Bringing Some Horse Sense Back To Delgany

The Horse & Hound gang with their just award… FRI4APR25

hen people say that it feels as though The Horse & Hound has been around forever, that’s because it pretty much has.

This Delgany drinking emporium and traveller’s inn first opened its doors way, way back in 1790 – and through thick agus thin, has remained stubbornly open for business ever since.

Even when Noel Belton was running the show, and there were denim discos with half-time sausage and chips in the function room, and lads were merrily sinking the pink upstairs. Gotta love a bit of pool of an evening.

That it has managed to remain alive and kicking in a village that, for some years, had more cows than people reflects just how vital The Horse & Hound has been to Delgany over the past, eh, 235 years.

“You definitely get such a strong sense of community here,” says its new manager (and long-time customer), Kevin Moes. “That’s something we want to keep at the centre of everything we do. What do people need, what do they want, what do they really love about this place…?”

Turns out what people really love about The Horse is good food, good people, fine booze and a slight whiff of the illicit in the air, all in a space that feels like a home away from home.

And so, that central lounge has had a doorway ripped out that opens it up to the restaurant, and the beer garden, whilst the original bar to the side has been returned to its former rough and ready self. That airport lounge look just wasn’t working.

“We want to keep everything simple and easy,” says Kev’s better half, Claire, who’s bringing 10 years of creating yummy Bear Paw food to the table. “Wherever you park yourself, you’re part of this one big space, mixing it up with everyone, with the same menu available to everyone…”

Talking of menus, another reason we’re here today is to present Kevin and Claire – plus Mark, Alan and everyone else in the kitchen – with this year’s Greystones’ Best Eatery award. An award The Horse & Hound has now won four years in a row…

“This is amazing,” says Kevin, “because even though we’ve been busy making some crucial changes – updating the bar taps, ripping out that dividing wall, bringing the old bar back to life – it’s clear that people around here have a strong loyalty to this place, taking the time and effort to vote for us yet again…”

“Bottom line, going to The Horse always felt like coming home for us,” finishes Claire. “And now, miraculously, blissfully, it actually is home…”

You can find out more about The Horse & Hound here, check out that history here, and follow on Instagram here or Facebook here. You can also get in touch directly on email here or by phone right here.