2014 Award Winners PUB OF THE YEAR 2014

Blairs Inn, Blarney, Co Cork

In a quiet, wooded setting just a few minutes’ drive from a major tourist destination this pretty riverside pub is run by a warmly hospitable family who take real pride in welcoming visitors. It’s the real McCoy, a great Irish pub serving terrific local food and drink.

Sitting in the garden in summer, you might see a wily heron waiting for trout rising in the Owenageara river, while winter offers welcoming fires in this comfortingly traditional country pub.

Working alongside a long-established kitchen team, one of the sons is a Ballymaloe trained chef, and they are well known for the quality of their wholesome, seasonal food that showcases plenty of local Cork and Kerry produce - West Cork smoked salmon, for example, and meats, puddings and sausages from famous butchers including

Jack McCarthy of Kanturk, along with craft beers and cider from local brewers. While skilful, well presented and with an up to date twist, cooking is pleasingly traditional as befits a pub.

To complement this honest food, service is warm and friendly - and there’s music on some nights too.