Our ramble to the Shambles in Monaghan was just the ticket with pints at just €5

​THE Old Commando was nursing the mother of all hangovers this week and his instruction to our designated driver was clear.

“Get me out of Dublin. As far away as possible, within reason,” he said rather gingerly.

It wasn’t an alcohol-related hangover but utter devastation at his beloved Dubs’ exit from the All-Ireland senior football championship last weekend against Galway.

“Anywhere except Galway,” he muttered as the pub-mobile departed from HQ, much to the amusement of our travelling party.

Our designated driver decided to take us up the N2 towards Monaghan town, a county we hadn’t visited since last summer. He parked our wagon on Glaslough Street and we took a stroll around the town before stumbling upon The Shambles Bar on Dublin Street.

“The Shambles,” the Young Commando said. “A bit like Dublin last Saturday evening,” he joked, to the deathly stare of his older colleague.

Serving retribution, the Old Commando instructed the Young Commando to get the first round of drinks in and he placed our order with the bearded barman on duty. He was friendly and welcoming but caught the Young Commando off guard when he informed him this was a “cash only” pub and he would have to go to the nearest ATM to get money.

We were allowed to take our drinks and the barman kindly explained there was no panic in getting the cash and to sit back and enjoy them.

The pints of stout cost €5 and eventually the Young Commando skipped off around the corner to use the ATM. It’s a strange situation in 2024 for card payment not to be accepted.

Perhaps it is advertised and we just missed the sign, but if there is no sign then we’d suggest that one is erected and put in prominent positions around the counter so customers will know before placing their order.

The shelves and fridges were all fully stocked and they have Coors, Birra Moretti and Carling on draught. Some of the red velvet barstools are worn in parts but the bench seating was in good shape.

The timber flooring was clean and there was superb, lively atmosphere in the front bar among the middle aged, mixed clientele.

Much of the conversation in the front bar were centred on horse racing, which suited the Old Commando as he has a fondness for backing the nags — usually the wrong one — but he enjoys it all the same. The last thing he wished to discuss was football, which is very unusual for him.

The second section of the pub was much more spacious and there was a younger clientele in this area playing pool and using the gaming machines. There was music piped in through the speakers and it helped enhance the atmosphere during our stay.

As time ticked on, more bar staff arrived and they were certainly required as The Shambles Bar was enjoying a very busy trade during our visit. They all seemed to be on a first name basis with their customers, which is great to see, but we can’t fault how us ‘blow ins’ were treated either.

It didn’t take long to inspect the toilet which is located in between both sections of the pub as it consisted of just one cubicle, and luckily enough it was clean.

The Old Commando admired the lovely stone exterior and the gold lettering nameplate which he said adds that little extra touch.

Once the cash had vanished and bellies were full, it was time to hit the road. We enjoyed our few pints in this Monaghan town pub and we’ll call again.

Rating: Three pints out of Five

One for the road:

The Scarna Inn – Emyvale

THERE was only one empty seat left in this busy boozer when Pub Spy and the crew stopped by for a quick pint.

The place was packed to capacity as the locals tuned in to watch the live GAA on each of the three TVs.

Heineken Zero and Birra Moretti are available on draught from the young barman and there was a brilliant atmosphere in this lovely boozer.

The timber and tiled floor sections were both spotless and there was a pool table located towards the rear where some younger kids were playing.

A photo of the 1956 Emyvale football team can be found in this area and they also have their own golf society.

The toilets consisted of just one cubicle and the skylight area was in need of cleaning — starting with removing the cobwebs.

The Scarna Inn is a lovely pub and we’ll be sure to call again some day.

Rating: Three pints out of Five