By Adam Woodward

Copyright euroweeklynews

Amid the glitz and glamour of Puerto Banús’s marina, there is a well-loved diamond that has been there right from the beginning – Patrick’s 19th Hole.

The Irish pub, loved by everyone who graces its threshold, is celebrating its 50th anniversary – 50 years of pulling pints for loyal customers and boasting the best Guinness you are likely to find outside Dublin.

The bar was opened by Patrick Ryan from Limerick (Ireland) in 1975 along with his business partner Manuel Ruiz from Benahavís. In the early days of Puerto Banús they were both in the business but over the years, Manuel took over the management of the bar with the confidence of Patrick. Andrés Ruiz, Manuel’s son, said, “My father, Manolo, was the one who started everything with Patrick back in 1975. They both worked really hard and until the early hours of every morning. Then when the children grew up, they began to work in the business too. Manolo (my brother), me, Silvia and Esther… it’s a real family business.”

Patrick’s 19th Hole where the heart is in Banus

Since opening its doors in 1975, Patrick’s 19th Hole has been a magnet for locals, yachters, and golfers drawn to the Costa del Sol’s world-class courses, all looking for a down to earth pub, a relaxing chat, and a great pint of the black stuff. The bar has woven itself into the fabric of Puerto Banús, offering a laid-back counterpoint to the area’s upscale allure. Its prime location on Paseo Maritimo Rey de España provides unrivalled views of the bustling marina, where patrons sip €6-7 pints of Guinness while watching the parade of yachts, fast cars, and colourful passersby.

Patrick’s has had its fair share of glamour too, graced by stars of sports and screen. “We’ve seen the likes of Sean Connery, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Severiano Ballesteros, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Rory Mcllroy, Shane Lowry, Arab sheiks, famous business people in Irish hospitality, all of whom have become customers and friends, such as Charlie Chawke, Louis Fitzgerald, among many others,” Andres says.

It’s the regulars that make Patrick’s 19th Hole in Banus what it is

But other than the rich and famous, Andrés points out and raises a glass to regulars who have been patronising Patrick’s for years. “Ian, Tony, Chris, Willy, Tim Kelly, it’s impossible to mention them all,” Andres says with a grin.

Patrick’s 19th Hole has long been a haven for golfers, particularly Irish and British expats and visitors who flock to nearby courses like Los Arqueros and Real Club de Golf Las Brisas. Its walls, adorned with sports memorabilia, and screens tuned to Irish TV channels broadcasting rugby and football, which creates an atmosphere that feels like a slice of Dublin on the Mediterranean.

“A great little bar with fantastic Guinness. Andres, the barman, who never seems to stop working, is really very polite and professional. Guinness here is the same price as in Ireland, outside of Temple Bar, that is,” said Andy, one of the customers.

As Patrick’s 19th Hole embarks on its next chapter, it remains a testament to the power of simplicity and connection. Here’s to another 50 years of raising glasses, sharing laughs, and keeping the spirit of Ireland alive in the heart of Puerto Banus!