If ever you're looking for an Irish pub, potentially with an Irish band comprised of Irish men, then the Fastnet is your spot. With its open-air façade, slightly dingy, but affectionately so, wood paneling and well-worn bar with the weathering of a sliding drink groove, this pub is as non-pretentious as any.
The bartenders are friendly enough and will gladly pour a perfectly frothy Guinness, zippy red ale or a fresh Jameson on the rocks. The pub fare is typical enough, but the onion rings are something special. With an exterior as bready-bready, crispy crunch, goldenly delicious as a pot-of-gold, these are ring perfection...especially when dunked in tub of sweltering buffalo sauce.
I had a great experience here recently.
I was able to watch the 2013 Men's Wimbledon finals (Murray and Djokovic) with a bunch of friends whilst imbibing a mimosa or two. All. of. my. favorite. things. in. one. place.
The service is friendly, quirky, and not overbearing. It's a sports bar of sorts, but not limited to traditional sports.
I'm a big fan of Broadway bars in Newport--I like anything that's a bit off of the tourist track. Give it a try.