Cool Irish pubs: Nathy Brennan’s in Tubbercurry

My connections in Ireland took me to some off-the-grid type places where I wouldn’t have ended up on my own. One of those places was the town of Tubbercurry. If that name isn’t incentive enough to visit, then Nathy Brennan’s bar is.

Nathy Brennan’s pub is about as close to a Newfie pub as you can get. Or, I guess, the Newfie pub is modeled after every Irish pub on the planet. But you get the idea.

My brilliant hosts Paul and Sonya (and owners of Murphy’s Hotel) took Julia and I under their wings for a few days. My bus ride from Galway to Tubbercurry was probably the most hungover of my life. Julia and I were miserable, actually – I had just said good-bye to my Couchsurfing hosts and we were TIRED. We literally were just two seconds from sleeping our way through our stop. The bus driver had to halt for us and everything.

Anyway. After dinner, Julia and I joined Paul and Sonya at the bar for a few beers. Fuelled by Guinness and camaraderie, we decided to go down the street to visit Nathy Brennan’s. Never mind the fact it was Sunday evening.

Nathy and his sister own this bar/pseudo museum and convenience store. The place reminded me of The Inn of Olde in Quidi Vidi: walls adorned with every knick-knack possible, as well as remnants and souvenirs from patrons past and present. I’m talking dollar bills, flags, photographs, and more. This was essentially the Irish pub experience I had been seeking since I first arrived in Ireland: a sort of community spirit that becomes a family.

Plus Nathy pours a mean pint of Guinness.

We were the only folks in the pub on Sunday night, other than Nathy and his sister, and another friend of theirs. They sat around the wood stove burning that sweet scent of fire through the whole building. We all chatted, everyone being eager to learn more about my ancestral journey. I felt pretty well at home here.

If you’re ever in Tubbercurry, make sure you swing by Nathy Brennan’s for a pint. Tell ‘em the redheaded Canadian sent you.

  • September 03 2013

    Funny you should mention this place now. Drove through it today but didn’t stop for a pint :)

    • September 03 2013

      Are you in Sligo?! IT’S MY FAVOURITE

      • September 03 2013

        Yeah got here yesterday and spent all day driving around today. Tomorrow am off to Galway for a couple of days. Had amazing weather here as well.

  • September 03 2013

    Definitely stopping here! Although they’ll be confused because I am also a redheaded Canadian :) x

    • September 04 2013

      Hahaha, that’s what we gingers do…cause mass confusion wherever we go

  • September 03 2013
    creativenomad

    sounds great!! love a good Irish pub – one with such cool wall coverings and a great vibe is just how a pub should be!

  • September 03 2013
    creativenomad

    sounds great!! love a good Irish pub – one with such cool wall coverings and a great vibe is just how a pub should be!

  • September 04 2013
    Lauren @BonVoyageLauren

    Hahahah that name is just perfect. Tempted to name my first born child Tubbercurry. Too cruel? Anyway, I’d love to visit this place one day.

  • September 04 2013
    Lauren @BonVoyageLauren

    Hahahah that name is just perfect. Tempted to name my first born child Tubbercurry. Too cruel? Anyway, I’d love to visit this place one day.

  • December 21 2013
    Michael Collins

    I was introduced to Brennan’s by Nathy’s cousin Nathy, a good friend of mine. Fell in love with the place, it’s special, never miss a visit there on my trips to Ireland. The place just keeps calling ya back! Got so inspired during one night of drinkin’ was even moved to write some bad poetry about the place LOL.
    NATHY BRENNAN’S TIME MACHINE

    Have you ever wished like me that you could go back in time,
    To see what life was like when Granddad was in his prime,

