The Abbot Ale House

After having a pint of Murphy’s at the hotel bar, my Irish friend suggested we try a local bar that was brewing their own beer, which is not commonplace in Ireland. So, we headed to Abbots.
The downstairs to Abbots is an «off license», meaning they sell beer for takeaway and consumption elsewhere. If you go upstairs, there is a small bar with trendy decoration. They play decent music and have decent beer, but the place is VERY small. It could only hold about 30 – 40 people and that would be uncomfortable crowded.
I tried the red beard and Frier Weiss. The red beard was very light but had little flavor. The Frier Weiss was much more enjoyable. I will say that I drank a Murphy’s right before having the red beard, which may have tainted my palette.
Overall it was a fun place to have a couple of different pints. And if you’re looking for a place to have a conversation, it’s a great place to chat. But, when you’re in Ireland, you usually want a pub with live Irish music.

Have only been to the off license. Usually handy parking behind Carrolls Quay carpark but otherwise parking is tough.
Good craft selection, including plenty of strong American ales (Sierra Nevada, Anchor Steam, Red Tail) and a lot of Belgian. Not as big an Irish showing as you’d hope for, but they do have 8 Degrees, Franciscan Well and the Dublin crowd who make the nice porter. Specials, too. Not the cheapest, but the selection is definitely gourmet. Worth it for the kind of beers you have one or two of on a weeknight as a treat.