The Old Celtic Ray Back at Last in Punta Gorda

Wandering around town on St. Patrick's Day, we stopped by the Celtic Ray..hearing that it was now under the ownership of former owner, Kevin Doyle.  And sure enough, there was himself right in the pub.  And the place much cleaned up from the prior ownership seemed like its old self.

We sat in our favorite spot under the little arch way between the bar and the pub's restaurant area and looked about.  It was one of the first places we came to when we moved to Punta Gorda, and much like the old Dean's it gave Punta Gorda it's comfortable sofa feeling.

Exactly what happened to have Kevin leave the Ray.... is behind us now.  And the grungy appearance the poor old Ray had the last time we stepped over it's doorway seems to be behind us now also, now that Mr. Doyle has returned.  And looks like we can also be expecting some of the great musicians that the Ray booked in the past.  Bridget's Cross, a traditional Irish band with a contemporary twist, and one of my personal favorites, is said to be booked at the Ray for the next six weekends.  According to their website http://brigidscross.com, they will definitely be there next weekend.

The Ray still serves up  an authentic Irish menu including bangers and mash, fish and chips, corn beef  and the like, all ordered at the bar the traditional way.  As the plates rushed by on St. Patrick's Day, the food looked familarly good.  Seating is an array of odd chairs and tables just like you would find in a pub in a tiny Irish town.

We're glad that the old Celtic Ray is back and may the luck of the Irish be with you Kevin.   And as the lyric that is wrapped around the pub's ceiling goes "I've been away from the Ray too long."