The Market Inn situated in the historic village of Draperstown Co Derry, perfectly encapsulates the ambience and atmosphere that make irish pubs world famous. Set amidst the rolling splendor of the Sperrin Mountains of Northern Ireland, it has become the favourite meeting place for generations of local character and wits.
The Regan Family have run the Inn for the last 60 years and locally it is simply known as Regans. With Traditional Music a constant theme and with the recent renovations and extension of the bar, The Market Inn is a must see for a quiet drink or a great night’s craic.
The Market Inn began its life as a farmers’ pub back in the days of spirit grocers, but the present family, the Regans, have been keeping the fun going for more than half a century. Run by the present owner’s father – Brendan Regan from 1947, his son Maurice Regan has been at the pumps since 1987.
In the past twenty years a number of refurbishments have taken place, with the latest re-fit completed in June 2007. Good news often travels by word-of-mouth and apparently the word about the Market Inn has travelled as far as Boston – two members of the Kennedy family are known to have had a drink or two at the bar.
The Market Inn has always been identified with the sporting life of the community, and there is a flourishing golf society based in the Market Inn. “Don’t worry about being conscripted into any of these energetic activities if you call in for refreshments and directions. I never do” – says Owen Kelly (local journalist and broadcaster). I just go for the craic. The Market Inn has an ordained role in the scheme of things as a forum for the discussion of the great questions of the day, such as the price of turkeys or where flies go in the wintertime.