After close on ten years of promising to visit Redmond's Pub at Scarawalsh (just a few hundred yards from where the Bunclody Road leaves the N11) today was the day. And it was just like they say in the Carlsberg Ad - Worth Waiting For! In the same family for five generations, Redmond's is like a step back in time and the nondescript yet interesting exterior hides one of the nicest, most unspoilt bars you're ever likely to come across. It was like entering someone's private house and, of course, I chose to arrive in the middle of the Wexford/Dublin GAA football final! However, both Aidan Redmond and his sister Joan could not have been more hospitable and, like General MacArthur, I shall return.
This is a 'traditional' pub in the best sense of the word - there is no draught beer - and no food apart from bacon fries and chocolate. Beyond the beautiful public bar, just four bar stools long, is the private sitting room where several people were enjoying the match. I was invited in but being a rugby fan opted to remain in the bar and soak up the ambience instead. It is a place to while a way a good few hours but offered a lift back to town by Joan I reluctantly left after just two. Bono is amongst its most famous of patrons in recent years but, thankfully, he wasn't there today as I doubt there would have been room for our two egos! So, another pub to visit before you die - right up there with nearby French's (Gorey), Kehoe's (Sth.Anne Street, Dublin) and Morrissey's (Abbeyleix) - small but perfectly formed.