    Then come with me to Tubbercurry for a walk down Teeling Street,
    We will go to Brennan’s Pub, I have someone I’d like you to meet.
    Let me introduce you to Nathy Brennan, barkeep extraordinaire,
    He’ll greet you with a firm handshake and by the peat fireplace offer you a chair.
    This pub has been run by his family for more than 80 years,
    He & his sister Nora will serve you some of Ireland’s finest beers.
    Before you know it you will be back to times of old,
    Listen closely and you can almost hear the echo old men’s stories being told.
    The place still looks exactly the same way it was,
    When it was frequented by all the local Granddads and Paws,
    For you see Nathy’s pub is really a time machine,
    And it won’t take long and you will see what I mean.
    All the men folk would come in & take their places after a hard day,
    And as Nathy Sweeney is often heard to say,
    “We are now standing where stood the old men”
    You can almost hear the conversation & bantering from way back then.
    They’d be swapping stories, tellin’ lies, or playing the clown,
    For you see this pub has always been the social center of the town.
    The townsfolk had in those times a greater sense of community,
    I’d go back there to those times again if given the opportunity.
    So when you come to Ireland, be sure to make your way to Tubbercurry,
    Prepare to spend some time, you surely won’t want to hurry.
    Be sure to take a trip in Nathy’s time machine at Brennan’s,
    And tell him to stock up the Jameson, the Yank will be back again!

  • December 21 2013
    Michael Collins

    I was introduced to Brennan’s by Nathy’s cousin Nathy, a good friend of mine. Fell in love with the place, it’s special, never miss a visit there on my trips to Ireland. The place just keeps calling ya back! Got so inspired during one night of drinkin’ was even moved to write some bad poetry about the place LOL.

    NATHY BRENNAN’S TIME MACHINE

    Have you ever wished like me that you could go back in time,
    To see what life was like when Granddad was in his prime,
    Then come with me to Tubbercurry for a walk down Teeling Street,
    We will go to Brennan’s Pub, I have someone I’d like you to meet.
    Let me introduce you to Nathy Brennan, barkeep extraordinaire,
    He’ll greet you with a firm handshake and by the peat fireplace offer you a chair.
    This pub has been run by his family for more than 80 years,
    He & his sister Nora will serve you some of Ireland’s finest beers.
    Before you know it you will be back to times of old,
    Listen closely and you can almost hear the echo old men’s stories being told.
    The place still looks exactly the same way it was,
    When it was frequented by all the local Granddads and Paws,
    For you see Nathy’s pub is really a time machine,
    And it won’t take long and you will see what I mean.
    All the men folk would come in & take their places after a hard day,
    And as Nathy Sweeney is often heard to say,
    “We are now standing where stood the old men”
    You can almost hear the conversation & bantering from way back then.
    They’d be swapping stories, tellin’ lies, or playing the clown,
    For you see this pub has always been the social center of the town.
    The townsfolk had in those times a greater sense of community,
    I’d go back there to those times again if given the opportunity.
    So when you come to Ireland, be sure to make your way to Tubbercurry,
    Prepare to spend some time, you surely won’t want to hurry.
    Be sure to take a trip in Nathy’s time machine at Brennan’s,
    And tell him to stock up the Jameson, the Yank will be back again!

  • December 21 2013
    Michael Collins

    I was introduced to Brennan’s by Nathy’s cousin Nathy, a good friend of mine. Fell in love with the place, it’s special, never miss a visit there on my trips to Ireland. The place just keeps calling ya back! Got so inspired during one night of drinkin’ was even moved to write some bad poetry about the place LOL.

    NATHY BRENNAN’S TIME MACHINE

    Have you ever wished like me that you could go back in time,
    To see what life was like when Granddad was in his prime,
    Then come with me to Tubbercurry for a walk down Teeling Street,
    We will go to Brennan’s Pub, I have someone I’d like you to meet.
    Let me introduce you to Nathy Brennan, barkeep extraordinaire,
    He’ll greet you with a firm handshake and by the peat fireplace offer you a chair.
    This pub has been run by his family for more than 80 years,
    He & his sister Nora will serve you some of Ireland’s finest beers.
    Before you know it you will be back to times of old,
    Listen closely and you can almost hear the echo old men’s stories being told.
    The place still looks exactly the same way it was,
    When it was frequented by all the local Granddads and Paws,
    For you see Nathy’s pub is really a time machine,
    And it won’t take long and you will see what I mean.
    All the men folk would come in & take their places after a hard day,
    And as Nathy Sweeney is often heard to say,
    “We are now standing where stood the old men”
    You can almost hear the conversation & bantering from way back then.
    They’d be swapping stories, tellin’ lies, or playing the clown,
    For you see this pub has always been the social center of the town.
    The townsfolk had in those times a greater sense of community,
    I’d go back there to those times again if given the opportunity.
    So when you come to Ireland, be sure to make your way to Tubbercurry,
    Prepare to spend some time, you surely won’t want to hurry.
    Be sure to take a trip in Nathy’s time machine at Brennan’s,
    And tell him to stock up the Jameson, the Yank will be back again!

