If you want to feel like a king you really should get a castle – or at least go for a drink in one.

The wonderful, rugged medieval remnants of Taaffe’s Castle bar make for spectacular exterior, not to mention one of the most charismatic beer gardens around. You will also get a right royal welcome inside from the staff.It is hard to miss the place – the towering 16th century grey stone keep of the fortification stands supremely in the centre of Carlingford, just across the border in Co Louth.

However when you enter through the adjacent quaint village pub where cozy traditional elements such as the soothing coal fire and old black and white pictures stare -back at the central curving bar. In contrast to its spectacular sidekick outside – the main bar on the corner of Market Street and Newry Street tales on an enjoyable, but less grandiose, style.It is very much in keeping with the rural, cottage-style bars of the 1950’s in which sitting with a creamy pint of plain’ comes easy.

You are much better off hanging around the too beer gardens, whether it be the courtyard or the “secret garden” within the castle walls.
The garden is a great chill-out spot, where live bands are the order of the day throughout the summer and groups can even request a barbecue if they give advance notice. Therefore you can dine, as well as live like a king.