There is always an Irish Pub

No matter where you go in the world there is always an Irish Pub. I’ve never got to the bottom of exactly why this is, if there is the faintest possibility of tourists there will be, without fail, an Irish Pub. Dubrovnik is no exception. On the Lapad side of the town there is Becketts Irish Bar, run by two Dubliners, complete with pictures of the man himself. Fair play to them for their spirit of adventure but the pub isn’t all that exciting.

In the old town itself there are a few more enterprising outfits, one in particular originally called “The Irish Pub” and another known as “Katy O’Conners”. Katy’s O’Conners became our favourite spot for evening World Cup matches. It’s run by a relaxed gang of Croats who remember their regulars, even though they’re only regulars for a fortnight. The bar man even appears to drink their on his night off.

It is hollowed out of the rock face like most of Croatia and has a huge plasma screen, hung on the rock face, a few tables and a small bar. Their local white wine is tolerably nice and they serve the ubiquitous Lasko Pivo, Croatia’s favourite pint (or litre rather). We had a few fun nights in there bonding with Irish, Swedes and Norwegians. Footballs a great leveller after all.