"For some reason, the owners were really cagey about commenting on this expansion.

I have no idea why, but they wouldn't talk to me about it at all. Which makes no sense, because I'm just trying to offer them a little free publicity."

Sounds like a reluctant someone may be experiencing some difficulty with their renovation financing.

I've never gotten anything but grief from dealing with Claddagh Pub, so the fact that they're still being [dumbos] doesn't surprise me.

I always thought the Galway Lounge is just the existing smaller bar area upstairs that is sectioned off from the louder, bigger, more crowded front bar area. It's got some couches and armchairs and a fireplace, therefore qualifying it as a "lounge".

My wife held my surprise 30th birthday there in July. They closed it off for us with curtains. It's a nice little space, but nothing new or worth reviewing.

The expansion I believe will be something much larger. But from talking to the bartender there one night, won't be happening for a while.

I thought the Galway Lounge was always there, it being the second bar upstairs that was curtained off during the week.
They've been working on the expansion into that third building for years, who knows when it will come to fruition. I'm surprised Michael Clark wouldn't be more forthcoming with info, he always seems so customer friendly. Wait, sarcasm doesn't come through well in writing, does it?

I'm not sure about the expansion, but I thought the upstairs area was always called the Galway Lounge. That's where they have some chairs and couches set up with a bar. Then on the other side is the "dancing" (for lack of a better word, because there's hardly any room to dance with 200 people stuffed in there) area.

You know, the more I read this, the more I realize something has gone horribly, horribly wrong.

I may owe you all several apologies -- the first being that it's the Galway Lounge, not the Calway Lounge, and it's been there for a while -- it's not a new expansion. I'm terribly sorry about that.

You can't be right all the time, and I was wrong here. Again, my apologies.

Sam,

When I spoke to the owner two months ago, I was told that the new section would include a rooftop bar with a retractable roof for summer months. However, no date was given on when that would be complete or when the county location (which I was told would be in Towson) would open.

They're probably cagey about talking about their expansion because they're doing all of the construction but haven't applied to the Liquor Board for the permit yet. Typical of the Clarkes - better to beg forgiveness than ask permission. BTW - did anyone hear whatever became of the "Michal Clarke carrying a shotgun through the bar" incident?

I saw the Michael Clark mug shot.
I actually got hired there when I moved to Baltimore 9 years ago. I never showed up for my first day after I saw him screaming at his employees during a busy Saturday night. Best decision I ever made.