The Irish Snug Podcast

Tim Grant
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HISTORY

Pull up a stool and settle in. The Irish Snug Podcast is your dedicated corner for the stories, history, and characters that make Irish pub culture legendary. From the storied wood of Manhattan’s iconic bars to the hidden gems of the Irish countryside, we sit down with the people who keep the tradition alive. Whether it’s a deep dive into family legacies or a chat with a local regular, we’re capturing the spirit of Ireland, one pint and one story at a time. (Formerly the Pubs & Pints Podcast). Rooted in the Irish tradition of great storytelling, each episode invites listeners to pull up a stool and enjoy tales that range from laugh-out- loud funny to deeply moving.

  1. Una Neary | The End of an Era: The Legacy of Restaurateur Jimmy Neary and 57th Street

    39M AGO

    Una Neary | The End of an Era: The Legacy of Restaurateur Jimmy Neary and 57th Street

    -*DOCUMENTARY ON NEARY’S* *Neary’s: The Dream at the End of the Rainbow* https://www.amazon.com/Nearys-Dream-at-End-Rainbow/dp/B08B1MH7WJ In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast (formerly Pubs & Pints), host Tim Grant sits down with Una Neary to honor the incredible life of her father, the legendary Jimmy Neary, and the storied history of Neary’s on 57th Street. For nearly 57 years, Neary’s was more than just a restaurant and pub; it was a cornerstone of New York City’s social and political fabric. From its opening on St. Patrick’s Day in 1967 to its final farewell in July 2024, the establishment remained a sanctuary of old-school hospitality, famous for its strict dress code, impeccable service, and the warm presence of Jimmy himself—a man who emigrated from Tubbercurry, County Sligo, with nothing but a dream and a legendary work ethic. *Una joins Tim to pull back the curtain on what made Neary’s so special. They discuss:* - *The Legacy of Jimmy Neary:* From his humble beginnings in Sligo to becoming one of New York’s most beloved hosts. - *A Room Full of Legends:* Stories of the famous patrons who called Neary’s home, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, author Mary Higgins Clark, and countless giants of industry and politics. - *The Neary’s Standard:* Why the dress code and the "customer first" philosophy never wavered in over half a century. - *The End of an Era:* The difficult decision to close the doors and how the family is preserving the memory of a New York institution. Pull up a stool and join us for a heartfelt conversation about family, the Irish-American experience, and the magic of this iconic establishment. *Connect with The Irish Snug Podcast:* * Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/ * YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209 * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug *About the Podcast:* Hosted by a retired FDNY Captain, The Irish Snug Podcast features interviews with a wide range of guests—from pub owners and historians to musicians and local regulars. While it deeply honors Irish and Irish-American roots, the podcast is open to anyone with a compelling story tied to Irish culture, pub culture, folklore and history.  The episodes often blend personal anecdotes with cultural insights, capturing the "craic" and the timeless tradition of sharing a pint and a tale. #Nearys #IrishHeritage #NYC #JimmyNeary #TheIrishSnug #Podcast #Storytelling #IrishAmerican #NYCReguars #Sligo #PubCulture Send a text Support the show

    1h 10m
  2. Chickie Donohue | The man behind The Greatest Beer Run Ever!

    FEB 1

    Chickie Donohue | The man behind The Greatest Beer Run Ever!

