Matties Meeting House, Cairncastle

A passageway runs from the front door to the rear and on the left are two snug-like bars which along with Mary McBride’s are some of the smallest in Northern Ireland.

Just inside the front door on the left is a tiny bar with old split door which was cut due to an old bench where the fruit machine is now situated. The bar counter is old but more modern panels have been added to the front. The bar-back features two narrow spirit casks last used a long time ago. Shelving is old. Has a modern tiled floor but dado panelling is old? Note the small old ‘Office’ area on the bar counter left side which is now painted cream with modern colourful glass.

Further along is another tiny bar with an old door, old bar counter with more modern panels added, new dado panelling. Note the marks on the bar counter top which is where tobacco was cut as it was sold from a block.

The lounge at the rear was added in 1977. T he front right room was opened-up to the passageway in 2004 and the Victorian-style tiled, cast-iron fireplace was added then.

They still sell hot whisky and hot port “Great for a winter’s evening”.