Northern Ireland

A couple of Xmases ago, we had a great time in & around beautiful Enniskillen - stayed in one of the small houses in the courtyard at The Belle Isle estate

There were a few good pubs (can't remember which!) but we didn't find much fascinating beer (apart from quite odd-tasting bottled Carlow Curim Gold at the local Safeway, I wonder is it still there, post Morrisons-takeover).

Other than that there's -

Good luck & let us know how you get on. cheers MikeMcG

I cannot recommend the Hilden Brewery tap too strongly. It's within walking distance of the station, and brewery tours are available if prebooked (I think it's SuO but don't quote me). There's a superb offie in Belfast called the Vineyard. The Crown in Belfast is worth a curiosity visit, but take plenty of dosh (as in most NI non-'Spoons pubs). It's opposite Great Victoria St station.

The Dirty Duck Alehouse at Holywood is right by the station (Holywood) and handy for getting back to the airport by train to Sydenham station. You walk over the footbridge at Sydenham and there's a little bothy at the airport gate from where you phone for a (free) bus to come and collect you. Bizarre, but it works. When I went to the DD last year it was selling Inveralmond beers, not really my kind of beer but in excellent shape.

HTH

Dave

Perhaps they've improved since I sampled them in '87

He recommends the tap. Doesn't say anything about the beers!

Which is just as well. Peter

Thanks Dave and Mike for intersting and helpful information.

Seem to be more Spoons there than anything else!

That's probably your best bet for ale. There's also Whitewater, but I've not come across their beers.

In message , Chris de Cordova writes

My pleasure. Not quite clear whether you've been yet - your comment re Spoons seems about right, the only other contender really is the Botanic Inn chain of which there are quite a few.

Thanks - going mid-FEb