Barmaid serves up old-school charm and fine pints at just €5.60 in Clancy’s of Athy

​Despite being only one hour from our headquarters, we hadn’t paid a visit to the south county Kildare town of Athy since 2013.

Although he initially begged us to go anywhere in Meath so he could discuss the Leinster final with the locals, the Old Commando was more than happy to visit the Lilywhites and see what kind of mood the GAA fraternity in this county was like.

“They must be kicking themselves too, getting beaten by Louth and a first Leinster title since 2000 sitting there waiting for them,” the Old Commando said as he arrived in Athy town.

“Why don’t you ask them when we go into the pub?” the Young Commando suggested. “I’d say they’d love to chat to you about it,” he joked.

The town of Athy has changed since we were last here with new roadways and no through access in the square area, but once we found our bearings and a parking space we walked along Leinster Street, eventually arriving at the front door of Clancy’s pub.

The red and white exterior was in very good condition with the local GAA and rugby flags flying out front. A sign on the window is advertising a live traditional music session every Thursday night and a slogan on the window states: ‘Keep the spirit Irish’.

“I’m surprised some far left nut-job hasn’t suggested that is an issue,” the Old Commando said, rolling his eyes.

Established in 1903, this pub was exactly what the Old Commando expected it to be, and he was delighted with his surroundings when he stepped inside the front door.

The front bar is very tight for space so we took our seats in the corner while the Young Commando placed our order with the dark haired barmaid on duty.

She served him immediately but there was no time for chit chat as it just seemed to be getting busier and busier during our stay. He did note she was very mannerly and polite and the creamy pints of stout cost €5.60 each.

While we can’t say for certain that Pub Spy has never been to Clancy’s over the past 52 years, we can say that it was a first for this particular batch of Commandos.

The Old Commando sipped his Guinness and told us this was like stepping back in the ’80s as he really savoured the atmosphere among the mixed clientele of locals.

There is a variety of drinks available on draught such as Guinness Zero, Orchard Thieves, Rockshore lager and cider, Angelo Poretti, Birra Moretti and Coors, and the shelves and fridges were well stocked.

There are two TVs in the front bar, both of which were showing live sports, and we noticed Leinster and Athy rugby flags draped from the ceiling along with a Manchester United flag, the former English football giants turned relegation candidates.

No children are allowed on the premises here after 9pm and this is a rule our Commandos wholeheartedly agree with. Some of our troops would ban them outright if they ever became publicans.

There are many GAA related photos hanging throughout the pub, including the Athy football team that lifted the senior football championship in 1987 in their centenary year, and upon viewing these photographs the Old Commando got an opening to start his taunting.

“You’ll probably have to make space for the Kildare team of 2026 when they capture the Leinster title,” the Old Commando said as he ignited a debate and stirred some local diehards.

The Young Commando skipped out to inspect the toilets and advised us they were far more modern than the front bar and most likely have been upgraded in recent years.

There are three urinals, one cubicle, a powerful, modern hand dryer and a unique sink embedded in a Jameson barrel.

We really enjoyed our few pints in Clancys and we’d love to call again.

Rating: Three pints out of Five

One for the road:

The Nags Head – Athy

Twelve years ago, we paid a visit to The Nags Head pub in Athy and were glad to report it’s still in fine shape all these years later.

An elderly barman served us as soon as we arrived and he shared a great rapport with all the locals, a predominately young to middle aged clientele, all of whom were on a first name basis with each other.

There was a very good atmosphere with lots of joking and some interesting characters, and the pints of stout cost us €5.60 each.

We’re not big fans of pool tables so close to the counter area though, as we tend to feel uneasy as the players move around the table lining up their shots.

The red velvet barstools and bench seating were in good condition and the Young Commando was full of praise for the toilet area, which he said was spotlessly clean.

We enjoyed our handful of pints in this pub — although there was no trace of Del Boy or Trigger!

Rating: Three pints out of Five