The last time I experienced Irish hospitality, I was in a small pub in Killarney, Ireland. On a bus tour navigating all of the must-see spots in the southern tip of the country, I was at the end of my week-long trip and tired of long hours on the bus. After unpacking at the hotel, my friends and I welcomed the chance to head out for dinner and drinks.
One step out the door of the hotel, we headed towards the sound of laughter and bagpipes. The tunes and glee intertwined creating an intoxicating draw and the atmosphere inside the pub was pure joy—friendly staff, giddy clientele, and a host of independent, local musicians singing away in local brogue. We were instantly brought into the fold, becoming part of the liveliness of the location. Here, everyone who stepped into the door was family. It was true Irish hospitality.
When I walked into O’Neill’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in South Norwalk, a wave of déjà vu came over me—I was instantly transported back to Killarney. Although it is much larger in scale, O’Neill’s rustic interior has that small town Irish pub feel—the promise of cozying up to the bar to enjoy a nice pint and Irish comfort food.
But this Irish pub doesn’t just promise Irish hospitality… It delivers.
Irish Fare
Okay, I know what you’re probably thinking: the Irish aren’t generally know for their cuisine. But do yourself a favor and try O’Neill’s traditional dishes authenticated by family recipes. There’s a variety of savory pies—Shepherd, Chicken Pot, and Fisherman, but to this Irish lass, the true test of traditional fare is the Corned Beef and Cabbage, served year round with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. (Spoiler alert: it’s a must!)
The menu also offers favorites like Fish & Chips and Bangers & Mash, but if you’re in the mood for some serious comfort food, try the Old World Beef Stew. Tender bits of beef, onions, celery and carrots swim in a rich gravy circling a dollop of mashed potatoes. It is hearty, full of flavor, and delicious.
Looking for something a bit on the lighter side? Not a problem. O’Neill’s coveted corned beef can also be enjoyed in their Reuben Panini, where thick-cut slices of meat, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and Russian dressing are housed between two pieces of rye.
To read more, check out my blog post dedicated to O’Neill’s Irish Pub & Restaurant on the Norwalk Now website. Norwalk Now is Norwalk in Real Time — the heartbeat of a New York City suburb featuring the vibrant retail, dining, entertainment, and recreational lifestyle of a thriving coastal community.
Donal Leahy, co-owner of O’Neill’s, chats about his favorite menu items.
{O’Neill’s Irish Pub & Restaurant: 93 N. Main St., Norwalk, 203-838-0222, www.oneillsono.com}
*This is a sponsored post brought to you by Norwalk Now. The opinions are completely my own and based on my experience.*
