Athlone’s own Sean’s Bar has received a glowing endorsement by making it onto Lonely Planet’s list of the 25 “most incredible” bars in the world.
Lonely Planet released their top waterhole destinations for travellers in a new book entitled 50 Bars To Blow Your Mind.
Sean’s Bar sits on the list alongside awe-inspiring bars in luxurious destinations from Havana to New York, also including a Ritz Carlton. The traditional Irish pub, situated on Main Street in Athlone, proudly holds the record of being the oldest public house in Ireland, with an official dating of 900AD.
According to the pub’s website, during renovations in 1970 the walls of the establishment were found to be made of “wattle and wicker” dating back to the ninth century. Old coins which were minted by landlords for barter with their customers were also found and dated to the same period. The walls and the coins are on display in the National Museum, while one section also remains on display in the pub itself.
The Lonely Planet’s guide says of Sean’s Bar: “Sean’s Bar, a classic Irish pub, has been in the hospitality biz since 900 AD, making it the oldest bar in Ireland, and the best place to enjoy a Guinness in front of a crackling fire.”
Visit Sean’s Bar on Main Street Athlone and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.
