Bernie Murtagh has been a daytime bartender at Tir na nOg since we opened in 1998.

Bernie hails originally from Arvagh, in County Cavan, Ireland.

Cavan is known as the “Lakeland County,” with more than 300 lakes that serve as the source of many of Ireland’s largest rivers, including the River Shannon. Arvagh is the town where the provinces of Ulster, Leinster and Connacht meet; battles among the royal families of these provinces often took place in Arvagh, hence its Irish name, Ármhach, meaning “Battlefield.”

We interviewed Bernie on a Thursday morning, as the regular crowd shuffled in. He had a big “Hello” for everyone, and plenty of the quips that define Bernie Murtagh. An older woman asked for directions to the rest room; he replied “take a right, then a left. Tell them I sent you, and they’ll give you a good seat.” A visitor asked for the WiFi password, and Bernie gave a big smile and wordlessly pointed at an old Irish street sign hanging from the rafters, with the look of a man much more comfortable with Irish street signs than WiFi passwords.

Q: Bernie, what was life like back home?

A: My family owned a pub – the Old Mill Wheel – and a farm. We had the best of both worlds. My brother Patrick still operates the Old Mill Wheel; it’s the birthright of the oldest born.

Q: When did you come to NYC?

A: At age 19. My father was already here, operating The Football Bar on Second Avenue. When an uncle in the priesthood was assigned to a parish in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, it entitled me to a green card, and I came over and never looked back.

Q: What did you do on your arrival?

A: I was introduced to Tommy Dwyer at the Blarney Rock on 33rd St. and began working nights there shortly after he arrived in the US. I spent 18 years there, until my wife urged me to find a day shift.

I had become friendly with Tony and Billy, who offered me a day shift when they opened Tir na nOg in 1998. I jumped at the opportunity and I’ve been here ever since.

Q: We see you have the horse races from Ireland on the television. Do you have them on every day?

A: Oh yes, this is my Playboy channel.

Q: What makes a good bartender?

A: Be nice. Be fair. Of course, make a good drink. People come back here all the time because of our service. They want to chat, relax, take a vacation from their every day life. So I’m sort of their travel agent, shrink and priest. I’m a jack-of-all-trades, and a master of none.

Q: Who sits on your bar stools each day?

A: We’re very fortunate to have a great group of regulars who come in here, a few hundred of them. It takes time to build a following like that. Of course, we’ve always had the Madison Square Garden crowd, but the rest of the neighborhood has really improved. The office building we’re in (5 Penn Plaza) is highly prized space, and we get many of our regulars from there or the apartment building (the Olivia) around the corner.

Q: What makes Tir na nOg such a special place?

A: It’s built from the ground-up as an Irish pub. Look at the décor – there is nothing in here that is out of place in a fine Irish pub. We have wood pews, organ pipes and chandeliers taken from centuries old Irish cathedrals. It’s not plastic, like many of these new pubs that open up, slap an Irish name on the front, and put a Guinness sign next to a neon Bud Light sign in the window.

We have the best staff in the city – the owners treat us well, so there is almost no turnover. Together, it all creates the finest ambiance you’ll find in any establishment, anywhere.

Q: Thank you, Bernie!

If you’d have the pleasure of sitting at the bar in Tir na nOg, you likely have noticed the beautiful script on the walls. We are often asked about their origin.

In the Cathedral Room, you will see a poem that begins with the words, “I am the child of poetry.” This is a poem from “The Colloquy of the Two Sages,” a tenth-century poetic text that is based on the Book of Leinster.  The Book of Leinster is an historic manuscript compiled around 1160 and housed at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

The full poem on the wall reads:

“I am the child of Poetry, Poetry the child of Reflection,

Reflection, the child of Meditation, Meditation the child of Love,

Love the child of Research, Research the child of Great Knowledge,

Great Knowledge, the child of Intelligence, Intelligence, the child of Understanding,

Understanding, the child of Wisdom, Wisdom, the child of the three gods of Daru.”

