By: Patty Burke, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
“When I die I want to decompose in a barrel of porter and have it served in all the pubs in Ireland.” – J. P. Dunleavy
Ireland is known for many things – their hospitality, their breathtaking countryside, their history and certainly not the least of all, their pubs.
Pubs are a large part of the Irish culture. If you were to ask a native for directions in Dublin, you most likely wouldn’t be given street names but more likely pub names. And it’s in these pubs, you will find dishes that are elevating the reputation of Irish food as well. Irish food hasn’t
always been viewed as the best, but this has been changing over the past 25 years or so as Ireland has been experiencing a food revolution. Generally speaking, the food that you will find in Irish pubs is simple and traditional – including Irish Stew and Irish soda bread. But don’t let the simplicity fool you, there can be a lot of favor packed into these dishes.
Recently, I was lucky enough to accompany fellow travel agents on a trip to the Emerald Isle and got to experience a taste of Ireland. Of course, I was unable to sample all the pubs and drinks that can be found around the countryside but wanted to share some of
my favorites from this amazing visit.
On the day we arrived, a fellow travel agent and I booked an Irish Food tour with Flavour Trails. This was the perfect way to start our Irish experience. As our wonderful guide, Gráinne stated, it is a great way to learn about the culture, because culture is food. We enjoyed potatoes in three forms at our first stop at Boxty Pub and all were delicious!
Ireland pubs usually enjoy a rich backstory, and the next pub we ventured to is no exception. Mulligan and Haines pub is considered a Joycean pub. This is because, as stated on their website, it “creates a unique connection between the past and the present as it draws inspiration from Chapter 10 of Joyces’ Ulysses – a passage in which antagonist Buck Mulligan and his companion Haines entered this once Dublin Bread Company and enjoyed some tasty fare whilst engaging in a humorous exchange.” Here, I enjoyed a very tasty Beef and Guinness Stew and washed down with, of course, a proper Guinness beer!
Finally, we learned how to make a proper Irish coffee. As we found out during our time in Ireland, two things the Irish take VERY seriously is the proper way to pour a Guinness and the making of an Irish coffee. They will be sure to let you know if you do it wrong! Thankfully, I did a
pretty good job.
I’d also be remiss to have a conversation about pubs in Dublin without mentioning two of the most renowned. The first is Temple Bar, which is a big tourist attraction due to its’ lively music, great atmosphere and largest selection of whiskey. The second would be The Brazen Head, which is Ireland’s oldest pub, established in 1198, pictured below.
Dublin isn’t the only place in Ireland to enjoy the storytelling, live music and delicious beer, and whiskey in Ireland! Kilkenny is host to the very popular Kyteler’s Inn, which has a rich backstory of the original owner of the Inn, Alice le Kyteler. Alice was said to have such beauty that she
was married four times and caught the attention of many males in town. Due to this, as well as the unexplained and sudden deaths of her husbands, Alice was brought up on witchcraft charges. She was able to escape, and a handmaid was burned at the stake in her place. Also, the basement of the bar is said to be haunted.
One of the best things about many of the pubs in Ireland is their hospitality and warm people. Kelly’s Bar in Birr County exudes this Irish charm. In addition to the delicious food and cold beer, we were treated to spontaneous Irish ballads by a couple patrons and the owner himself. We were also delighted by the bartender’s love of American football.
We also got the opportunity to tour a couple breweries and distilleries while we were touring the Irish countryside. Enjoying the Smithwick’s Experience in Kilkenny was where we learned the history and the process of making Smithwick’s beer through an entertaining, hands on, and
technical telling. There is a chance to smell (and taste!) the ingredients used as well as a tasting of their delicious beer. Another touring opportunity was at the Killarney brewing company where they brew beer and distill gin and whiskey. This is a brand-new location and they are so excited to share the process and their drinks – with a beautiful rooftop view!
Let us help you enjoy world experiences such as this by making sure to contact your Marvelous Mouse Travel Agent and book your trip to Ireland with your family and friends! As the Irish toast goes, “There are good ships, and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.” Sláinte!
