, accordian, guitar and banjo - nobody we recognised. They were joined for a few tunes by a second accordianist and a bohdran player. Vocals were by the landlady (had a great voice) and somebody called Nial Gilligan, who seemed very well known.

The food was plentiful, the music was good and so was the craic. Not being regular pub-goers, we're not sure if we'd want to do it all the time. But for an occasional once-off it was a great way to spend the evening.