    In this episode of the Pubs & Pints Podcast, we sit down with John "Chickie" Donohue, the man behind the incredible true story that inspired the major motion picture, The Greatest Beer Run Ever. Imagine being 8000 miles from home, in a war zone, and you 'bump' into a friend of yours from home who just happens to be there to give YOU a beer! Chickie shares the heartwarming and serendipitous details of his 1967 journey from a New York City pub to the front lines of the Vietnam War. What started as a tribute to neighborhood friends turned into an epic adventure that redefined the meaning of loyalty and friendship. We dive deep into his motivation, the reality of the war zone, and how he managed to deliver those beers against all odds. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: The Neighborhood Pact: The moment at Doc Fiddler’s pub that sparked the mission to bring beer to the "boys in Nam."Getting to Vietnam: The logistical hurdles and the lucky breaks that got Chickie onto a merchant marine ship headed for the war zone.Life on the Ground: Chickie’s firsthand accounts of the Tet Offensive and the stark contrast between the reports at home and the reality on the front lines.The Meaning of a Cold One: Why a simple can of Pabst Blue Ribbon meant so much to the soldiers in the jungle.From Real Life to the Big Screen: Chickie’s thoughts on seeing his life portrayed by Zac Efron and the legacy of his journey.LINKS The Greatest Beer Run Ever (Book): https://www.google.com/search?q=The+G...The Greatest Beer Run Ever (Movie): https://www.google.com/search?q=The+G...Pubs & Pints Website: http://pubsnpints.com#NYC #Inwood #Vietnam #Irish #Pubsnpints Send us a text Support the show

    55 min
  3. Debbie Lynch Webber | The Spirit of Irish Dance - Legacy and Community at Mulvihill Lynch

    JAN 27

    Debbie Lynch Webber | The Spirit of Irish Dance - Legacy and Community at Mulvihill Lynch

    CONNECT WITH MULVIHILL LYNCH SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE: *Website: https://www.mlsirishdance.com/ In this episode of Pubs & Pints, Tim sits down with Debbie Lynch-Webber, the owner and director of the Mulvihill-Lynch School of Irish Dance. Together, they explore the vibrant world of Irish dance, its deep-rooted traditions, and the evolution of the sport from local parishes to global stages like Riverdance. Debbie shares her journey as a dancer and educator, the importance of community in the dance world, and how she continues to inspire the next generation of performers. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: The Heritage of Irish Dance: Debbie’s personal history with the art form and how the Mulvihill-Lynch school became a cornerstone for the community. The Post-Riverdance Era: How the global phenomenon changed the perception and popularity of Irish dance forever. Beyond the Steps: The discipline, friendships, and life lessons learned through competitive and performance-based dancing. The Role of the Teacher: Debbie’s philosophy on teaching and maintaining the "soul" of Irish culture through movement. Podcast Connection: Tim and Debbie discuss their shared history and the impact the school has had on families, including Tim's own daughter. Whether you're a long-time fan of Irish culture or just curious about the world of jigs and reels, this conversation offers a warm and insightful look at a beloved tradition. ABOUT THE PUBS & PINTS PODCAST: Rooted in the Irish tradition of great storytelling, Pubs & Pints captures the magic of conversations shared over a pint—whether it's in a cozy local pub or around the kitchen table. Join Tim as he explores the history, the people, and the heart behind the culture. Please follow, share, and subscribe to your favorite socials below. CONNECT WITH PUBS & PINTS: Website: https://pubsnpints.com#PubsAndPints #IrishDance #IrishCulture #DebbieLynch #MulvihillLynch Send us a text Support the show

    1h 25m
  4. Séamus Doohan | Walking Donegal: Uncovering the History, Heart, and Soul of Donegal

    JAN 17

    Séamus Doohan | Walking Donegal: Uncovering the History, Heart, and Soul of Donegal

