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The Thatch in Crinkill, County Offaly: A Multi Award-Winning Bar and Restaurant Worth the Journey
Some pubs earn their reputation over generations. The Thatch in the village of Crinkill, just five minutes’ drive from the heritage town of Birr in County Offaly, is exactly that kind of place. Described as one of the oldest pubs in South Offaly, it carries nearly 200 years of continuous family ownership — a rare distinction in any country, let alone one as richly stocked with great pubs as Ireland.
A Pub That Has Always Been Thatched
The name is no marketing invention. As the pub’s own story tells it, The Thatch has always been thatched, and that thatched roof has watched generation after generation of visitors arrive on Military Road in Crinkill. Older visitors will remember it fondly as Mother Walsh’s, and the warmth of those memories speaks to something real about this place. People whose fathers and grandfathers came here still return, carrying the same stories forward. That kind of continuity is not manufactured — it simply grows, slowly, over nearly two centuries of welcoming people in.
A Multi Award-Winning Restaurant
In 1995 a restaurant was added to the pub, and The Thatch has been building its food reputation ever since. It is a multi award-winning bar and restaurant, recognised by the Restaurant Association of Ireland and praised by food critics and writers along the way. The kitchen is led by Executive Head Chef Tom Egan and his team, whose focus is on modern Irish cuisine made with the finest local ingredients and seasonal produce. The food offer has grown from strength to strength over the years, and the awards suggest that growth has been well earned.
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The People Behind the Place
The team at The Thatch are open about what they believe makes the difference. Good food and a great building matter, but it is the staff who make The Thatch stand out. They describe themselves not just as employees but as a small, curated family — one that genuinely delights in welcoming guests from near and far. That warmth is felt from the moment you walk through the door, and it goes a long way toward explaining why people keep coming back.
Where to Find It and When to Visit
The Thatch sits on Military Road in Crinkill, County Offaly, a short drive from the heritage town of Birr — itself well worth exploring for its castle, gardens and Georgian streetscapes. Opening hours at The Thatch are as follows:
- Monday: 9.30pm – 11.30pm (Bar Only)
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 4pm – 8.30pm
- Thursday: 4pm – 8.30pm
- Friday: 4pm – 8.30pm
- Saturday: 12.30pm – 8.30pm
- Sunday: 12.30pm or 2.30pm / 5pm – 7.30pm
It is worth noting that Tuesday is the one day the pub is closed, so plan around that if you are travelling from further afield. Weekend lunches from 12.30pm on Saturday and Sunday make it a lovely option for a midday meal during a day trip to the Offaly countryside.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are travelling through the Irish midlands, stopping off near Birr, or making a dedicated trip to one of South Offaly’s most storied pubs, The Thatch is the kind of place that stays with you. Bookings are recommended, particularly for the restaurant. You can get in touch by phone at (057) 912 0682 or by email at [email protected]. For menus, bookings and full details, visit The Thatch website and see what this long-loved family pub has in store for you.
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!