There’s plenty of history surrounding this fifth generation Rosses Point landmark.
Overlooking Sligo Bay and its islands, Oyster and Coney, it has recently been renovated and extended but it has been in the Ewing family since it was built, by present owner Fenton Ewing’s great great grandfather, Thomas, in about 1870.
It’s known as "the pub with the well”, thanks to an old well that has been ingeniously used as a focal point in the back bar; made into a fish tank - one of several - the well is not only lit, but topped with an old brass porthole window and surrounded by its own table top and seating made from an old boat. It could be OTT perhaps in the wrong setting, but here, among the Ewing family’s amazing collection of nautical memorabilia, it’s just a unique spot to enjoy a bar meal.
The Ewings take great pride in their lovely pub and the meals they serve in the back bar - which is the newer part, although you wouldn’t know it. Traditional bar food is the style, based on the best local foods in season - especially seafood of course, although there is plenty else to choose from - and it’s an understandably popular destination so it’s a good idea to book, especially at weekends and in high season.
Themed evenings are sometimes held and this characterful pub has an unusual string to its bow as Daryl Ewing - who is well known in nautical circles - operates Ewing’s Sea Angling & Boat Charters (www.sligoboatcharters.com), offering eco-tourism trips, sightseeing in the bay and island visits for all age groups, and has a special reputation for his innovative Catch’n’Cook fishing outings and Kids Party trips.
Harry’s Bar is a one-off and well worth a special visit.
