Finn McCool’s Irish Bar in Surfers Paradise replaces Fiddler’s Green

Beef and Guinness pies are back on the menu as the newest Irish pub on the Gold Coast opens, complete with traditional Irish fare and live music acts. SEE THE PICTURES

Tammy Wood inside Finn McCool's Irish Bar in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Jerad Williams

PUBS are known as the official sunscreen of Ireland, and a new Irish pub in the heart of Surfers Paradise should fulfil that role for tourists and locals looking for a fun break from the beach.

And begorrah, the beef and Guinness pies will be back on the menu in Surfers as Finn McCool’s Irish Bar officially opens today after a soft opening late December – five months after another Irish pub, Fiddler’s Green, abruptly closed down.

The Irish Stew. Picture: Jerad Williams

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The newly revamped pub is occupying the same spot as the former eatery in Cavill Avenue.

After a $2 million refurbishment of the site, Hallmark Group marketing manager Tammy Wood said the new pub would hopefully become a drawcard for tourists and locals, with large screen TVs, traditional pub fare and a homely atmosphere.

Beef and Guinness Pie. Picture: Jerad Williams

One of the spots specifically revamped includes a former storage space, which is now a mezzanine level with three VIP booths for punters to look over the venue, including an area for live acts.

“It was the first thing we wanted to transform. It’s a beautiful spot,” Ms Wood said.

Finn McCool's Irish Bar in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Jerad Williams

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“People can just enjoy the private area and look at the atmosphere below. It’s a very warm and homely feeling.”

Ms Wood said the traditional feel of an Irish pub had been left intact with wallpaper and greenery, and modernised with ample lighting.

“It has a lot of features,” she said.

The renovated storage space, now a mezzanine level. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It’s got Irish knick-knacks everywhere, Irish quotes … lots of things you might see at an Irish venue.”

The pub can fit up to 450 people inside, is kid-friendly and even has a pool table. Large screen TVs will beam the latest in sports.

Inside the kitchen, customers can expect the return of traditional Irish food including beef and Guinness pie, lamb stew, and bangers and mash. There will also be chicken curry complete with rice – and chips!

Large Tvs? Tick. Pool table? Tick. Picture: Jerad Williams

General pub fare including chicken parmigiana, pizza, tacos and chicken wings will also be on the menu. Food could be paired with a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny.

Ms Wood said a variety of talent would be showcased, beginning each Wednesday and running through to Sunday. Live solo acts, DJs and bands would perform until Saturday, while Irish bands would play on Sunday.

To add to the opening celebrations, a prize of a holiday for two to Ireland would be up for grabs, featuring a tour to the Guinness brewery in Dublin. She said those interested just needed to like the Facebook page, fill out an entry form and be present for the draw at 6pm on February 26.

The pub is open seven days a week from 11am until late.