    Connect with Séamus Doohan: Website: walkingdonegal.netEmail: walkingdonegalireland@gmail.comInstagram/Socials: @walkingdonegalIn this episode of Pubs & Pints, host Tim sits down with Séamus Doohan, a man whose life is woven into the rugged landscape of Falcarragh, County Donegal. Séamus isn't just a local; he is a storyteller, a walking guide, a historian, and a passionate advocate for the Irish language. We dive deep into the folklore and reality of Donegal life, from the legendary prophecies of St. Colum Cille to the heartbreaking history of the "Bridge of Tears," where generations of Irish emigrants said their final goodbyes before walking to the ports of Derry. Séamus shares how he transitioned from a "football fanatic" to a professional mountain guide, helping visitors uncover secret waterfalls, ancient ruins, and the medicinal secrets of local wildflowers. In this episode, we discuss: The Pub Culture of Falcarragh: Comparing the social life of the 1990s to today and the magic of a "singing circle" at the Shamrock Lounge.The Bridge of Tears: A moving look at the path taken by those leaving Ireland for America and how Séamus helps their descendants reconnect with that emotion today.St. Colum Cille & Ancient Manuscripts: The history of the "Dove of the Church," the first-ever copyright battle, and the sacred Cathach manuscript.The Poisoned Glen & Mistranslations: How a simple linguistic error turned the "Heavenly Glen" into the "Poisoned Glen."The Irish Language Revival: Séamus’s journey with Gaelic and his experience guiding famous polyglots like Ari Smith (Xiaomanyc) through the Donegal Gaeltacht.Archaeology and Art: A look at Séamus’s latest passion—painting the shadows and light of old Irish customs.Whether you have Donegal roots or simply love a good story told over a pint, this conversation with Séamus Doohan is a journey through the heart of the "Forgotten County." Featured Links & Publications: Condé Nast Traveler: Donegal, Ireland: A Land of Myth and MusicFrance TV Feature: Watch Séamus on France TVWalking Donegal on YouTube: Watch the LandscapeThe Irish Language Journey: Séamus and Ari Smith (Xiaomanyc)About Pubs & Pints: Join Tim as he explores the history, the people, and the stories behind the world's most iconic Irish pubs and the characters who make them home. #PubsAndPints #Donegal #Ireland #WalkingDonegal #IrishHistory #Gaelic #Falcarragh #IrishPodcast Send us a text Support the show

    50 min
  5. Des Roche - 30 Years at Guinness, Rural Ireland, and Publican Stories

    JAN 11

    Des Roche - 30 Years at Guinness, Rural Ireland, and Publican Stories

    30 Years at Guinness, Rural Ireland, and Publican Stories with Des Roche Description: In this episode of the Pubs and Pints podcast, I sit down with my good friend Des Roche. Des is a true gentleman from County Galway, Ireland, with an incredible wealth of stories. He spent 30 years working for Guinness, starting as a merchandiser and moving into sales, giving him a front-row seat to the characters and culture of Irish pubs. A few years after retiring from Guinness, Des began driving tour buses around Ireland, meeting people from all over the world, but mostly from the US. That is actually how we met—Des has been the driver for the group I travel with for our annual Ireland Pub Crawl for the past three years, and he’s become a great friend. We crack open a cold one (tea for Des, Guinness for me!) and discuss everything from growing up in rural 1970s Ireland without running water to the specific science behind the "widget" in a can of Guinness. Des shares hilarious stories about eccentric publicans, a gripping family story involving the Black and Tans, and gives us some insider travel tips for the best chowder and scenic drives in Ireland. In this episode, we cover: 0:00 - Intro & catching up.06:30 - Growing up in East Galway in the 1970s & 80s.15:40 - The science of Guinness: Gas mixes, clean glasses, and the perfect pour.31:00 - Des’s 30-year career at Guinness & the launch of the "Widget" can.37:00 - Hurling: Injuries, passion, and the pride of the club.46:00 - Travel Tips: Dingle, The Healey Pass, and finding the best Seafood Chowder.55:00 - Funny stories about Irish Publicans.1:14:00 - A brush with history: The Black and Tans raid.1:20:00 - Music memories: The Wolf Tones, Luke Kelly, and a Christy Moore anecdote.Question of the day: I’m trying to learn the rules of Hurling so I can follow the matches better from the US. If you have any resources or tips for a beginner watching the sport, let me know in the comments! Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more stories from the pub! #PubsAndPints #Guinness #IrelandTravel #Galway #IrishHistory #Podcast Send us a text Support the show

