By Dhimiter Gjodede
If it ain’t Irish, then it ain’t fun!!! Neither of my grandpas said that to me, but I believe there’s a good chance on earth they somehow suspect it to be true. Even if their last names are not Finnegan or O’Murphy.
New Irish Pub in Tirana is not only one of the oldest pubs in Tirana of the last two decades, it is also, as retained by many, the mother (or should I say the father) of all pubs. It is, also, the only Irish pub in the western world without Irish personel. It doesn’t make it any less Irish though. It has had many American and Canadian bartenders over the years, whom, if we were to scrutinize long enough (I apologize if I sound like a citation from the Patriot Act here), I’m sure we would come up with some Irish origin in them.
Anyway, where were we??? Oh yes, BEER!!! New Irish has over 50 selections of beers from all over the world, including the good old Guinness. Chances are you will find your brunette, your redhead, or your blonde of choice. Please, don’t ask the staff to name you all the beers, though. If they make the mistake to answer, by the time the list is over, you’ll be asking for a warm pillow and a nice cup of tea, instead of your beer. In case you’re undecided it is better to go to the bar and take a look yourself. All brews are nicely exposed for the eye to enjoy.
It can, however, do better on its draft selection which is almost inexistent, but then again, it’s a minus all pubs in Albania have. Not much of a pub grub either. Instead, you can stuff yourself with very tasty Mediterranean sandwiches and the usual potato chips.
What Irish Pub is best known for is its atmosphere. A very cozy place, dimly lit, but no too dim, it is always a great place for locals and foreigners to mingle with each other. It has two rooms at floor level, both with its own bar and dark polished wood made furniture. One room for the noise and the other for the chit-chat with your friends. The DJ is always playing great selections of old and contemporary rock, blues, and even some hip-hop when necessary. On weekends you might even find a band playing cover music in which case you better make the order for the whole night because the place will be really packed.
The place, also, has a great outside patio, to keep you covered all year round. Even though it is situated in one of the busiest Tirana streets in terms of night life, New Irish is “hidden” behind the corner which gives it a personal feeling, something every pub needs.
Overall, it’s a great place to start your night out, even if it’s the last stop you make.
Sl⪮te!!!
Rr. Pjeter Bogdani (Bllok area)
08:00-24:00
except:
Fri: 08:00-03:00
Sat: 08:00-03:00
