Barna Travel Guide

The Twelve pins (or rather more accurately 'the twelve') was always a great looking pub serving traditional well-cooked fare. A few years back the place disappeared under some massive blankets. What re-emerged (thankfully before the Celtic tiger's death throws killed off such developments). was a modern hotel, bar and restaurant. The original facade has been retained but behind that outer skin a modern well-run estabilishment has emerged.

The restaurant food is on the traditional side. Good quality pub grub is always a winner and (in Irish terms) this place represents good value. In 2009 it is putting on 'Two courses for 20.09'. That also included a cocktail. A little gimmick it maybe but when I was there on Mother's day (whatever happened to Mother's day by the way ?) they place was doing a very brisk trade - not unusually. In these recessional times I think a place like this will still do well. If the money is more limited then when you do go out you want to know that it will be worth shelling out for.

Only about seven miles out of Galway it's worth the trip when you consider how overpriced and variable many of Galway's restaurants are.