    1h 28m
  6. Matt Long

    12/18/2025

    Matt Long

    Join us for a powerful episode of Pubs & Pints as we welcome Matt Long—FDNY firefighter, 9/11 responder, and ultimate survivor. Matt shares the incredible story of his near-fatal accident and his miraculous journey from a 1% survival rate to running marathons. This is an episode about grit, the power of the human spirit, and finding hope in the darkest of times. 🍻🚒 #PubsAndPints #MattLong #Resilience #FDNY #Inspiration Send us a text Support the show

    52 min
  7. Tommy Feighery

    11/17/2025

    Tommy Feighery

    Tommy Feighery was born in Long Beach, New York to Tom and Nancy Feighery. In 1971, his parents moved the family to his mother’s native Country Offaly, where they spent the next eight years raising him and his eight siblings. They moved back to the United States in 1979 and settled in Carmel, New York.     For more than 30 years, Tommy owned and operated Fiddler’s Green Pub in Carmel, a gathering place for many, particularly those of Irish descent who regularly stopped in the share a story or pint with friends and watch some Gaelic games. Fidds will always hold a special place in his heart and if those four walls could talk….     This episode features a lively conversation with Tom Feighery, covering his deep Irish roots and life in New York. Tom shares stories about: Irish Heritage: Born in America, but living in Ireland until he was 13 years old played an important part in Tommy's love of sports as well as his connections and life-long friends in both America and Ireland. Gaelic Sports & FDNY: His time playing Irish football for the West Putnam Gaels (including their minor championship win in '84), his impressive kicking ability, and his family's connection to the FDNY. Iconic Pubs and History: Hilarious and heartwarming tales from growing up around the family bar, Fiddler's Green in Carmel, NY. He recounts generational bar stories, from the best pints of Guinness in Ireland (including a mention of  Beirns in Roscommon) to the legendary story of his father stealing the "Blue Ball"... and it's return back to town. The Irish-American Experience: The chat also touches on the importance of pubs as community centers in rural Ireland, the impact of the smoking ban and cell phones on the pub industry, and memorable experiences seeing the Wolf Tones. It’s a great mix of family history, pub culture, and Irish-American life. Send us a text Support the show

    51 min
  8. Dermot Mcelholm

    11/05/2025

    Dermot Mcelholm

    Join host Tim Grant in a fascinating discussion with Derry native, Dermot McElholm, as they dive deep into Irish culture, history, and the unique pub life both in Ireland and New York City. Dermot shares captivating stories of his family's ancestry, including his paternal grandfather's internment by the British after the partition of Ireland and his time teaching Irish to prisoners on the HMS Argenta. He offers a poignant description of growing up in Derry during "The Troubles," including the lasting impact of Bloody Sunday in 1972. The conversation shifts to Dermot's five years bartending in New York's Kinsale Tavern, comparing the distinct drinking cultures and colorful characters—like the legendary "Marathon Man"—he encountered in the American "melting pot." Highlights Include: The decline of rural Irish pubs due to changing laws and social dynamics.The joys of hiking and connecting with nature in Ireland, including a detailed look at the history and folklore behind natural landmarks like the Poison Glen and the dolmens (ancient burial chambers).The importance of preserving Irish place names and folklore from Anglicization and modern forgetfulness, including the stories behind Sawel and Shantallow.Personal reflections on life, nature, and the value of a good conversation.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in authentic Irish life, history, and the enduring bond of friendship forged over a perfect pint of Guinness. Send us a text Support the show

    54 min
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About

Pull up a stool and settle in. The Irish Snug Podcast is your dedicated corner for the stories, history, and characters that make Irish pub culture legendary. From the storied wood of Manhattan’s iconic bars to the hidden gems of the Irish countryside, we sit down with the people who keep the tradition alive. Whether it’s a deep dive into family legacies or a chat with a local regular, we’re capturing the spirit of Ireland, one pint and one story at a time. (Formerly the Pubs & Pints Podcast). Rooted in the Irish tradition of great storytelling, each episode invites listeners to pull up a stool and enjoy tales that range from laugh-out- loud funny to deeply moving.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Grant
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Irish Snug Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Irish Snug Podcast