The Best BBQ in Europe Is Served Off an 18-Foot Smoker… in Leitrim?!

Within this story lies no clickbait. The only recognised 18-foot Texas smoker (built in America and shipped over) within the emerald isle, is tucked away in the least populated county in all of Ireland. I could end the article there — that alone is a juicy enough cut of brisket for anyone. But as it happens, their story itself comes with a bit more spice.

The restaurant game is tough at the best of times. Now imagine moving halfway across the world and trying to convince an elderly local — who grew up on Boxty, showbands, and a sharp elbow to the face in a GAA match (no card given) — to try something called “burnt ends.” Not exactly a guaranteed win. Yet two men gave it a go and let their food do the talking.

Drumcoura City, a small lakeside resort in Leitrim, feels like a parallel universe — not just to the rest of Ireland, but maybe to all of Europe. In the best way. It was built to be culturally off the beaten track. Tony Tramell and his culinary whizz of a son, Austin, had the perfect date, a straight road, and a working flux capacitor when they hit 88mph on the way to the land of green and gold.

Inside The Saloon (exactly the kind of bar you’d picture if you weren’t picturing Ireland), you’ll find food that hits the taste buds like Christy Moore belting out Ride On after 12 pints- or, if you’re American: Kenny Rogers with the Gambler.

No joke — their story could be lifted straight into an Adam Sandler flick. Picture it: a hugely successful American restaurateur and his son, trained at one of the top culinary schools in the world, swapping Dallas Cowboys games for lads dressing like cowboys in the heart of Connacht. And somehow, it works. Better than the cool side of the pillow on a sticky summers night.

Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey breast — smoked low and slow for at least 13/14 hours on that glorious red-white-and-blue rig of a smoker. Add in mac and cheese, pickles, slaw… truth be told, they could barbecue the 2002 Yellow Pages and I’d still be lashing sauce on it.

Drumcouras Saloon and its weekend BBQ is something that truly has to be seen — and tasted — to be believed (pints and all). Writing about it feels like getting the first invite to the cool kid’s birthday party. There’s nothing like it within 3,000 miles. And honestly? With the quality Tony and Austin are serving, and the general craic within the pub itself, why should there be?

If you’re touring the Emerald Isle, traffic lights or not (they do have traffic lights), Leitrim deserves a spot on your list — if for no other reason than Drumcoura alone.