Category: Meath

2016, Bru Brewery, Chicken wings, Craft Beer, EmojiRanking, Gin Cocktails, Meath, Steak, StockHouse Restaurant, The Malt House, Trim

Always Sunny in Trim

by irishbeersnob1 Comment on Always Sunny in Trim

Quite recently we celebrated our seven year wedding anniversary, and decided to visit the town we got married in, Trim! My original idea was to dine in the Knightsbrook Hotel, the venue of said wedding, until I engaged in some twitter activity with a nearby restaurant called StockHouse Restaurant. So on a rare sunny Sunday off we hopped on the short bus journey. We started our day off with a couple of drinks in Trim Castle Hotel. We both enjoyed a stunning pint of Rua, a red ale from local brewery Bru. This is the only craft beer option on draft, but you’ll also find bottles of their IPA Ri. 

The StockHouse Restaurant is right around the corner from the hotel so we really didn’t have too far to walk. Upon arrival I was thrilled we had a reservation as it was quite busy. After a very welcoming and friendly greeting from Tom, one of the owners, we were shown to to our table and handed menus and cocktail recommendations. I noticed on the drinks menu they pride themselves on their range of Gin. On the beer side we were delighted so see they support local with stocking a range of bottled beer from Bru Brewery along with Boyne Valley Cider. 


To get us started I chose “Cloudy Sky” made from Haymans sloe gin with Fentimans Ginger Beer while Wayne chose “Ten of Hearts” Tanqueray N0.10, Aperol & Rhubarb bitters. We enjoyed these very much as we looked over the menus. There was so much choice we both decided to go with the Early Bird Menu.

My “Cloudy Sky” & Waynes “Ten of Hearts”

For starters no surprises in what Wayne picks, chicken wings. In his infamous words “I judge places on their chicken wings”. I don’t remember the last time he had something different. For me I chose the black pudding salad. We were both more than happy with our choices. Wayne actually uttered the words “best wings in Meath”. They were a decent sized portion with a generous dollop of blue cheese and garlic dip on the side. My black pudding was tossed with saute potato, bacon bits, lettuce leaves with a perfectly poached egg perched on top. Personally for me I would’ve preferred it without the potato. It was a beautiful dish and I couldn’t help myself stealing some of the blue cheese garlic dip to mix in.

Waynes Hot & Spicy Chicken WIngs


My Black Pudding Salad


For main course Wayne chose the striploin 8oz steak cooked medium and served with chunky chips and garlic butter on the side. While I decided on the confit duck leg served with herb stuffing, savoy cabbage, red onion and a spiced plum sauce. I chose garlic potato to accompany mine (good thing we’re married and both like garlic). Wayne devoured the steak and really enjoyed it. My duck was so tasty it fell off the bone. Both were thoroughly enjoyable dishes. Of course we had to have a beer, Wayne chose Bru Ri as I had Bru Rua. The beers were well suited to the dishes (perhaps something to use as a recommendation on the menu).


Waynes Striploin Steak

My Confit Duck


Needless to say we were both stuffed. When offered the dessert menu we politely declined. We took our time to finish our beers before ordering two espressos. During the course of our meal I found the staff very friendly and attentive without being intruding. It’s a very comfortable restaurant with a really lovely vibe. The walls of the restaurant are adorned with photos of the historic town and county. Before we were about to ask for the bill, Mick and Tom both presented us with a beautifully decorated surprise dessert, a mixed berry Eton Mess. So much for being stuffed, we devoured it. 


This was an extremely lovely visit to Stockhouse Restaurant and very good value for money with two courses on the early bird for €21.95 and the cocktail specials starting from €8.95. For €83.20 excluding tip it was well worth it. Thank you to Tom & Mick and all the staff for a wonderful experience we really enjoyed it and are already planning a return visit.

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Our day didn’t stop there, it would’ve been rude to be in Trim and not stop in to see Rodney in The Malthouse for a few beers. “We’ll stay till the 16.50 bus” ha yeah right, why stop there when you’re having fun. A few beers, laughs and a taxi home later that night saw the end to a fantastic day.

