Traditional pub in Derrygonnelly, Enniskillen: Old Pals

Context

Old Pals is a traditional village pub located at 75 Main St in Derrygonnelly, near Enniskillen, in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It is a classic example of a friendly, local bar where people go to enjoy a good pint, chat with neighbours and visitors, and relax by a warm fire. For anyone searching for a cosy pub in Derrygonnelly with genuine local character, Old Pals stands out as one of the most recommended options.

This family-run bar is ideal for those who want an authentic village experience rather than a modern, themed venue. Golfers finishing a round at the nearby Lough Erne resort, visitors attending the folk music festival, and locals looking for a quiet drink all find Old Pals a comfortable place to spend an afternoon or evening. The atmosphere is more “proper pub” than restaurant; it is focused on drinks, conversation and community rather than food.

For travellers comparing different places to have a drink in the Enniskillen area, Old Pals offers what many visitors consider one of the best traditional pub experiences. Anyone looking for the best pub in Derrygonnelly or a classic village bar near Lough Erne will find that this small, unpretentious place often exceeds expectations once they step through the door.

What Old Pals offers

The heart of Old Pals is its bar and its welcome. It is a local family-run pub where regulars and newcomers are made to feel at home quickly. Reviews highlight how easy it is to walk in, even for the first time, and immediately feel part of the room thanks to the friendly barman, warm greetings and relaxed mix of locals and visitors.

The drinks selection is surprisingly strong for a small village pub. Old Pals serves well-poured pints of classic Irish favourites such as Guinness, alongside a range of beers, spirits and other drinks. One of the main attractions is its own microbrewery on site, which produces distinctive house beers with a unique, refreshing taste. Guests often mention that even those who do not usually drink beer end up enjoying the local brews served here.

Rather than being a place to eat, Old Pals is dedicated to drinks and socialising. Those who want to know about prices of drinks in Derrygonnelly will usually find them reasonable for the region, especially considering the quality of the pints and the special character of the house beers. It is the sort of place where a couple of beers can easily turn into a longer stay, particularly once the pool table, conversation or live music draw people in.

The bar also lends itself well to small groups. While it is a casual walk-in venue, groups planning a visit after a day of activities, such as golf, often choose to call ahead to reserve space in a pub in Derrygonnelly for added peace of mind, especially during busy weekends or festival periods.

Drinks and specialities

Old Pals focuses on quality drinks and a homely atmosphere rather than an extensive food menu. Visitors should expect a classic pub bar offering, with particular attention to beer and Guinness, complemented by a few pleasant surprises.

Among the highlights mentioned by customers are:

Well-kept draught beers, including a notably smooth, well-poured pint of Guinness.
House beers brewed on site in the microbrewery, with distinctive names and flavours that stand out from standard taps.
A good general range of drinks, including popular spirits, bottled options and soft drinks.
Surprisingly good coffee for a small village bar, appreciated by those who prefer a non-alcoholic option.

The microbrewery is one of the features that sets Old Pals apart from many other rural pubs. Visitors often talk about the unique taste of the house beers and the satisfaction of drinking something made right there in Derrygonnelly. For those interested in trying local craft options rather than big-brand staples, this is a strong reason to visit.

Beyond the drinks, the pub offers simple pleasures that shape the overall experience: a pool table that encourages friendly games, a real log fire that makes the room cosy on colder days, and, at certain times, traditional music sessions that bring live Irish sounds into the back bar. During events such as the folk music festival, Old Pals becomes an especially lively spot, filled with music, conversation and a welcoming crowd.

Customer experience at Old Pals

The reviews paint a very consistent picture of what it feels like to spend time in Old Pals. The first theme that appears again and again is the warmth of the welcome. Newcomers, including those who admit they were initially unsure about walking into a small village pub, report being put at ease almost immediately. The staff are described as friendly and attentive, taking time to chat and look after guests, whether they are locals or visitors from further afield.

The atmosphere is another strong point. Words such as “cosy”, “homely”, “quiet” and “great craic” appear frequently in user comments. The log fire, comfortable interior and relaxed crowd create the feeling of a proper traditional bar rather than a modern themed venue. Many visitors remark that it is the perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon, particularly when a traditional music session is taking place.

Golfers who come in after a day at Lough Erne highlight the hospitality and the way the staff take care of groups, even when one member has perhaps enjoyed a drink too many. Local regulars are described as very friendly and welcoming, happy to share a game of pool or a chat with newcomers. Several people go so far as to call it the best pub in the village and a must-see place in Derrygonnelly.

There are also a few useful nuances. One reviewer points out that Old Pals is “just a pub”: it focuses on alcohol and socialising, not on food, entertainment machines or other distractions. For some, this is exactly what they want; for others, it is important to know in advance that they should eat elsewhere if they are looking for a meal. Another comment notes that it is simply a place to meet up with friends for drinks, which is helpful for those expecting a more restaurant-style setting.

