The atmosphere was very good and the locals were so friendly – so, we decided to sit in this area and mingle.
THE pub-mobile was back in Ulster this week as our designated driver took us on a one hour drive to Virginia in Co Cavan.
We last visited the area in 2021, but given the Covid restrictions in place at the time we probably didn’t get to enjoy the experience as much as possible.
There are very few people in the world who miss the rules and restrictions that engulfed the planet for two years, but there are two in particular the Old Commando misses.
“First and foremost, I do miss the table service. That was great, not having to get up to get a drink. Secondly, I miss the whole people not touching me or coming next to near me, that was great too,” he said without a hint of sarcasm.
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Our designated driver managed to get parking directly across the road from The Whistle Stop Bar and right beside the pedestrian crossing, so we skipped across the road and made a beeline for the front door.
The Young Commando advised us we had been here in 2021 but we all agreed that on this occasion we would be able to give the pub a more thorough inspection as we wouldn’t be confined to our seats.
The red and blue exterior is in good condition but the Ramour United GAA jerseys which hung in the window on that day in 2021 were no longer there.
Instead, it was basketball’s turn in the spotlight as the Cavan Eagles’ flags were draped across the windows.
Unlike our last visit, we didn’t have to sign in on this occasion and there was nobody checking for Covid passports either.
“Wasn’t it some load of nonsense when you think back to it all?” the Old Commando moaned.
There was a mixed clientele in the front section when we arrived and the Young Commando placed our order with a red-haired barmaid on duty.
The atmosphere was very good and the locals were so friendly – so, we decided to sit in this area and mingle.
The pints of stout cost €5 each, up 50c from 2021, while they also had Birra Moretti, Heineken Zero, Coors, Carling and Orchard Thieves on draught.
The Young Commando was losing his mind at the lack of phone signal and no WiFi after the recent storms, but the Old Commando told him to leave his “bloody phone” in his pocket and just enjoy himself without it.
There is one TV in the front bar and the tiled and timber flooring were very clean. There are multiple tables and chairs throughout the pub and the red leather barstools were in good condition.
A Lurgan ladies GAA jersey hangs behind the counter and as we inspected the spacious second section of the pub we noticed another TV.
The clientele here was predominately male, as it was in the third section which has a TV and pool table.
“I don’t remember that from 2021. I wonder is that a new section,” the Young Commando said.
There was a good atmosphere in each of the different areas with some locals preoccupied by Premier League football and others discussing the upcoming Six Nations campaign.
Each table throughout the pub had a candle, and the interior stone walls are a nice feature.
The toilets are small but they were clean, with one cubicle and a stainless steel urinal.
We enjoyed our few pints in this pub and really enjoyed the conversations with the friendly locals in the front bar.
As we left The Whistle Stop Bar we had a quick check in the porch but couldn’t see a price list for the drinks. It’s very important that this is prominently displayed for customers.
We’ll be sure to call again in a few years and hopefully we’ll receive a similarly warm welcome.
Rating: Four pints out of Five
One for the road:
James Matthews – Virginia
The Old Commando would kill us if we ever visited Virginia and didn’t allow him at least half an hour of drinking time in James Matthews’ bar. He loves it and it’s easy to see why.
It was awarded the 2024 Cavan Pub of the Year and has received the award multiple times in the past.
Two young barmen were on duty when we called and both were mannerly to the Commandos.
We stayed in the front bar for most of our visit where there was a decent atmosphere, although there was a much larger crowd in the second section of the pub.
The beautiful leather furniture and tiled floor were all in excellent condition and there was one TV in our section, with at least an additional three in the second section.
The toilets were tidy with two stainless steel urinals and one cubicle.
This is a beautiful pub that we always love to visit.
Rating: Four pints out of Five
