Comedian Anna Clifford starred in season 1 of Ireland's Perfect Pubs, an RTÉ Player Original that explored some of the country's most unique, picturesque and interesting public houses.
The funny woman is back to unearth in season 2 some more hidden gems and experience all that the surrounding areas have to offer. She will be joined for a round by some friends along the way, who will help her sample the atmosphere and have the craic.
"They really upped the level from last year," laughs Anna. "I get dragged along the River Shannon on a donut and the next thing I'm falling off a surfboard in Sligo."
The full series is available to watch now on RTÉ Player, and below is a sneak peek of what's involved.
JJ Hough’s Singing Pub with Garron Noone
To kick off the series, Anna takes TikTok star Garron Noone to visit JJ Hough’s Singing Pub in Banagher, Co. Offaly. To get there Anna and Garron must travel along the River Shannon. Anna decides that a speed boat and an inflatable doughnut are the best modes of transport.
The pub has been in owner Ger Hough’s family since the 1940s and he explains why the pub is synonymous with live music. Anna and Garron settle in for a drink and an evening of music and chat, as well as a special performance by Garron on his guitar that has the whole pub signing along.
"Garron was the perfect guest," says Anna. "Not only is he hilarious and an expert snack reviewer but his origins are in music and he has an incredible voice. He has it all, to be honest, a triple threat!"
The Rusty Mackerel with Éadaoin Fitzmaurice
Next, out host takes travel influencer Éadaoin Fitzmaurice to the breathtaking Sliabh Liag mountains, taking in all the beauty Donegal has to offer. The two meet some of the locals, who try to teach them how to train the mountain’s sheepdogs before heading to The Rusty Mackerel for a sit down in the beer garden.
"Sliabh Liag was stunning," Anna says. "It was great to bring Éadaoin along and show her somewhere she hasn't been before! We had such a treat in this episode. Donegal is just absolutely stunning, and the Rusty Mackerel is a fabulous pub, but we got to go sheep dog training."
"It was a pretty unique activity to do before going to the pub," she laughs. "I don't know if I have a career in it; the dog would not listen to me. To be fair, I wouldn't listen to myself either."
The Beach Bar with Adam Kelly
Anna takes comedian Adam Kelly (2biglugs) to The Beach Bar in Aughris, Co. Sligo. Anna and Adam visit Aughris Head in Sligo Bay, where they meet a local surf instructor who teaches them how to surf the wild Atlantic waves. Once they catch a wave back to shore, Anna explains that they won’t have far to travel, as the picturesque Beach Bar is located right on the seafront.
They warm up by the fire as they meet the owner, Darren. The Beach Bar is like travelling back in time, with its thatched roof and unaltered interior it is truly an authentic Irish pub.
"I love being dunked into a big pool of water and then going into a cosy pub," she smiles. "It's the best of both worlds. It was great to get some surf lessons and then enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of The Beach Bar."
A.E. O’Donohue’s with Taylor-Lee Keating
Anna takes actress and TikTok star, Taylor-Lee Keating, to visit AE O’Donohue’s in Fanore, Co. Clare. Anna and Taylor-Lee meet at Fanore beach, in the heart of The Burren, it also happens to be the starting point of The Burren’s "easiest" hiking route.
"I had never been to The Burren before, I had only seen it in my Geography books," she laughs. "It was stunning. I like to hike to get a good pic for the aul dating apps, so poor Taylor got dragged up with me."
The two set off on the Caher Valley loop, lucky for them, its path leads them right to the front door of A.E. O’Donohue’s pub. They are welcomed in by the owner Pat, who tells them all about the pub’s history and how it’s been in his family since it was built back in 1911.
"We did some whiskey tasting which I loved, I think they have over 100 whiskeys so it's perfect for people who are into their whiskey."
Anna Clifford hosts Comedy for Witches on the last Thursday of every month and she is set to host a Halloween special on October 31. Follow her on Instagram @annacliffcomedy for more info.
