Drinking, Dublin

Well, not quite, but indeed, Guinness is an important part of the history of Dublin and in fact, is one of the most successful breweries in the world. Since Arthur Guinness first set up shop in 1759 in St. James Gate. He made his legendary purchase of the brewery for a whopping 100 pounds for a term of 9000 years!! Quite a bargain. Over the years, Guinness has been one of the most important and respected employers in Dublin and a vital part of its history and economy. Go to www.guinness.com for the full story.

Aside from Guinness, the pubs in general are a big part of the culture of the city. Go in and enjoy the friendly locals and soak up the atmosphere of an authentic Irish pub. Also, look up the word, "craic."

Pub etiquette:
The crucial thing here is the "round" system, in which each participant takes turns to shout an order. To the outsider, this may
appear casual; you will not necessarily be told it's your round and other participants may appear only too happy to substitute for you. But make no mistake, your failure to "put your hand in your pocket" will be noticed.
People will mention it the moment you leave the room. Don't attempt to leave the pub without putting your hand in your pocket and paying for your round. Please note that all barmen and lounge staff expect to be paid immediately after serving drinks.
ANON

Guinness is the beer of choice, served by the pint and cold (as opposed to at room temp, as I've heard some claim- Guinness just started selling kegs which are served 2.5degrees c colder). It takes a while for the head to settle, so the bartender will place it in front of you for it to settle and then finish it off in a couple minutes (Guinness' newest ad slogan is "Tingle of Anticipation"...more like torture). Make sure you drink it as illustrated.

Also, if you get Irish Coffee, it will have whiskey, not Bailey's Irish Cream, in it.

Most importantly, do NOT order a black and tan. That's what brutal British soldiers who killed many civilians are called.

Actually, most importantly, drink and party! The Irish are famous for their great brews pubs, and people. I noticed that in almost every pub, there was an amazing cross section of the population (unlike in Boston). You will often see young and old and really old drinking together.

... a poem by the late great Brian O'Nolan aka Flann O'Brien aka Myles Na gCopaleen (best spoken in thick Dublinese by a gobdaw known to all as 'the Brother') …

'The Workmans Friend'


When things go wrong and will not come right,

Though you do the best you can,

When life looks black as the hour of night -

A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

When money's tight and hard to get

And your horse has also ran,

When all you have is a heap of debt -

A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

When health is bad and your heart feels strange,

And your face is pale and wan,

When doctors say you need a change,

A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

When food is scarce and your larder bare

And no rashers grease your pan,

When hunger grows as your meals are rare -

A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

In time of trouble and lousy strife,

You've still got a darling plan

You still can turn to a brighter life -

A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

© Brian O'Nolan.

Dublin is full of great pubs. Go and enjoy the craic with the locals, they are (mostly) really friendly to strangers and tourists.

An Irish custom is drinking in the pubs and there are many of them.

Guineess beer is very popular beer in Ireland. We took a tour of the brewery.

Guinness should win the Nobel Prize for Medicine, Peace, and Economics. The company has people spending more than they earn, and loving it! It's a national treasure.

Sometimes the best photos are of advertising signs. Guinness has the world's best. Is this a vitamin?

Really good, buonissimo! Nothing to do with whatever irish coffee you might order abroad, so specially tasty.
Price around Eur 5, perfect int the afternoon to start your evening taste drinking ;)

This is the building where Guinness store is, you can buy all sort of souveniers and tour the plant.