2015, 8 Degrees Brewing, Brehon Brewhouse, Cider, Craft Beer, Dan Kelly Cider, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, James Brown Brews, Kentucky Ale, Meath

Snobs Summer Series Highlights Part 1

by irishbeersnobLeave a Comment on Snobs Summer Series Highlights Part 1

On Saturday 18th of July saw us return to Smyths on the Square Navan. We showcased 4 breweries and 1 craft cider. It all kicked off at 4pm. Entry was €10 which included two tokens, BBQ and live entertainment.

In attendance we saw David Risso show casing beers by 8 Degrees

James Brown Brews with his award winning chocolate orange stout.

Olan with Dan Kellys Cider on draft.

Phil & Seamus from Brehon Brewhouse pouring Kilanny Red & Shanco Dubh on cask

Wayne was even lucky enough to tap the cask

Kentucky Ale with their fantastic bottle selection, bourbon and single malt

I was busy the day before baking up a storm. I did three batches of brownies using Kentucky Bourbon Barrel stout & James Browns orange chocolate stout. I even baked up his own batch as he missed out on them before.

It was a fantastic day, great atmosphere and the entertainment was fun. All I can say is I can’t wait for the next one. But who do we have I hear you ask, well ask no more:

Bru Brewery

Wicklow Wolf

Boyne Valley Cider

Mc Gargles

O Clerigh Brew Co

Once again entry is €10 including two tokens and BBQ. We can’t wait to see you all there on the 15th August from 4pm.

**photographs courtesy of Kieran Tuke **

2015, Beer, Bo Bristle, Cider, Craft Beer, CraftNews, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, IPA, Ireland, Kinnegar, Listeners Questions, McHughs, Meath, O'Haras, podcast, Summer

Podcast Episode 11 – A catch up and a Roadtrip

by irishbeersnobLeave a Comment on Podcast Episode 11 – A catch up and a Roadtrip

So, after a few weeks hiatus, like buses, the Irish Beer Snob team hit you with a double hit – not only a blog post – but a podcast too!


This week we cover off on a lot of different things, like what we’ve been up to the last few weeks.

Our podcast fuel was the excellent Road Trip beer from McHugh’s Off Licence, brewed in collaboration with Kinnegar Brewing. Available exclusively via their website and shops. www.mchughs.ie hopefully they brew more as it was tasty! 

Among other things we rabbit on about a new bar in Dublin city centre, The Wiley Fox, what IrishBeerSnob has been up to, Registering for EBBC 15.

We also look forward to a number of other events, including our good friend Simon of Simon Says Beer who is hosting a craft beer festival in Don’s Bar in Moate, Co Westmeath in August. 

Carlow Brewing Company have been very busy, not only unleashing a number of Collabs, a new one with Pinta of Poland, but also a Hoppy Red IPA in Collaboration with Starr Hill Brewing of Virginia, USA. 

So come on, and have a listen! 

Direct Link is here
Don’t forget to subscribe to our new RSS feed and add to your favourite podcast player. http://irishbeersnob.libsyn.com/RSS
2015, Beer Festival, Boyne Valley Food Series, Brehon Brewhouse, Cider, Craft Beer, Dan Kelly's, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Irish, James Brown Brews, Kentucky Ale, Meath, Navan, Smyth's Bar, USA

The Summer Series – Smyth’s on the Square Navan

by irishbeersnobLeave a Comment on The Summer Series – Smyth’s on the Square Navan

This coming weekend, on Saturday 18th July – we are hosting the first of a summer trilogy of Beer Festivals in Smyth’s on the Square, Navan, Co Meath.

Those of you who were at our last event in Smyth’s in September 2014 know what to expect, but for those who haven’t here’s the gist of what to expect.

We are highlighting 4 Craft Breweries, and 1 Craft Cider Producer. We are delighted to be welcoming some new comers to our festival, and some returning producers. 

Who we have coming are 
  • Kentucky Ale (Kentucky USA) 
  • James Brown Brews (Ratoath, Co Meath)
  • 8 Degrees Brewing (Mitchelstown, Co Cork)
  • Brehon Brewhouse (Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan)
  • Dan Kelly’s Cider (Drogheda, Co Louth/Meath)
As if that wasn’t enough to get you excited, we will also be having BBQ food throughout the day, and live local musicians.

So come on down, to enjoy a nice relaxed atmosphere and enjoy some craft beer and cider. Get to chat to the producers directly and ask them any burning questions you may have had. 

Keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook pages for details of competition to win tickets to this event.

We will be back in Smyth’s on the 15th August, and 19th September, with a different line up of producers.
#ShowUsYourLocal, Cider, Craft Beer, Drinkstube, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Ireland, Jamie Oliver, Meath, Support your Local

#ShowUsYourLocal – Smyth’s on the Square Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland

by irishbeersnobLeave a Comment on #ShowUsYourLocal – Smyth’s on the Square Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland
Firstly, what is #ShowUsYourLocal, it’s a campaign started by Jamie Oliver’s Drinktube, which is an extremely popular channel on Youtube. I’m delighted they’ve asked me to join in. So here’s a little video to give you an idea of what it’s all about.

Well, I’m not going to do a video, as I lack those skills, but I am going to tell you about my local, and what I love about it.



I’ve chosen Smyth’s on the Square, in Navan. Navan is my hometown, situated approximately 30 miles to the northwest of Dublin. Navan itself is a large enough town with a population of 30,000, and would be a commuter town as it is within striking distance of Dublin. The craft beer side of things has been slow to come, but Smyth’s has always been the exception to that.
Now Smyth’s is very much a local’s pub. A pub that is entrenched in the psyche of the town. Firstly its got a great hidden beer garden that’s a blast on a summers day, regular open mic nights, and games of pool and darts. They’ve been known to even host beer festivals during the summers.



The landlord / owner Arthur has taken over the helm from his dad, and is running this place in his own way. He is a huge supporter for our Local beer and cider makers making sure to stock their products, but he’s also hugely passionate about good beers too. He is also gracious enough to host my local homebrew clubs meetings. Something which sets him apart from every other publican in my hometown. 

Don’t let the narrow entrance to the side of the off licence put you off, you’re stepping into what I would describe as the archetypal genuine Irish pub experience. The landlord and the staff know your name, and they know your regular tipple. And any man who shares a bottle of Black Ops by Brooklyn Brewery with you after a successful beer festival is top notch in my book.

So if you ever find yourself in Navan, make sure to hit up Smyth’s on the Square, right next to Bank of Ireland and a huge bull statue on the towns old Market Square.

Tell us about your local, in the comments below, by twitter, facebook, or youtube. Make sure you use the hashtag #ShowUsYourLocal
2014, http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post, Irish Beer Snob Podcast, Meath, National Homebrew Club, podcast, royal county brewers, russian doll, The Central

Irish Beer Snob Podcast – Episode 4 – Brewdog Russian Doll

by irishbeersnob2 Comments on Irish Beer Snob Podcast – Episode 4 – Brewdog Russian Doll


In this the 4th episode of the Irish Beer Snob Podcast, our intrepid duo take on the very impressive Brewdog Russian Doll four pack.



Big thanks to Ian from 11pmsomewhere.com that arranged the pack for us as this is going to be difficult to source in Ireland due to the limited quantity that came over from Scotland. There are a few in Dublin and Cork who have it – get on to your local indie to see if they can hook you up.



In the news this week.

1: Brew Dock, one of our favourite bars in Ireland, has received international recognition as one of the best 21 Beer Bars in the world according to Thrillist.com the link is here and there are now more pubs to add to the beer bucket list!!

2: Galway Bay Brewery have announced their 6th bar in Dublin, this will be called The 108, in Rathgar Dublin 6 – Scheduled to open in Early November. Shane from Against the Grain will be heading up the venture – so best of luck to everyone involved. Great to see expansion from a native Irish Brewery

3: White Hag from Sligo have announced the bottles of their beers which will be available nationwide shortly – whats more they will be coming in handy four packs of 330ml bottles.

4: Royal County Brewers now established in Meath – we held the first meeting in The Central Bar in Navan, and if you’re a home brewer in Meath who wants to come along, our meetings will be first week of each month at a different venue. If you’re looking for more info – there is a twitter account @RoyalCountyHBC and email royalcountybrewers@gmail.com – Look forward to seeing you there.
Please see our home on National Homebrew Club’s website – here

The link to the mp3 is here http://redpn.jellycast.com/files/audio/IrishBeerSnobCast-EP004-13102014.mp3

The podcast is also available through iTunes, and Stitcher Radio.
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