According to Irish literature historian Lisa M. Bitel, The Colloguy of the Two Sages “best expressed the deep meaning of embroidery” which was considered a woman’s job, and the height of womanhood. The Colloguy of the Two Sages shows two views of the world. One, through the eyes of Nede, a “chipper young poet,” and the other through Ferchertne, a “dour old cynic.” Nede believes that the embrodiery of women is a sign that all is well with the world, while Ferchertne believes that it is “all going to hell.”

Intrigued? Spend some time at Tir na nOg, the best Irish pub in NYC, and see what else our walls reveal.

If you’d have the pleasure of sitting at the bar in Tir na nOg, you likely have noticed the beautiful script on the walls. We are often asked about their origin.

The script behind the main bar is from a 19th century Scottish song originally titled Chi Mi Na Morbheanna, but known in the English-speaking world as “The Mist-Covered Mountains of Home.” It was composed by John Cameron of Ballachulish in 1856.

“See, O see, the mighty mountain!, See, O see, the lofty benn!,

See, O see, the rugged corries!, Under the mist the peaks I see!

Before me I see the place of birth, Welcomed I will be in a tongue that I know, Love and hospitality will be offered me, That I would not trade for tons of gold,

I see the woods, I see the thickets, I see the fair and fruitful fields,

I see the deer grazing the corries, Shrouded in a robe of mist.”

A bagpipe version of the song was played in Arlington Cemetery at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. It was also played during the funeral procession of the Queen Mother of England in 2002. A version of the song was recorded by Mark Knopfler, of Dire Straits, for the soundtrack for the movie “Local Hero” starring Burt Lancaster, in 1983.

For a version of the song played softly on guitar, watch this version by Paul Scollay.

For Scottish Gaelic versions of the song that you won’t soon forget, watch this version by Quadriga and this version by Brian Ó hEadhra.

Intrigued? Spend some time at Tir na nOg, the best Irish pub in NYC, and see what else our walls reveal.

The legendary musical Jesus Christ Superstar, a rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is once again playing on Broadway, to rave reviews, at the Neil Simon Theatre.

Words such as “exhilarating,” “electrifying,” “sensational” and “a musical wallop” are being liberally accorded to it by usually cynical NYC theater critics.

If you act now, you can get a discount on tickets of up to 40% off on tickets from now through June 17th.

With tickets in hand, you’ll then want to find the best place to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner before the show.

If you’re really giving this some thought, you’re probably wondering how you can avoid the rushed, poorly served mediocrity that is associated with the words “pre-theater dinner” in NYC’s theater district. What will it be – a soulless franchise or a grossly over-priced, dated restaurant that was last worth a visit when Lindsay was Mayor?

May we suggest Tir na nOg, considered by many to be the best Irish pub in NYC?

If you’re catching a Sunday matinee, you’ll want to try the best brunch in NYC, with items such as Smoked Salmon Benedict. For a Wednesday matinee, you’ll want to try the classic comforts we offer at lunch, such as an Irish Cheddar Burger or our soup-salad-half sandwich combo. Lastly, for the evening shows, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose from the many delights on our dinner menu, such as Raw Blue Point Oysters, a Wild Mushroom Crepe and Sauteed Grouper.

If you’re coming into NYC on the LIRR or New Jersey Transit, we’re right across the street from Penn Station. If you’re driving from LI or NJ or Westchester, you’ll find our location at 33rd and 8th to be very convenient to the Midtown Tunnel, the Lincoln Tunnel, and West Side Highway. Avoid the chaos and expense of driving and parking in the theater district. Drop your car in a lot near us (check BestParking for options) and then take a ten-minute cab or subway ride to and from the theater (or, if you’re feeling hardy, a 20-minute walk).

It’s not always easy to find great, live country music in New York City.

Joe Bayer Band

On Saturday night, April 14, the Joe Bayer Band brings country music back to Tir na nOg. The Band’s last show here was one of the most memorable ones we’ve hosted, with customers stomping their feet long into the night.

The band plays a mix of its original country hits and covers of country standards by legends such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Alan Jackson.

As always, we invite you to join us for an upscale Irish dinner before the shows. Sauteed Jumbo Shrimp or a classic Tir Na Nog Cheeseburger will keep you dancing all night long. Of course, we’ll be pouring cocktails, Irish and craft beer drafts, and champagne cocktails all night, including our usual $5 drink specials. See why we’re considered one of the best Irish pubs in NYC.

