Come in out of the cold ya poor craythur!
Smoke from the fire and a kettle on the boil. The clock tick tocks. A lad sits at the counter. He dropped in “just for one” to his home away from home……
You know they don’t serve “coffee” so don’t even ask. This is where my Grandfather drank a pint of Guinness and a chaser of Rum and Blackcurrant. Where at closing time the doors were locked and himself and the Uncle adjourned to the widow’s kitchen. They cycled here the 6 miles resting their bikes against the lampost outside…..there was no need to lock them….and they cycled home again in the early hours of the morning.
Here you could buy biscuits and bacon while you sipped a hot whiskey. Here the kids waited for hours, bribed with Red Lemonade and packets of Tayto playing under the tables and in the dark back corridors. Here we spent our teenage years planning our imminent escape to join the revolutionaries of South America.
On a Saturday night you could watch the Late Late Show while the widow did her ironing, demanding hush with a pleading tone. The warm pints were lined up and took an age to settle, gathering in number as the evening progressed. Here is where on Sunday after Mass, the men stood against the wall in their suits and hats while the women went home to make the dinner.
I was passing Morrrissey’s of Abbeyleix, County Laois and shyly took a few snaps. It was exactly the same as I remember…….
Have a great Seachtain na Gaelige and a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day
How ironic. I stopped and took photos of this pub when passing through Abbeyleix a few months back. It wasn't open and I wondered what the interior would be like. Now I know! Thanks for sharing xx
Well worth a stop Imen as long as you're not gasping for a cappuccino!!! Thanks X
Such a cosy spot – and REAL. Hope it never changes.
Hard to believe it's still like this isn't it? Thanks Mairead:~)
This bought back memories of 2 great pubs we visited while in Ireland. Just how pubs should be with great atmosphere and not created by someone trying to sell the image.
Sarah x
Truth is there are very few of them but each one is a treasure, thanks!
if you buy some of the boiled sweets , they're put in brown folded paper.
yet, truth to be told: we did get "coffee" because my mum-in-law was cold (and old). there was apple tart too and we had to be very careful for the big black stove in the middle of the pub was red hot.
Well there is coffee alright, called Nescafe I think, but I don't count that!! Yes that stove is a tricky item, needs to be well circumnavigated. Thanks for your memories:~))
A great series Catherine. Legend has it that this was THE pub that all the "Irish Pubs" throughout the world were modelled on; sadly, they couldn't export it's atmosphere.
BTW Anyone visiting Abbeyleix ought to take the short diversion to Heywoood Garden in Ballinakill, its one of just two or three Irish gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens – and a real gem, best in mid summer though!
Thanks George, that's a fantastic recommendation will go when it warms up….brrrrrr today!
Lovely photos Catherine, feel like ordering a drink myself. Philippa xx
Get one for me while you're up there Phillipa!! Thanks….
What a great looking old pub.
It is, and thanks:~))
It looks just like the Irish Pub that we frequent often right here in our town. Love your Irish 'brogue'…:-)!
The funny thing about an Irish brogue is of course you can't hear it yourself!!! Thanks a million Marcie:~))
Such a beautiful post. Love the story that went with the pictures! I feel like I'm back in Ireland with this post. Thank you for that. 🙂
Thank you Sophie, exactly how I felt myself….right back there in the old days……
On my first trip to Ireland I had fun visiting the local pubs…what a great story
Maybe you will come again some time Donna, while there are still beautiful old pubs like this….thanks:~)
Not to mention some of the best stews I've ever had were in Irish pubs! The warmth and feeling of being home ring true in your words : )
Thanks Diane……don't get me started on the irish Stew!!!
What a wonderful spot, and you paint such a wonderful picture of your memories.
Thank you so much, "nostalgia" is becoming my middle name…….
I can almost taste the beer. Love the peeks into Irish spots that you share.
Thanks Barb! A bit too early in the day for a beer….unfortunately……
This makes me count the days until my trip to Dublin!!!
Robin how exciting! Have a ball:~)
I have been to Morrissey's twice on two different visits to Ireland. I recognized it right away! You're right. It is the real deal. Wish I sitting there now enjoying a pint. 🙂
Ah yes some day Diane we might sit there sipping a pint and chatting the day away!!! Thank you:~)
My wife just sent me your reflections on Morrissey's Pub. We are most fortunate to have a tour driver that knows and loves the traditional Irish. He shared this gem with us. Pints and toasties for all. On our trips, we try to see the real Ireland while "squeezing in" the tourist spots. Thanks for your first-hand account of your visits to Morrissey's. It will make our next visit more special as we recall your experiences.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150325387895945.338474.59277070944&type=3
Morrissey's pics in this album.
Michael, what a joy to bring your guests a bit off the beaten track! Love your page which I just "Liked" sounds like you have a lot of fun in your job, and thanks for taking the time to comment:~))