Dublin is the place where you can live life to the fullest. For me it started with a drink and ended with a drink. As far as I can remember; I was happy whole the time. Nothing can compares with pubs in Ireland, especially not some pubs in Dublin.
Stroked by the whiskey effect
In the corner at the pubs we visited, sat local musicians in the corner. They played wildly, we jumped around like wild Irish cows, and song along the best we could (without sounding too much as howling Irish sheeps).
I asked for a bottle of Whiskey. The bartender said; "What year?". I said loud and clear: "I want it know"! Some brands of Irish Whiskey are stored 16 years before you can drink it. It`s a long time to wait for someone who is real thirsty.
The whiskey effect was apparently and the people's energy was powerful. Some people look like they had ants in their shoes and pants. Said of strong whiskey; it`d make a rabbit spit at a dog. The Irish really know how to make good whiskey. If we managed to wake up some of the ghosts in the pubs, it wouldn't surprise me, but unfortunately I couldn't see any of them.
Songs we sung clear and loudly are listed below:
Wild rover:
I've been a wild rover for many years,
And I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer.
And now I'm returning with gold in great store
And I never will play the wild rover no more.
And its no, nay, never, no nay never no more,
Will I play the wild rover, no nay never no more.
Whiskey in the Jar
As I was going over the far famed Kerry Mountains,
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was counting.
I first produced my pistol and then put out my rapier.
Saying stand and deliver for you are the bold deceiver.
With my whack fol the dol fol the da,
whack fol the dah di oh, whack fol the dah de oh.
There's whiskey in the jar.
I'm a man you don't meet every day
Oh my name is Jock Stewart,
I am canny gun man
And a roving young fellow I've been
So be easy and free when you're drinking with me,
I'm a man you don't meet every day
Greatest pubs:
Here are some of the perfect waterholes in Dublin that you shouldn't miss:
O'Donoghue's (15 Merrion Row):
This is an old and lively Irish pub, small and narrow. Here you can enjoy good traditional music each evening. The pub is normally full packed. This is the pub where the famous folk group Dubliners first started for many years ago. The same music still goes on with the same great enthusiasm.
Photo 1 and 2. Johnny is the king. One of the great local musicians. He could really play.
Brazen Head (20 Lr. Bridge St):
Claims to be Dublin's oldest pub. Located little bit outside the busy area. This pub most visited especially at weekends during the summer. The pub has an open courtyard at the front, which can be a great spot during fine weather.
Photo: Local musicians created strong emotional vibrations.
Photo. Dancing the night away. A kind of Irish step dance? It does look like Riverdance, doesen`t it?
The Temple Bar (Temple Bar):
Formerly known as "Flannery's". This pub is a typical traditional Irish pub located in the middle of Temple Bar. Use to be very busy, especially in the summer time when tourists arrive. The whole Temple Bar area is perfect for great party lions if you really like to roar and jump around. But don't forget to show your respect for the unique Irish pub culture and live traditional music. Sometimes tourists can be too noisy! Take a look at the Irish; they have really style!
Johnnie Fox's Pub:
The highest pub in Ireland? You find this traditional pub somewhere deeply hidden in the Wicklow Mountains. Just follow the signposts from Rathfarnham in Dublin, so you will find the way on the small rocky road. Tourists like to find their way up there. It is quite nice to sit outside during the summertime if it is not too windy. The food is really good but expensive. Great Irish live music is performed seven nights a week and the craic (atmosphere) is especially good.
Combination of green Irish scenery and fresh air, good food and drinks, good music and nice people, makes it well worth a tour to this mountain pub. Don't forget this: if you get sick after drinking too much you can claim instead that you have got altitude sickness. It sounds better! Another thing to bear mind when the party is over: The fox will go no further than his feet will carry him (Irish wisdom). There is a (long) rocky road back to Dublin! (also a name of a song).
Type of beers
Since Ireland is well known for beer, it is strange that the range of beer brands is so limited compared with other countries, for example Belgium, which has an incredible long and wide tradition on beer brands. Micro-breweries do not exist in Ireland. Below you find an overview of the beers you get from the tab:
Guinness:
This bear is probably the most popular one. Being the famous stout, it features a black or dark brownish body with a creamy, white head. It is quite heavy to drink because it contains a lot of yeast, but rather light in alcohol (about 4.3 %). Don't worry; you don't have to chew it.
Murphy's:
This is another stout, little bit more expensive than Guinness. Somewhat milder in taste compared to your ordinary pint of plain. As with Beamish, you won't get it everywhere, since it's not as popular as Guinness. All the stouts contain about 4 % of alcohol.
Smithwick's:
It is an Irish ale done by Guinness. Rather smooth and mild in taste, good as a first drink in the morning for curing a severe hangover (not my advice; Irish recommendation). The best way to cure hangovers in my opinion is egg and bacon, eventually combined with Irish whiskey.
Beamish:
A stout brewed in Cork.
Kilkenny:
Another Irish ale, done in the town with the same name. To sort out the confusion: in continental Europe and elsewhere, Kilkenny is another name for Smithwick`s, a red ale done by the Guinness group. To be sure to avoid misunderstandings: ask for both at the same time!!!!
Updated words from the song Wild rover:
"I played the wild rover in Dublin's fantastic pubs for many days. And I've spent all my money on whiskey and beer".
And I returned with great memories,
And I STILL want to play the wild rover again".
Riverdance by the Liffey River is something you should try, especially together with step dancing Irish hunting ladies. This was an unforgettable social and cultural experience in Dublin, which I will remember all my life. It was not my last time there
Stein Morten Lund, 3 October 2001
Additional information and related links
Read more about Dublin's pubs, bear and party life there:
- Dublin Pub Review (Chris Zimmermann): http://users.powernet.co.uk/platinum/dpubs2.html
- The real Dublin pub guide: http://www.dublinpubs.net/
- Information on attractions, events and accommodations and more in Dublin: www.visitdublin.com
Read more about the party life on your web site! Read about unique party places in South Africa, Tokyo and more. We don't pretend we are partying, we are real partying!
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