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| O'Hara's, Galway Hooker and... Protein Shake! Health and happiness go hand in hand in an Irish pub. :) |
Going to Dublin and not stopping at a pub (short for public house) is like going to Vatican City and not seeing the Sistine Chapel, or traveling to Paris for the first time and skipping the Eiffel Tower. You just can’t do it. Frankly, I think you owe it to yourself to experience a true Irish pub; it’s something you won’t forget.
A visit to a Dublin pub is like visiting an old friend. It feels like stepping into a living room of friendly people and lively conversation. No one is in a rush, and they always offer you a drink while you visit. You don’t have to have a beer; you may order coffee, tea, or a soft drink, although I suggest trying one of the local brews. You see, the pub is a place for social gatherings, friendly chats, or a rest stop after a long day where you catch up with friends before going home. While we New Yorkers may get alarmed by a pat on the shoulder from a stranger at the bar, it is deemed weird in an Irish pub if one does not talk to the guy who happens to be standing next to you.
Inevitably you will have a Guinness draught and you should. The taste is unique: smooth, full, and creamy. It simply can’t compare to the Guinness you get in the States. But don’t stop there, because there are many local brews to taste. You may not find them in the States, which is reason enough to try them in Ireland. Our guide suggested O’Hara’s, Galway Hooker, and Tom Creans. They were all great. I also got a Rebel Red from the Franciscan Well Brewery, which turned out to be one of my favorites. It has the perfect balance of caramel start and hoppiness to my taste. Pace yourself because there are many to choose from and you’ll have many opportunities to taste during your visit.
So the next time you’re in Ireland stop by a pub for one. Just remember that these are the larger Imperial pints, not US pints (568 ml vs 473 ml) and they are poured with little to no headspace. Talk to the friendly bartender for they are happy to chat and offer suggestions and try some of the local brews. You won’t be disappointed and if you’re lucky, a group of hurling fans may show up and start singing Irish songs. It happened to us. Just remember to cheer for the Wigan Warriors and have a good time.
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| Temple Bar is one of the main attestations in Dublin. Many tourists' one and only purpose is visiting Temple Bar and partying as if there were no tomorrow. |
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| I prefer local bars like this one. Hanging out with real Irish guys are just fun! |
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| Those pubs do have some serious attitude! |
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| The Brazen Head, Ireland's oldest pub. |
