Wee Tom’s – A Proper Pint, Trad Tunes, and centuries of craic

Just a short stroll from Lagom, tucked into the heart of Ballycastle, you’ll find Wee Tom’s — the name locals still use with affection for one of Ireland’s most iconic pubs: The House of McDonnell.

Established in 1744, this place is steeped in history. Originally a spirit grocery and stabling house for passing travellers, it once had room for coaches and horses taking up most of the site. Today, the stables stand silent — but the spirit of hospitality is stronger than ever.

Step inside and you’ll find yourself in another time. The interior dates back to the 1870s and has barely changed since — which is exactly why it’s listed as a Grade A historic pub interior, one of only a handful in the country. The carved wood, snug corners, tiled floors, and mirrored whiskey ads all tell a story that’s been lived, not styled.

While the pub is no longer run by the much-loved Tom O’Neill, whose name still brings a smile to many local faces, his legacy lives on in every detail. He inherited the bar in 1979 from his aunt Mary McDonnell, and under his care, Wee Tom’s became a beloved institution — known for its warmth, its welcome, and what is genuinely one of the best pints of Guinness on the island.

But the magic of McDonnell’s isn’t just in the pour. It’s the trad music, played live and often unannounced, filling the room with fiddles, flutes, and the rhythm of a hundred shared nights. It’s the laughter, the stories, the clink of glasses, and the feeling that you’re part of something older than yourself — something deeply Irish.

So whether you’re heading out after dinner or just need a cosy hideaway after a windy beach walk, pull up a stool at Wee Tom’s. Soak in the atmosphere, enjoy the Guinness, and let the music carry you.

Where to find it:

📍 The House of McDonnell, Castle Street, Ballycastle

Just ask a local for Wee Tom’s — they’ll point you in the right direction.

Open most evenings. Trad music often. Craic always.