From a previous visit to Rome, I remembered there was a pub called the Flann O’Brien just a few minutes away by taxi. Trying to explain this to a barman was further confused by the fact Italy were playing Northern Ireland. “That’s the wrong Ireland,” I told the barman, who looked bemused, as well he might. Having one Ireland involved in a World Cup qualifier might be considered unfortunate; two seemed like carelessness. It was too late when I remembered the most authentic Irish pub in Rome, which would probably have RTÉ.

Source: The Irish Times April 07, 2026 21:49 UTC