THE PONDEROSA
 Highest Pub in Ireland

Thanks to a unique location atop the Glenshane Pass, Ireland's highest pub enjoys a truly international clientele.

What makes this Famous Irish Pub so unique? Is it the beautiful scenery of Glenshane, the hospitality of country people or the diversity of our customers? We like to think that it's all of these. Why not visit us and find out for yourself?

Up on Glenshane we pride ourselves on our self sufficiency; we have our own turf bank for fuel, our own electricity generator and the water supply comes from a spring well in the mountainside.

Don't believe any stories you might have heard that we distill our own poteen (moonshine). The thin, clear air we enjoy at this altitude gives you a hearty appetite, and also makes your drink seem stronger!

The Ponderosa is written of in numerous books (we know of five), including the award-winning novel Harry's Game by Gerald Seymour.

If this is your first visit to a real Irish pub, why not take the advice of the characters in Mr. Seymour's book and sample a Hot Half'un - its one of our favourite local beverages.

The Ponderosa began life as a little farmhouse nestling in idyllic surroundings at the highest point on the mountain road between Belfast and 'Derry. Nowadays a wide, scenic highway crosses the Glenshane Pass, and the pub overlooks Glenshane Adventure Forest. The tradition of hospitality begun in that little farmhouse continues to this day.

Over the years the Ponderosa has had some interesting and amusing yarns to tell. We publish one from time to time in Tales from the Ponderosa, our long running series of short stories about the pub, its characters, and the locale, down the years. They've been featured by the BBC. Take home a souvenir copy.

Feeling energetic? We award a Special Certificate to anyone who manages to climb the Glenshane Pass under their own steam. The recipients of this exclusive award refer to themselves lightheartedly as The 1,000ft Club!

When you call, be sure to sign our visitor's book, you'll find yourself amongst distinguished company.

This has been a brief glimpse in and around the pub. To learn about our local Mountain Rescue Team and much more please browse the menu. .