Oliver St. John Gogarty's Bar, Temple Bar Area, Dublin
While there are certainly other things you must do while in Dublin (like see Saint Patrick's Cathedral, visit Kilmainham Gaol, walk the quays of the River Liffey, etc), stopping in a pub for a pint is great way to take part in Irish culture. My first introduction to pub culture was a lovely documentary I watched before ever setting foot in Ireland. PBS produced a wonderful piece called "The Historic Pubs of Dublin" hosted by the late, great Frank McCourt, a native Irishman. He takes you on a tour of some the oldest pubs in Dublin, imparting their rich history and exploring pub culture along the way. It is definitely worth a watch. You can watch the hour long video HERE on YouTube or at the bottom of this page.
M.J. O'Neill's on Suffolk Street Dublin
Inside O'Neill's Pub - lots of little rooms & snugs
We have chased down many of these old ancient pubs, many of which were frequented by some of Ireland's cherished personalities such as James Joyce, Brenden Behan, & Jonathan Swift. You might strike up a conversation with a local, witness a close football (soccer) game on the telly, or be delighted with some traditional music.
The Long Hall Pub on Georges Street
The Brazen Head, oldest pub in Dublin, established in 1198
Garden area of Brazen Head
Traditional Irish music will lure me straight into a pub and one of my favorite things to experience in Ireland. In Dublin, you can take part in a Musical Pub Tour which is a lovely way to visit some historic pubs while listening to great traditional music, learning about Irish music and pub culture from two guides who play for you at each place (this is not a raucous night of pint after pint, pub after pub). I've taken THIS TOUR twice and loved every minute and learned so much.
Our musician guides on the Musical Pub Tour
PBS Historic Pubs of Dublin with Frank McCourt:
The Temple Bar in the area known as Temple Bar - named after Sir William Temple and "Bar" used to refer to a raised estuary sandbank used for walking upon. Now, it seems to refer to a different kinds of bar. This particular pub, The Temple Bar, as well as this area, are considered to be very touristy and peopled by partiers. It's still a very interesting place worth visiting, even if you don't stay long. There are some very old and iconic pubs just up the street from here.
Occasionally you'll get a shamrock poured into the head of your Guinness (faintly seen about). I'm not entirely sure if this reserved for tourists or not. Makes a pretty picture though.
Guinness is undoubtedly one of the most famous things to come out of Ireland. It is ubiquitous with Ireland, and also with Saint Patrick's Day, as many folks nowadays forgo the Saint's Feast Day to partake in heavy drinking. Despite its part in some misguided celebrations, Guinness is an Irish celebrity. It was created in 1759 by Arthur Guinness and has really been a steadfast part of Irish culture ever since.
Black and beautiful (and very photogenic), adorned by a creamy froth, this drink is lovingly referred to as the Black Stuff. As with any drink, especially alcoholic libations, it is not for everyone. On my first trip to Ireland, I could not finish a pint Guinness, but over the years it has won me over. It is now one of my most favorite beers, deceivingly light in calories yet complex in taste. If anything it has become nostalgic for me, whisking me away with each sip to the cobbled lanes and warm pubs of Ireland. And it's almost all I order when in Ireland (and it does taste even better there, truly). Most certainly, it will be part of my Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, accompanying a beef stew or seafood chowder and some brown bread.
At the Guinness Storehouse
Guinness Storehouse
Just one of Guinness's fun adverts, Temple Bar, Dublin.
Letting a pint settle at Sean's Bar, the oldest Pub in Ireland (Arguably Europe - 900 AD). Iris
