Owners? / bartenders were very nice! Atmosphere was great, classic pub. Some music, although not the main attraction of the night as people weren't really listening. We joined the band nonetheless and had a great time! Classic drinks, no surprise there, a few non alcoholic options for beers (Heineken 0% and the likes). But crowded when trying for the bathroom.
Absolutely the best pub experience I have had in Ireland. Miriam the bartender/owner is SO welcoming and immediately makes you feel like family. (which is nice because when a tourist walks into many pubs in Ireland you can feel a bit out of place or even unwanted but you will Not feel like that here). Plus the pub is very traditional & you get to experience that old Irish pub feel.
My friend & I were taught how to pour our own pints of Guinness by a real expert who has been pouring frothy pints for many decades (Miriam). The lively atmosphere was great and we had wonderful conversations and entertainment!
Live trad music changes from place to place throughout the week in Sligo. So it's best to find out from a local pub or shop where the trad music will be on certain nights (there is a weekly printout of the lineup). Hit up McLaughlin's when there is live music here and it will be a highlight (or THE highlight) of your trip to Ireland. The pub got packed out during the trad music. So best to get there a little early. BTW, it's cash only so run by the ATM first.
Miriam was so sweet and friendly that she even came outside when we were leaving the pub and gave us all a hug. I seriously cannot say enough good things about her or her pub. Wish I was there right now!
A friendly pub that is a block away from the more popular places in downtown Sligo, but well worth the extra effort to walk there. Small and quaint, all the customers were charming.