Overall, the experience described is positive: excellent atmosphere, very good drinks, a high-quality local beer selection and a level of hospitality that makes many visitors plan a return trip.

Practical tips before visiting

Old Pals is easy to find on Main Street in Derrygonnelly, making it convenient for both locals and travellers staying in the Enniskillen area. Being a village pub, it tends to feel relaxed and intimate, so arriving earlier in the evening is a good idea for those who prefer a quieter corner to chat. During weekends, especially Saturday afternoons or special events like the folk music festival, it can become livelier and busier.

Because it is primarily a bar, visitors should not expect a full food menu. Anyone planning a longer evening in Old Pals will likely want to eat beforehand or combine the visit with a meal elsewhere in Derrygonnelly or Enniskillen. The focus here is on drinks, conversation, pool and occasional live traditional music.

Groups coming from activities such as golfing at Lough Erne often find Old Pals an excellent place to round off the day. For larger parties, it may be wise to contact the pub in advance, particularly on festival weekends or busy holiday periods, to ensure there is enough space for everyone to sit together.

The pub is generally suitable for adults of all ages who appreciate a traditional bar setting. Those looking for loud nightclubs or modern cocktail bars might prefer other options in bigger towns, but anyone seeking a genuine local experience in a small Northern Irish village will likely find Old Pals very appealing.

Opinions and ratings

Several visitors describe Old Pals as one of the best local bars they have ever visited, praising the warm welcome, the cosy log fire and the enjoyable mix of locals and visitors.
Many comments emphasise the quality of the drinks, especially the house beers from the microbrewery and the excellent pints of Guinness, often mentioned as some of the best in the area.
The atmosphere is consistently highlighted as relaxed and homely, with friendly staff, a good pool table and, on certain days, traditional music sessions that make the pub feel truly special.
Some guests point out that it is mainly a place for drinks and socialising, not for meals, which is important for anyone expecting a full restaurant-style experience in a pub.
A few neutral comments describe it simply as a straightforward local bar where people meet up for alcohol and conversation; friendly enough, but focused on those simple pleasures rather than extras.

Preguntas frecuentes y cómo elegir pub en Derrygonnelly

When people search online for a pub in Derrygonnelly or a village pub in County Fermanagh, they are usually looking for a few key things: atmosphere, quality of drinks, and how welcome they will feel as newcomers. Old Pals scores highly on all three. It offers a traditional interior with a log fire, a friendly crowd and well-kept beers, making it a strong candidate for those trying to decide on the best pub in Derrygonnelly for an afternoon or evening out.

One frequent question is whether Old Pals serves food. Reviews and descriptions indicate that it is focused on drinks rather than meals; it is described as “just a pub”, where alcohol and coffee are served and people meet friends. For visitors searching for a traditional pub in Enniskillen with a full restaurant menu, it may be better to combine a visit to Old Pals with a meal elsewhere. However, for those specifically looking for a quiet pub in Derrygonnelly with great beer and conversation, it fits the bill perfectly.

Another common query is whether the pub is suitable for tourists and first-time visitors. Many people who had never been before mention that they were made to feel very welcome, even when walking in alone. This makes Old Pals a good choice for travellers who want a family-run pub in Derrygonnelly where they can experience genuine local hospitality. It is also popular with golfers coming from Lough Erne, so anyone searching for a pub near Lough Erne golf course will often end up here after a round.

Regarding entertainment, Old Pals is more about conversation and traditional charm than loud music or big screens. That said, it does host traditional music sessions, particularly around the time of the folk music festival. For those who want a pub with live music in Derrygonnelly in an intimate setting, it is worth checking if a session is planned during their visit. On other days, the pool table and friendly locals provide plenty of informal entertainment.

In terms of drinks, Old Pals appeals both to classic stout fans and to those interested in local brews. Visitors who search for a local bar in Derrygonnelly with craft beer will appreciate the microbrewery on site and the unique house beers that are frequently mentioned in reviews. For people asking about an Irish pub with Guinness in Enniskillen area, Old Pals is often recommended thanks to its well-poured pints and authentic atmosphere.

Finally, when choosing between different options in the region, it helps to decide what kind of night out is desired. Those who want a lively city centre experience might head into Enniskillen, but anyone who prefers a relaxed, characterful village setting with friendly staff, good conversation and distinctive beers will find Old Pals an excellent choice. Whether it is a quiet midweek drink, a Saturday afternoon by the fire, or a post-golf celebration with friends, this small Derrygonnelly bar delivers a genuinely local pub experience that many visitors remember fondly and plan to repeat.