OUR FIRST PORT OF CALL AS LOCKDOWN EASES
Daithi O Se
The first place I’ll have a pint will be in the local in Co Galway — Yeats Lodge in Peterswell. I can’t wait. I never drink at home and I don’t like it. It’s the social aspect of the pub I miss more than anything. Out the country, the pub is the meeting place for young and old. It’s where the cattle deals are done. It’s where you’ll find a plumber. It’s the heart and soul of the area.
Leo Varadkar
The first thing tomorrow will be the gym. Covid has not been kind to the waistline. Then the barber’s. I might leave the drink and meal for a few days. I have a new job to read into, a new department to visit and new staff to meet.
Marty Morrissey
Unlike Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, I really do like Mondays, as they are usually my day off. In Dublin, it would have to be The Boar’s Head on Capel Street. It is owned by Cavan man Hugh Hourican, who passionately believes every year that Cavan footballers are on the verge of AllIreland glory... but it hasn’t happened yet! If I’m in Clare, then I’ll be in the Quilty Tavern probably having some good old-fashioned bacon and cabbage and analysing the prospects of our parish football team Kilmurry Ibrickane. Either way, life is good!
Louis Walsh
I’ll go to the Intercontinental or the Merrion in Dublin for the food and the staff. I’m also loving the food from Roly’s in Ballsbridge now, They have the best takeaway ever.
Katherine Lynch
I’ll be heading to Panti Bar on Capel Street in Dublin. It has been a massive part of my 25 years of Dublin life. Gay bars have always been brave, creative spaces where individuality thrives and great conversations are had. So tomorrow night I’ll be there with friends. We call ourselves The CovidCabana.
Celia Holman Lee
My first port of call will be the Cornstore on Thomas Street in Limerick for a bite to eat. Later in the week, we are going to The Locke, one of Limerick’s iconic bars, and the Savoy Hotel for afternoon tea. I intend to spend the summer visiting and supporting restaurants and hotels. I urge everyone to do the same.
Liam Cunningham
I’m not saying the name of the pub because the moment demands absolutely no interruptions. It will be reminiscent of Ice Cold in Alex. Just me and a pint with a biblical amount of condensation heading south like Victoria Falls.
Kathleen Watkins
I have no special plans for Monday. But if I had it would be a meal in Adare Manor’s Michelin star restaurant, The Oak Room in Co Limerick. One of the last twosomes Gay and I had was there. The whole place is gold medal class.
Norah Casey
Peploe’s in St Stephen’s Green in Dublin is first on the list for dinner with my mum, Mags. She and I had a late lunch there on the eve of lockdown, although we didn’t know that then. It was one of those totally unexpected great days out with laughter, singing and great food of course. Like most families, we had some tough times over the past few months and promised ourselves that the first place we would dine out would be Peploe’s. There is a new dress bought, an appointment with Dylan Bradshaw for hair repair and we are all set for our big night out.
Francis Brennan
I’ll be having no pint, but a Coke Zero will go down well in PF McCarthy’s in Main Street, Kenmare. A real local pub with all sorts of customers with whom you can engage and chat all night. They serve a lovely menu with the best of local produce.
Daniel O’Donnell
Majella and I will be eating at home in Donegal as usual. We haven’t thought about a meal out. Majella is the cook. I do the washing up.
Miriam O’Callaghan
I am heading to Dingle at the end of July to the Skellig Hotel. It is my happy place. I am very excited about that. Hopefully, we will get to our favourite pub, O’Flaherty’s, for lots of fun and great music. A highlight is always to hear Fergus O’Flaherty sing Dingle Bay.