The Lakes Bar

I’ve graced the doors of this lovely establishment many times over the years. I’m from Naas but a good majority of my close mates live in Blessington or close proximity and this has always constituted their local.
The West Wicklow pub is directly across the road from it so if we wish to add a bit of variety to the night, we can head over there for one or two bevvies but somehow we always find ourselves back in the comfort of the craziness of The Lakes.
Over the years it has changed ownership and names but it has never lost its rugged charm. If I lived in Blessington I might have become bored of this little stop in but because I don’t, it’s refreshing to see mostly the same faces there week-​in week-​out and the buzz there around a big match is excellent; the place is packed and the bar is covered in locals sitting and standing on the bar to get a good view of the excitement.
This place isn’t flawed by too many rules or poncy bouncers, generally there is a serious freedom to the place, you truly feel like you are in the sticks out here ’cause everyone seems too have a kind of wildness to them.
An added bonus to this lovely local is a small bar to the front of the building. It houses mainly the golden oldies and it adds a great mixture to the night. If your feeling like a bit of craic head in here for a few and you’ll probably not leave. There is generally a bit of a trad session but its not rehearsed of planned and seems to kick off after a few too many whiskeys have been consumed. When it starts, it tends to carry on ’til late in the night (or when the bar has to be vacated due to the hour).
It is very small in here but that seems to add to its charm. OK there may be a bit too much bum pinching or a few lewd remarks, but with a friendly retort the oldies know where to keep their hands and they are a great bunch to have a laugh with, they always know all the words to old trad songs. It is a true unity in there and you just want to be part of it all.
The bar staff haven’t changed much either over the years and they are all friendly and genuinely seem to enjoy working there; they seem to love it so much that you can see them there on their night off too. And for the girls there are a few barmen that seem to be a hit with the ladies (one in particular has been a favourite for years!) and the boys aren’t left out of this equation as all the women bartenders are friendly fun and well, stunning.
There are however blow-​ins (I suppose I might constitute one myself but I hope I blend in okay as I have been drinking here since I was, well a good bit younger than I am now). Some of these blow-​ins are here because they’ve been kicked out of everywhere in their own town but if they start any trouble, the bouncers are quick to sort it out (and I mean bloody quick). The non-​locals however shouldn’t find this tight-​knit community a put-​off as the locals are easy to talk to and up for a laugh.
The best part to this place is the downstairs Nightclub (small room with a tiny dance floor) called PLAN B, and that it is for most people. You should not go here if your expecting to have a seriously cool night out or if your really into your music. To be fair, there isn’t much great about this place but to be fair to the owners they didn’t lead you into a false sense of security by calling it something like ‘PLAN A’ or ‘the Best Place to be seen on a Saturday night’ (no need to check your rights for false advertisement here). No they embody the true spirit of this place, you wouldn’t get all dolled up to stand at the bar looking classy/​cool. Nope this place is VERY rugged and that’s whats so great about it. It’s an excellent way to end your night– a tad messy and most people in here that can hardly stand seem to be making a serious stab at dancing but they all look very happy indeed.
On weekends there is generally a band playing and most often than not they are very, very good. If you’re out for a quite pint on these nights forget it as it can be extremely loud. There is loads of room for a bit of a dance if the band get you in the mood for a bit of ass shaking.
Really the locals and the spirit of this small town is what makes this place what it is and what makes me come back time and time again. They are a great bunch of people and there never seems to be any «He said/​she said» drama between groups and feck all drama in general, which I love. Everyone seems to just be out for a bit of laugh and a good pint. There doesn’t seem to a group scenario either, everyone seems to know everyone (but not everyone’s business, which seems to happen in small towns). There’s a good mix of people in this bar too and if you come back a few times you’ll start to know the majority of them.
So if your up for a No B.S. night of craic, good beer, down to earth people, a bit of a boogie then this is that place to go.