Be sure to like our Facebook page to stay in the loop on upcoming performances.

Bruce Springsteen in Hyde Park, London

photo via Flickr

Bruce Springsteen comes back to Madison Square Garden for two nights in April.

“The Boss” has been a legend for nearly four decades, for many reasons. But first and foremost among them is his concerts. From his earliest recorded show in 1972 at Max’s Kansas City, to the legendary performance in 1975 at the Hammersmith Odeon in London to shows in the World’s Most Famous arena 25 years later, he has always put on a great show. He has played Madison Square Garden dozens of times since the 1980s, so his return on April 6 and 9 is eagerly awaited.

Of course, even if Bruce stayed home, people would still show up to see the E Street Band, which has played alongside Bruce most of the way. Iconic on their own, the E Street Band has recorded with other famed artists, including Sting, Ringo Starr, and Lady Gaga. Tragedy struck the band in June 2011, when popular saxophone player Clemons suffered a stroke, dying six days later. This followed the death of Danny Federici in 2008. The band remained committed to performing, and Jake Clemons, Clarence’s nephew, took over for his uncle.

If you have tickets for Bruce, you’re likely wondering about the best restaurants near Madison Square Garden.

Tir na nOg, the best pub in NYC, is right across the street. We offer savory fare and a world-class selection of drinks, as well as a gluten-free menu. We offer $5 drink specials all day, every day; current offers for just $5 are pints of Heineken, all types of Margarita, and Pinot Grigo.

Of course, all this comes with the hospitality for which the Irish are famous, and a classic decor that itself is worth the trip.

They say that you can judge a man by his associates. So, we can’t help but be thrilled to be an official partner of one of the biggest musicals to hit Broadway in years: ‘ONCE’. You might remember having heard of the original movie, by the same name, that it was based on. Called a modern-day musical, the movie is an Irish indie romance that won an Oscar in 2008, a 2008 Grammy nomination, and countless other accolades. Its main characters, known simply as Guy and Girl, are two lost musical souls – one Irish, one Czech – who find each other, and themselves, while wandering around Dublin over the course of a week.

The musical version, already lauded as a Tony contender, stars Steve Kazee as Guy and Cristin Milioti as Girl. The pair brings a range of experience to the stage, with Kazee having starred as Sire Lancelot in Spamalot on Broadway and Milioti having played in The Lieutenant of Inishmore & Coram Boy, among other stage and TV performances for both performers.The show, playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre at 242 West 45th Street, has already received rave reviews from the New York Times, New York Magazine, and the New York Post, among many others.

Now, for the best news – discounted tickets are currently available! Save up to 40% by purchasing tickets at Broadway Offers, using code ONSPR213. Discounts are valid on select Orchestra and Mezzanine seats through April 22.

Now, about that drink………we are thrilled to partner with ONCE as an official pre- and post-show venue. Come see us before the show to get in the mood, or to keep the Irish music and vibes going after the performance. Show us your ticket, and get a special cocktail, the Flogging Molly, for just $5 — Molly’s Irish Cream and Bushmills Whiskey, shaken, over ice. Of course, we’re always also offering our complete drink menu, and dinner menu with favorites like our Traditional Shepherd’s Pie, Potato Leek Soup, or famed Tir na nOg Cheeseburger. Called on of the ‘best places to have lunch in NYC‘, we offer classic food in comfortable atmosphere, for lunch or dinner.

Enjoy the show, and we’ll see you soon!

I

t’s a problem for the ages. When traveling with a group, the whole group doesn’t necessarily want to do all of the same things. Especially in a city like New York, where there’s pretty much an unlimited selection of activities. Sightseeing, shopping, dining, shows, shopping, parks, shopping…….well, you get the idea.

For more than a few NYC tourists, trips to the city mean – shopping. From uptown to downtown, luxury to bargain, the city has all the shopping you could ever ask for, and locals and tourists alone love it. Some tourists, that is. We figured this all out when we started talking to some of the male-only groups who have come to our restaurant for a meal or a few beers — they were enjoying some of what they see as the finer things in life at the best pub in NYC, while their female companions were doing the same………down the street at Macy’s.

