The Anne Boal Inn, Killough

One of the last true country pubs that you'll ever be likely to encounter.

Super pub! Fantastic hospitality by an excellent host, Malachy Curran. From the moment I set foot inside this County Down watering hole, I was greeted with a warm smile and an even warmer fire! This is not what I would have expected from a country pub. More often than not, when I enter a country pub I am usually greeted with somber silence, as the locals quietly asses you.

The publican Malachy, is quite a well known and respected figure within the local community and is as comfortable imparting some of his wisdom as he is listening to your troubles. Never one to judge, a true gent in all respects.

Now down to the main business of drink! There all the usual suspects on offer for you to enjoy. However, I have never had the pleasure of enjoying a finer pint of Guinness or Bass for that matter in my whole life! A bold statement for sure I here you cry, but this is the local consensus for those in the know. I truly doubt that you will find a finer pint this side of the border. The trick to this perfect pint Malachy, has told me is that he never pours a pint form a keg that has not 'settled' for less than two weeks.

Did I mention the fire? Malachy, burns a huge fire all through the winter. This has to be seen to be believed. It truly is immense. No mean feat when you factor in the price of a coal these days.

I only had the pleasure of enjoying this pub for 3 months, as I currently reside in Thailand and was only over to conduct some business.

The pub opens from about 7pm each night as there isn't any real trade in the daytime. It opens earlier on a Saturday, from about 2 ish.

With today�s ever increasing prices, and with people opting to stay in more for a beer, a pint nowadays is becoming a luxury. To me, The Ann Boal would be the place I would wish to enjoy that luxury, while either chatting to Malachy or just contemplating life in general as I quietly gaze out over Killough Bay.

10 outta 10 from me! Cheers Malachy.

23 Jul 2008 17:47