Crosskeys
Inn

Welcome to the Crosskeys Inn, Ireland’s oldest thatched pub and famous traditional music venue.  A traditional Irish pub dating back to 1654 the Crosskeys is situated just off the main Randalstown to Portglenone road (B52) approximately 30 minutes from Belfast. Located centrally in the North of Ireland just north of Lough Neagh and approximately 1 hour drive from the Causeway Coastal route makes it the perfect destination for all visitors to Northern Ireland.

Steeped in history The Crosskeys Inn is a must see tradional Irish pub as recommended by "Lonely Planet Ireland" travel guide. Featuring in numerous Tourism Ireland campaigns worldwide and named as one of the "must see" pubs in Ireland the Crosskeys ticks the box for all visitors. 

The uniqueness of the Crosskeys and its importance was recognised in 2017 when it was nominated by Pete Brown, author of the "The Pub" for BBC Countryfile Country Pub Of The Year,  with the Crosskeys winning the title and being crowned "Country Pub Of The Year 2017". A title to be proud of as it was the first time a traditional Irish pub was nominated for the accolade.

In 2019 the Crosskeys was awarded the CIE Award of Excellence for the best in the category of dinner and entertainment. The Crosskeys Inn has also been recognised within the hospitality sector in N. Ireland being awarded a top 100 award in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

As you enter through the latched door there is a definite feeling of stepping back through time. The uneven walls, the stone floors worn down in the centre from generations and generations of footsteps, the low ceilings and various warrens of rooms with open turf fires all bear testament to the authenticity of this historic Irish pub.

The sense of timlessness is increased by the enchanting framed pictures on the walls, mostly of past patrons, old men from another time or music sessions from years gone by. Newspaper cuttings and clippings record the history of The Crosskeys Inn and the local area for future generations to see.

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Regular events

The Crosskeys is known worldwide as a unique traditional music venue. Although most sessions are impromptu there is traditional music most Saturday nights. Music can be arranged on request for private parties and functions.

We also have regular pub quizzes most of which are usually held to raise money for charity.

In the summer, BBQs are also enjoyed in the spirit of raising money for charity and when in season we have locally sourced Eel Suppers which continue to grow in popularity.

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Entertainment

The Crosskeys Inn has built a reputation for it's traditional Irish music over the years, making it one of the most famous traditional Irish music venues in Ireland today.

Irish traditional music

Most Saturday's impromptu Irish traditional music sessions with some of the best local musicians gather to play for the love of their craft which all patrons can enjoy.

Singing & storytelling

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Singing sessions usually take place on a monthly basis and on occasion you can find locals telling tales by the fire to visitors from near and far.

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