  • December 21 2013
    Michael Collins

    I was introduced to Brennan’s by Nathy’s cousin Nathy, a good friend of mine. Fell in love with the place, it’s special, never miss a visit there on my trips to Ireland. The place just keeps calling ya back! Got so inspired during one night of drinkin’ was even moved to write some bad poetry about the place LOL.

    NATHY BRENNAN’S TIME MACHINE

    Have you ever wished like me that you could go back in time,
    To see what life was like when Granddad was in his prime,
    Then come with me to Tubbercurry for a walk down Teeling Street,
    We will go to Brennan’s Pub, I have someone I’d like you to meet.
    Let me introduce you to Nathy Brennan, barkeep extraordinaire,
    He’ll greet you with a firm handshake and by the peat fireplace offer you a chair.
    This pub has been run by his family for more than 80 years,
    He & his sister Nora will serve you some of Ireland’s finest beers.
    Before you know it you will be back to times of old,
    Listen closely and you can almost hear the echo old men’s stories being told.
    The place still looks exactly the same way it was,
    When it was frequented by all the local Granddads and Paws,
    For you see Nathy’s pub is really a time machine,
    And it won’t take long and you will see what I mean.
    All the men folk would come in & take their places after a hard day,
    And as Nathy Sweeney is often heard to say,
    “We are now standing where stood the old men”
    You can almost hear the conversation & bantering from way back then.
    They’d be swapping stories, tellin’ lies, or playing the clown,
    For you see this pub has always been the social center of the town.
    The townsfolk had in those times a greater sense of community,
    I’d go back there to those times again if given the opportunity.
    So when you come to Ireland, be sure to make your way to Tubbercurry,
    Prepare to spend some time, you surely won’t want to hurry.
    Be sure to take a trip in Nathy’s time machine at Brennan’s,
    And tell him to stock up the Jameson, the Yank will be back again!

  • December 21 2013
    Michael Collins

    I was introduced to Brennan’s by Nathy’s cousin Nathy, a good friend of mine. Fell in love with the place, it’s special, never miss a visit there on my trips to Ireland. The place just keeps calling ya back! Got so inspired during one night of drinkin’ was even moved to write some bad poetry about the place LOL.

    NATHY BRENNAN’S TIME MACHINE

    Have you ever wished like me that you could go back in time,
    To see what life was like when Granddad was in his prime,
    Then come with me to Tubbercurry for a walk down Teeling Street,
    We will go to Brennan’s Pub, I have someone I’d like you to meet.
    Let me introduce you to Nathy Brennan, barkeep extraordinaire,
    He’ll greet you with a firm handshake and by the peat fireplace offer you a chair.
    This pub has been run by his family for more than 80 years,
    He & his sister Nora will serve you some of Ireland’s finest beers.
    Before you know it you will be back to times of old,
    Listen closely and you can almost hear the echo old men’s stories being told.
    The place still looks exactly the same way it was,
    When it was frequented by all the local Granddads and Paws,
    For you see Nathy’s pub is really a time machine,
    And it won’t take long and you will see what I mean.
    All the men folk would come in & take their places after a hard day,
    And as Nathy Sweeney is often heard to say,
    “We are now standing where stood the old men”
    You can almost hear the conversation & bantering from way back then.
    They’d be swapping stories, tellin’ lies, or playing the clown,
    For you see this pub has always been the social center of the town.
    The townsfolk had in those times a greater sense of community,
    I’d go back there to those times again if given the opportunity.
    So when you come to Ireland, be sure to make your way to Tubbercurry,
    Prepare to spend some time, you surely won’t want to hurry.
    Be sure to take a trip in Nathy’s time machine at Brennan’s,
    And tell him to stock up the Jameson, the Yank will be back again!

