Established in 1922 and still in the hands of the same family, this award-winning lounge bar is an elegant and beautifully decorated pub dedicated to the preservation and spirit of the community of Ballinamore. A daily gathering place for young and old, Prior's has the unique feel of an elegant manor home with plush leather seating and antique furniture. Along the walls, however, is a representation of true Gaelic spirit. One glance leaves no doubt about the interests of the owner. Football posters, timely announcements of games and times, and vintage photographs of some of the games earliest players line the walls of Prior's Lounge Bar. And three conveniently located big-screen TVs accommodate almost every viewing angle. It is the Gaelic football that binds this community. A stroll down the Galaxy of Stars Hallway, and two bar extending one full city block create a place of good fun, good food, interesting scenery, and as the owner says, "A place of plain good craic."
An outstanding menu offers such culinary treats as homemade minestrone, panini sandwiches, BLT baguettes, and home-baked apple tarts with cream, all served on fine porcelain dinnerware, accompanied by crystal stemware and, for that occasional spill, crisp linen napkins. The delicious food and friendly, courteous staff make Prior's a diner's treat.
Owner Gay (Gabriel) Prior says, "This pub is an institution imbedded in the community." Ah, ‘tis.
Menu sample and prices:
Baguettes €5
Soups with warm brown bread €3.50
Paninis €5
Main meal €10
Bottle of house wine €18
A variety of choices from beef burgers and chips to main meal courses is available to suit any appetite. Full menu, hours of operation, and function services viewable online www.priors.ie
How to get there:
From Dublin, N4 to Longford then R198 North to jct R201 Drumlish. R201 leads into Ballinamore. (approx 2 hours)
From Belfast, A3 to Monaghan Town. Then N54 to jct N3. N3 to Belturbet. N87 to jct 205 Ballyconnell. Follow signs on R205 to Ballinamore.
Address:
Prior's Lounge Bar
High Street
Ballinamore
Co. Leitrim
T: 078 44574
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007