McDermott's Pub — Restaurant in County Clare

McDermott's was the most memorable experience of our entire trip to Ireland. The food was great, but the experience was unbeatable. My wife and I were wholeheartedly welcomed in by several of the locals in a way that I have never experienced before.

We arrived at the pub just before dark, hoping simply to hear the live music and get back to our B&B within a couple of hours. As we walked in, there was barely even a place to stand, but we inched our way to a far corner near the bar so we could see the band. One of the locals started chatting with us as he waited for a drink by the bar, but after a few minutes, he went back to his seat—only to return and invite my wife and me to sit with them.

They had made room for us in an unimaginably packed house, and we were now basically bumping knees with the band members. After the band stopped and the pub emptied out, the locals implored us to stay as they sat around and took turns singing beautiful songs. We did this until we all got kicked out of the pub! We thought it was over, but again, the locals wouldn't let us leave as they gathered underneath the lamplight just outside the pub and sang a few more songs to close out the night.

I don't know why they chose us of all the people there that night, but we truly felt like they had adopted us, allowing us to experience this authentic Irish culture. I couldn't be more grateful for this pub and the locals who frequent it. We spent a couple of weeks road tripping around Ireland, and again, this was the most memorable part of our trip. Trust me, you don't...

A great pub with great food and drink not too far from the ferry location to the Aran Islands. There aren't a lot of choices around this neck of the woods, but I HIGHLY recommend this one.

The prices aren't terribly bad for being in a touristy part of the country. Service was friendly and prompt, and the food was VERY good.

The lunch menu consists mainly of sandwiches, but it also includes the traditional Irish stews, fish and chips, etc. but those are a bit pricier. If you stick with the sandwiches, you can get away for under €10 per person. If you deviate from the sandwich choices, you might spend more toward €15-€18 per entree - even for lunch!

My lunch partner had the seafood chowder for €8.00 and said it was heavenly. She followed it up with the roast beef sandwich for €9.90. It was served on a toasted "bap" (yes, I had to Google that - it means bun) with a few thin slices of roast beef, horseradish, mayo, and onion chutney. She seemed happy with it, but to me, it looked like it could have used a few more slices of roast beef.

I chose the "Vegetarian Option" for €7.90. It was served on a floury "bap" (bun) with tomatoes, pesto, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella cheese.

Pints are €4.50.

Each entree was served with creamy coleslaw, a small salad and chips (fries to...

My wife and I got married at Newtown Castle, a DIY destination wedding for two Americans with family ties to Ireland. Naturally, we looked all over Co. Clare for a reception location, and through some fortune we found McDermott's. We took a leap of faith in booking it for the reception (since neither of us had been in person), but we're so glad we did!

Our group of 25 or so were set up by the owner Patsy in a side room off the main hall, and our families had decorated it with some balloons, etc. As our guests ambled in off the minibus, McDermott's staff took drink orders with great ease and friendliness. There was plenty of Guinness to be had. When time came to order food, staff swung in quickly with menus and took orders quickly. The food came out shortly thereafter, and the lamb shank (fall of the bone heaven) and chicken curry were particularly praised.

Other touches by Patsy were lovely surprises. A group of three trad folk musicians joined us after dinner, including a brief Irish folk session. All of this came together to make us feel incredibly welcome and special on our big day. If you're looking for a wedding reception or other group event venue, I can think of no better place than McDermott's. Patsy is an...