When I went to Tullamore recently, I have to admit that my expectations were not terribly high…read more Tullamore was not where we had intended going to at all, but we had cycled an extremely circuitous route from Dublin, it was almost getting dark and Tullamore was the only town on the map of any size within about 15 miles, so we landed up there at about half eight last Thursday without any fore-knowledge of the place. I had made a booking with Loughney's only minutes before on the road from Kilbeggan, and I was seeking any sort of B&B-type place to lay the head for the night. All the other B&Bs were full (this happened to be the week of the Tullamore Show), and Loughrey's was €35 per night per person, so I wasn't in any position to argue. It emerged that Loughrey's was a guesthouse rather than a B&B, and it was nicer than a lot of hotels that I have stayed in. The rooms were nice and clean, tea and coffee making facilities, spacious bathroom, individual bath-mats - really nice. The bar downstairs seemed pretty quiet, but then again this was very early on a Thursday evening, so maybe it picks up later in the night. The staff were pretty helpful, arranging a place for us to lock-up our bikes and all that. There is a nightclub at the back but it only opens at the weekend, so we were unable to experience it's undoubtedly manifold delights. We had to go elsewhere for our nocturnal entertainment (of which more later). The one thing about the otherwise lovely accomodation in Loughrey's is that the pub is on the main street, so there are loads of trucks thundering past all morning, and also the place is always roasting, the corridors and everything. Still, if you go to bed fluthered (as we all did) you should be alright. When we descended the next day to get our complementary breakfast (served til half past eleven for those of you that are interested), we experienced the low point of our stay at Loughrey's. There was only one waitress, and she took an awful long time to bring us our cooked breakfasts. And she only brought us our tea ages after the fries, by which time we were all thoroughly thirsty and irritable. And our toast was brought over by a cleaning lady, who seemed to have been press-ganged into serving duties by the harried waitress, and who didn't seem to comprehend our requests for butter, which arrived even later still. Plus, I had to ask on three separate occasions for a glass of water. I mean, jeez louise! Still, breakfast aside, Loughrey's is a pleasant and inexpensive place to stay if you visit the surprisingly enjoyable town of Tullamore.

After leaving another pub (mental) in Tullamore, myself and my wife went searching for somewhere a…read morelittle more quiet to have a drink before going to bed. I was rather speechless when I walked in to Loughrey's because inside is all modern with good low volume music playing. There is a night club (entrance around the corner) if that is your thing but the bar itself is perfect for a chat even on a Saturday night. There are even a few decent beers available and I was glad to have some Paulaner on tap. They also had the new Smirnoff €5 mojito machine. If you get hungry there is a Thai restaurant right in the pub!! We both loved it.

Fair prices, good selection!…read more The wine was by far the best, selection-wise. The beer, plentiful in choice but not covering too many styles. Just stopping by because of the proximity to the Kilkenny River Court hotel. Excellent spot in the center of town, by the castle.

This store is adjacent and partially attached to the Sullivan's Brewery Taproom. They have a great…read moreselection of hard liquor and wine. The star here is BEER. They have the best selection of take away craft beer. Mostly Irish, but many international choices. also a great place to grab Sullivan's Brewery souvenirs.

Kelly's has served me as my local off-licence for years, and I love this place. The staff are…read morefantastic, the selection is very good, and they offer some great deals. The guys generally pick a selection of wines to put on special in the centre of the floor, generally around the €10 mark, and they change frequently: for example, during the summer, you're likely to find some fruity barbecue wines on offer. Advice is available if, like me, you don't know much about your wines, and they're more than happy to steer you towards value-for-money rather than try to upsell. As a beer man myself, Kelly's is miles better than the other local off-licence. They stock all the usual suspects in an open fridge, but they also have an excellent selection of quality imports such as Flensburger, Baltika, Spaten, etc. They stock some good Irish brews as well, and regularly have five for €10 on some of the good European beers. Better selection, better staff, and good deals. What more could you want? While you could probably find better bargains on mass-produced plonk in Tesco's or similar, these guys have a great selection and know their stuff. As a small local business, they do an outstanding job serving their customers, too. And if you need it, they can sort out your party needs with glass hire, too.

From the owner: We sell top quality craft beers, exclusive fine wines and premium spirits.read more

A grand off licence that we frequent occasionally when we are passing…read more They have a decent wine selection. The usual mass produced beer and cider. But they also have some crafty type beer and cider now too. We stocked up on some wine and cider which we were able to pay for by card. As we were leaving we realised we needed ice, which they also sell. But lovely lady here kindly threw in a bag for free. How nice! Recommended for all your beverage needs.

I was expecting much more based on my epxeriences at the London location…read more There was a very limited selection of Cubans, with the prices being the priciest I have seen anywhere. Staff was very helpful and made a few recommendations, but the one that I smoked after leaving was poorly constructed and I was unable to finish the cigar.

Locals, when asked where one can find a diverse selection of whiskey at decent prices, will direct…read moreyou to this place. Although this establishment is small, their selection of whiskey is quite large and varied. The staff is extremely knowledgeable about what they are selling and, honestly, they couldn't be friendlier. For instance, I was emotionally distraught and conflicted on which whiskey to take home. They offered my wife and I taste test and spoke to us about each bottle and its associated flavor profile. The best was that they didn't try to sell me on anything, it was a genuine conversation. Excellent customer service! Overall, I walked out of there, mission accomplished, with a great experience, two bottles of whiskey, and about five small sample bottles for a little under €200. Side note: they also have a small selection of good cigars if you're in the mood. Enjoy!

Molony's is one of the best off-licenses you will find in Clare. They have a great selection of…read morebeer and spirits and their prices are the best around. It is worth going out of your way to stop in thanks to the friendly staff and unbeatable prices.

You're an American and you want to get some Irish whiskey you can't get in the states - and you're…read morein Dublin. You come here. Period. This place is amazing. So much great stuff. Guy there absolutely knows his stuff. Interesting he was recommending a Dunville whiskey to someone that I bought in a similar store in Belfast that the guy there recommended to me (and their recommendation was correct). This is also near the Whiskey Museum which I recommend too. Hit the museum, then come to this place. You will leave a very happy camper.

Literally from the second I walked in to the time I left the service here was too notch. Everyone…read morewas kind and pleasant. It's not too big but also not too small either. Literally the perfect selection of whiskey and more. I loved how the employees explained the whiskey to me and gave their personal recommendations as well. I just loved the vibe here and would highly recommend it to all.

Very good wine shop with great wines from Burgundy, Italy and southern France. Staff / owners (?)…read morevery helpful and knowledgeable

I had no idea this place existed. I was drawn in firstly by the word liquor as every time I slip up…read moreand say that word instead of spirits my friends roll their eyes and beat the learnt Americanisms out of me. But here I can safely say it without fear of, 'Oh listen to yourself for crying out loud! You are not in an episode of the Hills, you are in a dole queue in cold Dublin.' The place is huge! Maybe I have lived a sheltered life for too long but I was positively giddy to be in a store this big dedicated to booze. Amazing selection, great promotions and they do gift cards and I can say liquor in a safe place.

Can't really miss this off-license when heading up Francis Street. This is a big boozy supermarket…read morecatering to all your drunken needs. I actually prefer spending my drinking-money in a small local business, but Molloy's deserves a praise for an extensive selection of wines, beers and spirits. And they always have some special offers.