I can only drink just so much Guinness. It fills me up pretty fast. But I'm quite fond of Smithwick's Ale, a rich, amber ale that's very easy to drink. In a pub, they call it "Smittick's", although I've heard people order a "Smittie's" as well. I wish I could get it in the States. Any other nominees for favorite Irish ales that I can try this summer?

Some of my traveling companions enjoyed Murphy's. It's a stout, but they felt it was a bit lighter than Guinness. It's brewed in County Cork, I think. (Keep an eye out. I hear Smithwick's is slowly making its way to the States.)

I'm a Guinness and a Smittie guy when in Ireland. They do sell Budweiser & Coors Light as imports in most of the pubs, but why would one go all the way to Ireland to drink water.

"They do sell Budweiser & Coors " . . for those who do not drink beer.

I'm a Guiness or Murphy drinker myself, but I suspect what you're looking for is Harp, a delightful lager, much lighter.

I didn't think Smithwick's is an ale, but maybe I'm wrong.

It's available in the US, and in Northern Ireland at least, just the "w" is silent.

Hi
You should try cider it tastes like applejuice but really strong it's called blackthorn cider you can alos get it here in the irish bars it is called Magners..

Ann41, I don't believe it is an ale, either.

It's very smooth going down, and it's great when you are having more than one. Most likely in the lagar category.

Harp is very similar with a little more body. You can't go wrong with either one of them.

For all the Smithwick's Fans you now can get it in the USA at a Irish pub near you .Its been avalible since January IN the NYC area

mexico,

Sadly, you'd be hard pressed to find an Irish ale of any distinction, and that certainly includes Smithwick's. To find a good quality bitter, you'll find greater satsfaction in the U.K.

Regarding stouts, a good alternative to the ever-present and all-powerful Guinness empire is Beamish. It's not always easy to find, but it's quite flavorful and satisfying.

Best of luck.

okay, question about beer or ale or whatever....it's all the same to me, not being a beer drinker! We are Canadians, my husband is an avid beer drinker, his favourite brand being Labatt's Blue. His big main concerns about travelling to Ireland is #1....the beer being room temperature and #2...what is going to drink if they don't have his "Blue"????

I repeat, ladyjane, look for Harp!

Count another vote for Harp! It was always served cold and required no chewing at all.

We didn't think the beer really was served at room temperature. It wasn't as cold as we Americans are used to, but it was definitely cool.

The beer is cold, I repeat, the beer is cold. Hubby will love either Harp or Smithwick -- I guarantee!!

The warm beer myth is the ale's that are "pumped" up from the cellar - not tapped from CO2. The barrels are stored in the cellar which is about 55 degrees.

Okay Budman....sounds like Harp is the beer to try! I've written it down so I don't forget. Can hardly wait to try it. Thanks so much!

How did I miss out on joining this post? One of my favorite topics.

Smithwicks is indeed an ale and no less an authority as Michael Jackson (not the one currently charged with pedophilia) claims it to be so (as does Guinness). I have not yet seen Smithwicks in the States. It may take a while to get distribution around the country. Until not too long ago, it was my understanding that it was only available in Toronto. Read what Michael has to say about it here.
http://www.beerhunter.com/documents/19133-000028.html

Ladyjane: If your husband likes Labatts then he will like Harp.

There are a few microbreweries in Ireland, two that I know of in Dublin. The Porterhouse and McGuire?s both generally in the Temple Bar area. I have not been to the Porterhouse (yet) but the stout at McGuire?s is fantastic. Better than Guinness in my estimation.

On the west coast is the Biddy Early brewery between Ennis and Doolin (in Inagh). The red is not there best work. Oddly, I find their pilsner to be there best and I'm not a huge pilsner fan. The stout is good also.

Bill

In some areas you can find Kilkenny ale,
which is thick and pale and sometimes hits the spot for me. Normally, I drink Harp in Ireland, but a nice hot whiskey or port is what I usually love!

Ahhh yes allison, I forgot Kilkenny. It's similiar to Caffrey's and some refer to it as a "blonde" Guinness.

Bill

Well, thanks for all the replies. I think we found a subject that we all have opinions on. I look forward to trying several of the suggested brews this summer.