Dear Postcards from New York Reader:
The word “Failte” (Welcome) over a wide arch greets you as you enter; but right now, it’s a sure bet the line outside will be long, and the noise from within loud and raucous. If you are in search of the distinctive flavor of Ireland, you’ve arrived at the right place. Make friends with other folks while on line, O’Lunney’s is worth the wait.
In a city with hundreds of Irish “Pubs” (primarily bars where small tables cramped against narrow walls are commonplace), wide and spacious O’Lunney’s, a buzz with the lively conversations of local and out-of-town revelers, and waitresses maneuvering between tables, has a warmth and ambience one would usually find in a “Public House” on Ireland’s West Coast.
There, the stark haunting beauty of the landscape (see the photograph above) and the lack of entertainment choices make a Public House (Pub) the place where families, with children and dogs in tow, spend hours around a blazing fireplace catching up on local news over a hearty meal with friends and neighbors.
For generations the O’Lunney’s have been Pub owners in Ireland; Hugh O’Lunney likes to say he was born into the business. His three sisters are all Pub owners, while Hugh’s daughter Maureen continues the family tradition here in America. You’ll find her at her dad’s side managing staff and making you feel welcome. This year they are celebrating 41 years in business.
A native Irishmen, Michael Connolly, introduced me to O’Lunney’s years ago. It was the place to go when he felt nostalgic for home. He was sure to meet friends or strangers who quickly became friends over a pint of Guinness. Bright colorful flags of the six Celtic nations (can you guess what they are?)* proudly hang from the walls not far from a portrait of Bobby Sands (This is IRA Country). One can catch up on local news from County Mayo flipping through hometown papers like: The Irish Independent, Western People, Day &; Night and The Irish News.
Leave those papers for another day; St. Patty’s is not the day to catch up on news. Don’t forget to eat something before you down another pint. Savor a taste of Ireland; try the Shepherds Pie, Fish and Chips, Chicken Pot Pie or Corn beef and Cabbage. Servings are big enough for two and will prevent a hangover tomorrow. Sips of frothy Irish coffee make a delicious finale to a festive day.
La Fheile Padraig**
Jacqueline Cable
For Postcards from New York
---------------Advertisement-------------------
Have you ever been lost in the “Big Apple?” Even veteran New Yorker’s have been known to get lost.
Armed with your copy of New York Get There 1-2-3, your days of getting lost and the anxiety and frustration that come with it are over. Feel confident to get around like a local and discover rare adventures that will put the typical experience of other visitors in the dark. Visit Postcards from New York's home page to claim your "fr*ee" copy of New York Get There 1-2-3.
----------------------------------------------
Address to remember: O'Lunney's, 145 West 45th St, New York, NY 10036, 212-840-6688, www.olunneys.com
Directions: From Times Square walk north to 45th St. See O'Lunney's sign right off Broadway.
*The six Celtic nations: Scotland, Wales, Brittany, the Isle of Man, Devon and Cornwall, and Ireland.
** Happy St. Patrick's Day (Gaelic)
Photos courtesy of Maureen O'Lunney
© Copyright 2007-9 The Cable Group
1 comment:
Love that O’Lunney’s Three Sisters - On the road to Donegal picture and thank you so much for my award.
Post a Comment