We had bought a groupon for our first trip to Ireland. We stayed in 3 different castles in a week. The castles were majestic and incredible, but we wanted a bit more of the feel of hard working Irish people. At the Castle they told us there were some nice pubs in carrick-on-Shannon. We took a cab into town and wandered into the Anchorage. This place made our trip. The bar tender and owner could not have been more warm and friendly. My wife and sister-in-law chatted with her for hours. My brother-in-law and I mingled with some of the gentlemen in the bar, and found everyone to be friendly and warm. The owner went out of her way to make us all feel welcome. My wife and my sister-in-law had forgotten to pack hair conditioner. After the owners shift ended, without ant prompting except for bar discussions, went out and bought them a big bottle of conditioner. If you want to make your Ireland experience truly special.....have a pint of Guiness here. read more