  • December 21 2013
    Michael Collins

    I was introduced to Brennan’s by Nathy’s cousin Nathy, a good friend of mine. Fell in love with the place, it’s special, never miss a visit there on my trips to Ireland. The place just keeps calling ya back! Got so inspired during one night of drinkin’ was even moved to write some bad poetry about the place LOL.

    NATHY BRENNAN’S TIME MACHINE

    Have you ever wished like me that you could go back in time,
    To see what life was like when Granddad was in his prime,
    Then come with me to Tubbercurry for a walk down Teeling Street,
    We will go to Brennan’s Pub, I have someone I’d like you to meet.
    Let me introduce you to Nathy Brennan, barkeep extraordinaire,
    He’ll greet you with a firm handshake and by the peat fireplace offer you a chair.
    This pub has been run by his family for more than 80 years,
    He & his sister Nora will serve you some of Ireland’s finest beers.
    Before you know it you will be back to times of old,
    Listen closely and you can almost hear the echo old men’s stories being told.
    The place still looks exactly the same way it was,
    When it was frequented by all the local Granddads and Paws,
    For you see Nathy’s pub is really a time machine,
    And it won’t take long and you will see what I mean.
    All the men folk would come in & take their places after a hard day,
    And as Nathy Sweeney is often heard to say,
    “We are now standing where stood the old men”
    You can almost hear the conversation & bantering from way back then.
    They’d be swapping stories, tellin’ lies, or playing the clown,
    For you see this pub has always been the social center of the town.
    The townsfolk had in those times a greater sense of community,
    I’d go back there to those times again if given the opportunity.
    So when you come to Ireland, be sure to make your way to Tubbercurry,
    Prepare to spend some time, you surely won’t want to hurry.
    Be sure to take a trip in Nathy’s time machine at Brennan’s,
    And tell him to stock up the Jameson, the Yank will be back again!

  • December 21 2013
    Michael Collins

    I was introduced to Brennan’s by Nathy’s cousin Nathy, a good friend of mine. Fell in love with the place, it’s special, never miss a visit there on my trips to Ireland. The place just keeps calling ya back! Got so inspired during one night of drinkin’ was even moved to write some bad poetry about the place LOL.

    NATHY BRENNAN’S TIME MACHINE

    Have you ever wished like me that you could go back in time,
    To see what life was like when Granddad was in his prime,
    Then come with me to Tubbercurry for a walk down Teeling Street,
    We will go to Brennan’s Pub, I have someone I’d like you to meet.
    Let me introduce you to Nathy Brennan, barkeep extraordinaire,
    He’ll greet you with a firm handshake and by the peat fireplace offer you a chair.
    This pub has been run by his family for more than 80 years,
    He & his sister Nora will serve you some of Ireland’s finest beers.
    Before you know it you will be back to times of old,
    Listen closely and you can almost hear the echo old men’s stories being told.
    The place still looks exactly the same way it was,
    When it was frequented by all the local Granddads and Paws,
    For you see Nathy’s pub is really a time machine,
    And it won’t take long and you will see what I mean.
    All the men folk would come in & take their places after a hard day,
    And as Nathy Sweeney is often heard to say,
    “We are now standing where stood the old men”
    You can almost hear the conversation & bantering from way back then.
    They’d be swapping stories, tellin’ lies, or playing the clown,
    For you see this pub has always been the social center of the town.
    The townsfolk had in those times a greater sense of community,
    I’d go back there to those times again if given the opportunity.
    So when you come to Ireland, be sure to make your way to Tubbercurry,
    Prepare to spend some time, you surely won’t want to hurry.
    Be sure to take a trip in Nathy’s time machine at Brennan’s,
    And tell him to stock up the Jameson, the Yank will be back again!

