O’donoghues Pub

Love this brilliant blue pub that faces the Atlantic in the Burren town of Fanore. With this naturally stunning backdrop, you can’t really go wrong with O’Donohue’s — however, the proprietors have taken the time to do it right. Quaint, upkept nicely. The atmosphere when you enter is cozy and inviting — the front room houses the bar and just a few seats for some patrons. The Guinness here is fresh and fantastic. Walk into the back of this place, however, and you’ll find the massive dining and party room — perfect for music, entertainment, parties, dining and dancing. It’s the perfect gathering spot and exudes a down-​to-​earth warmth. Here is some of the best seafood chowder in Clare in my opinion. Be sure to try it. Also visit this place for its music — famous but unassuming names come through, eager to share tunes with locals and tourists alike. The craic is good and the spirit is warm. Make sure O’Donohue’s is on your radar if you’re traveling through the Burren.

Patrick O’Donoghue is the most hospitable of hosts. He sat with us and asked about our trip, what else to do in Ireland, and even how to drink a Guinness. Food was EXCELLENT, service was amazing. We even got to listen to Old John Boy sing us an old Irish Song. If you’re in the area, say visiting the Cliffs of Moher, take the scenic route and enjoy an awesome experience here. Best restaurant/​Pub in all of Ireland.

I had the pleasure of visiting this pub last weekend, while staying in the area to take part in the Tour de Burren 160 Km cycle tour.
The night after the tour I went to the pub. the main part of the, the bar, has a lovely old Irish feel to it. I wasn’t fond of the rest of the bar, in terms of look, but it’s a much more open space, so well suited to crowds. Very cosy, and everyone was extremely friendly, including Pat, the owner.
I was famished after a long day in the saddle so decided to have food there too. had seafood chowder, with brown bread to start with, which has loads of lovely large chunks of fish. Really good chowder.
Then onto the main course & I had fish & chips, which I was unable to finish… and that’s saying a lot.
During the course of the evening we got talking to an American couple who’d just happened upon the pub, as they wanted somewhere to watch the sunset, and this pub is definitely a perfect spot for that. Outdoor seating areas with a view out over the Atlantic, which is only a stone’s throw away.
I had been imagining a lovely pint of Guinness for about the last 30 Km of the tour and I wasn’t let down. It looked perfect, and tasted just as perfect as it looked.
Later on there was a guy playing some tunes, and even though the bar part of the pub is small, you can easily have a conversation while he plays.
If there is one part that lets the pub down it’s the fact that the don’t have any facility for accepting credit/​debit cards. This would be a very welcome addition, and some might say essential, as you have to drive for miles to find the nearest ATM. However in saying that, as the Americans only had cards, they were allowed just run up a tab, and pay the next day. There aren’t many places like that left on this earth. Service is absolutely impeccable here. Well worth a visit.
There are a good few B&Bs close by, and this would be a great base for tours of the Burren and to the Cliffs of Moher. Just up the road, less than 2miles are beautiful cliffs to walk along also.
Take a trip. You won’t regret it.