And, suddenly, everyone is happy. The women in the group can enjoy some of the world’s finest shopping, while the men enjoy one of the finest Irish restaurants around. So, when you’re planning your NYC day, and shopping is part of the equation for only half the group, send the rest to come see us at Tir na nOg.

Enjoy a few beers from our popular draught beer list, or lunch items like our Wild Mushroom Crepe or a good old Tir na nOg Cheeseburger. Whatever your palate, our lunch and dinner menus have something for you. Then, when the ladies join the party, invite them for a Kir Royale or Elderflower Champagne Cocktail, and stay for dinner – everyone will be happy at Tir na nOg. We even have a gluten-free menu! And, since we offer some of the best customer service in the city at a super-convenient midtown location (33rd and 8th), you’ll leave us happy AND, most likely, close to your hotel. You can’t beat that.

So, come say hello – and stay as long as you like. Cheers!

We’re announcing our schedule of live Irish music for St. Patrick’s weekend:

Thursday March 15th – Fergus Begley 10pm
Friday March 16th – Morningstar 10pm
Saturday 17th – Whist, Morningstar, Pio & Peadar 12 Noon – Midnight

First-rate, live Irish music in New York isn’t always easy to find. Well, unless you simply visit Tir Na Nog. We regularly feature several bands Pio & Peadar and Morningstar, with other bands making occasional appearances.

Pio Ryan is an Irish-tenor-banjo-musician who launched the Irish Tenor Banjo program. He plays traditional Irish music, with unique blues & bluegrass undertones. He plays at Tir Na Nog with Peadar O’Hici on guitar and vocals, who is known for his traditional Irish sound and occasional old language lyrics. Preview Pio & Peadar’s classic sounds here, with a clip of a performance in Red Hook.

Our other favorite is Morningstar, composed of Mary Courtney on vocals guitar, and bodhran, John Nolan on accordion, and Bernadette Fee on fiddle. Mary is an Irish native who started Morningstar in the 1980s, and both John and Bernadette are native New Yorkers, though you wouldn’t know it by their sound! Mary has been called “one of the very best!” and often moves Irish ex-pats to tears. Get a sneak peek of her sound, or check out her album, here.

Come see us for our Irish music shows – and join us for dinner beforehand. We’ll be pouring pints and more all night. And, since we’re conveniently located right next to Penn Station, invite friends from near and far for an Irish night on the town!

Wish you’d known sooner? Check out our Facebook page to find out in advance about performances, drink specials, and more.

For many, the business lunch is a pastime that ended in the Mad Men era. The notion of languorously savoring gourmet fare on a china plate while engaging in an elegant mix of personal and business conversation is foreign to many people today. Sadly, in too many cases it has been replaced by two slices of pizza and a soda, or dirty water dogs from a sidewalk vendor, while obsessively checking your iPhone to see if any emails or Tweets arrived while you rode the elevator down.

This is a sad state of affairs. There is much to be said for stepping away from electronic screens of every shape and size and actually enjoying lunch a few days per week. Add into the mix a former colleague, a business prospect, a current client or just a friend you haven’t seen in too long and it may be the most fruitful, or personally enjoyable, time that you spend all week.

When you do make the proper time for lunch, you’ll realize it’s been so long since you did so that you no longer know where to enjoy a NYC lunch. CBS deemed Tir na nOg one of the very best places to have lunch in NYC, noting that “the space accommodates plenty, and the menu appeals to everyone.”

Our lunch menu features a truly mouthwatering array of classic comforts. Offerings include the best smoked salmon you’ll ever have; Tuna Salad Crostini, an Irish Cheddar Burger, an Open Face Steak Sandwich, classic Shepherd’s Pie, and of course, Hot Corned Beef on Rye. Any one of them will make your day.  We also offer a wide array of Salad Entrees, and a three-course soup, salad and half-sandwich option. On Mondays, we offer our Cheddar Burger, or a Turkey Burger, for just $10.

See the reviews of Tir na nOg on Open Table to get a sense of why we believe were the best choice for an old-time NYC lunch. Then dress up for work, be productive all morning, call an old friend, and enjoy an occasion that hopefully will no longer be such a pastime for you.