  • December 21 2013
    Michael Collins

    I was introduced to Brennan’s by Nathy’s cousin Nathy, a good friend of mine. Fell in love with the place, it’s special, never miss a visit there on my trips to Ireland. The place just keeps calling ya back! Got so inspired during one night of drinkin’ was even moved to write some bad poetry about the place LOL.

    NATHY BRENNAN’S TIME MACHINE

    Have you ever wished like me that you could go back in time,
    To see what life was like when Granddad was in his prime,
    Then come with me to Tubbercurry for a walk down Teeling Street,
    We will go to Brennan’s Pub, I have someone I’d like you to meet.
    Let me introduce you to Nathy Brennan, barkeep extraordinaire,
    He’ll greet you with a firm handshake and by the peat fireplace offer you a chair.
    This pub has been run by his family for more than 80 years,
    He & his sister Nora will serve you some of Ireland’s finest beers.
    Before you know it you will be back to times of old,
    Listen closely and you can almost hear the echo old men’s stories being told.
    The place still looks exactly the same way it was,
    When it was frequented by all the local Granddads and Paws,
    For you see Nathy’s pub is really a time machine,
    And it won’t take long and you will see what I mean.
    All the men folk would come in & take their places after a hard day,
    And as Nathy Sweeney is often heard to say,
    “We are now standing where stood the old men”
    You can almost hear the conversation & bantering from way back then.
    They’d be swapping stories, tellin’ lies, or playing the clown,
    For you see this pub has always been the social center of the town.
    The townsfolk had in those times a greater sense of community,
    I’d go back there to those times again if given the opportunity.
    So when you come to Ireland, be sure to make your way to Tubbercurry,
    Prepare to spend some time, you surely won’t want to hurry.
    Be sure to take a trip in Nathy’s time machine at Brennan’s,
    And tell him to stock up the Jameson, the Yank will be back again!

  • December 21 2013
    Michael Collins

    I was introduced to Brennan’s by Nathy’s cousin Nathy, a good friend of mine. Fell in love with the place, it’s special, never miss a visit there on my trips to Ireland. The place just keeps calling ya back! Got so inspired during one night of drinkin’ was even moved to write some bad poetry about the place LOL.

    NATHY BRENNAN’S TIME MACHINE

    Have you ever wished like me that you could go back in time,
    To see what life was like when Granddad was in his prime,
    Then come with me to Tubbercurry for a walk down Teeling Street,
    We will go to Brennan’s Pub, I have someone I’d like you to meet.
    Let me introduce you to Nathy Brennan, barkeep extraordinaire,
    He’ll greet you with a firm handshake and by the peat fireplace offer you a chair.
    This pub has been run by his family for more than 80 years,
    He & his sister Nora will serve you some of Ireland’s finest beers.
    Before you know it you will be back to times of old,
    Listen closely and you can almost hear the echo old men’s stories being told.
    The place still looks exactly the same way it was,
    When it was frequented by all the local Granddads and Paws,
    For you see Nathy’s pub is really a time machine,
    And it won’t take long and you will see what I mean.
    All the men folk would come in & take their places after a hard day,
    And as Nathy Sweeney is often heard to say,
    “We are now standing where stood the old men”
    You can almost hear the conversation & bantering from way back then.
    They’d be swapping stories, tellin’ lies, or playing the clown,
    For you see this pub has always been the social center of the town.
    The townsfolk had in those times a greater sense of community,
    I’d go back there to those times again if given the opportunity.
    So when you come to Ireland, be sure to make your way to Tubbercurry,
    Prepare to spend some time, you surely won’t want to hurry.
    Be sure to take a trip in Nathy’s time machine at Brennan’s,
    And tell him to stock up the Jameson, the Yank will be back again!

    • January 16 2014

      Hahaha, this is AWESOME! You should share this with the Sligo tourism folks!

      • January 25 2014
        Michael Collins

        LOL, glad you got a laugh out of it. Love your site, you have the perfect attitude, do it & get it done, while you are still young! Hats off to ya, Missy!

  • February 04 2015
    Mike Hannon

    I know I’m a year late joining the conversation but Nathy’s is my favourite place! Live and work close by

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