Okay, what is good to drink in Ireland? I have no idea what Guiness is, or stout, and what about the Irish whiskies? I'd like some direction and experience to help me on my way in October.

Well, if you;re really interested in Guinness - why not just try some (IMHO just much heavier than any type of lager) - you can find it in any supermarket. Same for Irish whiskies in an local wine store. Why not try and see what you like for cheap - before you have to pay the pubs' per drink prices for them.

But Guinness from an American supermarket tastes nothing like a well-poured Guinness from the tap in an Irish pub!

Guinness, at least in Ireland, is a dark, rich beer which to my taste is very smooth and drinkable. Trying it elsewhere is not the same experience as it doesn't seem to travel all that well. I've had it in the UK as well, but it just wasn't the same.

There are others that are good as well, such as Murphy's and ciders are also an option.

What I am really trying to find out is what these drinks are like. I have had Jamison whiskey for instance, so what are some other possibilities to try? I have had the regular American beers and some of the Mexican and English beers and a few others---but have no idea what Guiness is like. I gather there is a huge selection of beers in whiskey in Ireland---so much to drink and so little time, so I'd like to get some good ideas where to start.

There's never an overwhelming selection of beers in one pub. Maybe 4-6 on tap and then a selection of bottles. The best way to find out what you like is find a pub, put in your order and have a seat. Guinness is a stout, BTW.

adam - when in Dublin try to get to Mulligans on Poolbeg St, serves the best pint of guinness in the city.
guinness is a stout, a dark beer, and a good guinness will taste a little bitter, yet sweet, and will be thick and creamy, it should maintain the creamy head right til the last drop.
After your pint has been served to you you must WAIT until it settles before you drink. And herein lies the magic of guinness ..... the anticipation of the first soul refreshing mouthful!
A manky guinness will taste watery and very bitter - don't drink it.

You might enjoy the Jameson's Distillery tour - at the end of the tour they ask for volunteers to be taste testers ... you get to try 4 or so whiskeys, and even though i don't care much for the taste of whiskey it was none the less very interesting to learn the difference between the 4 varieties.

As the others have advised, when you go into a pub just scan the taps to see what is on offer and sample at your leisure, ask for a 'glass of ...' whatever if you don't want to drink pints. A 'glass' is a half pint.

Have fun.

Hey, thanks for the help. I learned a lot already. I had no idea Guinnes was a stout, and I guess I am still unsure what classifies a stout. But at least I know now what to look for. I am so looking forward to trying some!

Bailey's Irish Creme over a couple of ice cubes. There is nothing in the world like it and the cream is better there because it's not ruined with preservatives and what not. Just so fresh and mmmmmmmmmmm.........!

A caution about Guinness -- it creates an inordinate amount of gas in one's system, so those awful sounds and stenchy odors can only be attributed to the "source."

About 6 years ago Guinness installed 'cold box' taps in many pubs and sold 'Extra cold' Guinness, but I don't think it went over very well with Irish Guinness drinkers. I prefer the old fashioned draught Guinness. Some other brands you may wish to try are Harp, Smithwicks (the 'w' is silent), Murphy's and Bulmer's (that last being a Cider).

Bailey's Irish Cream is, IMHO, for Irish Coffee or to pick up in the Duty Free shop at the airport and bring home. Jameson and Powers are popular Irish whiskeys from the Republic as is Bushmill's from the North.

BTW
Guinness 'family' includes Cruz Campo (Spain), Heinekin (Netherlands) and an Australian Brewery

adam,

Should you sample Guiness - and by all means do - you'd be wise to a give a couple other Irish stouts a whirl. Murphy's, hailing from Co. Cork, is quite tasty, and offers a wee bit of sweetness. Another good stout is Beamish. In fact, it's on par with Guiness, but is often overlooked by tourist tipplers.

As for spirits, Bushmills is at the head of the class, and makes for an ideal conclusion to a day of touring the Emerald Isle.

Cheers and best of luck.

This is just great information! Question about Bulmer's. When you say 'cider' I am assuming it is an alcoholic cider, is that correct? And also, are there any mixed drinks like I have heard about in England like---is it lemonade and beer? I just want to experiment with what the locals enjoy.

Lemonade mixed with beer is called a shandy. Dreadful stuff!

On our second trip to Ireland I had my first warm port, offered by our dinner waitress who said it would help my cold. It was so good I didn't care if it helped or not. Then I found out about hot whiskey...Luckily most of our trips are in cooler weather so I can order these drinks!

As for stouts, I don't care for the taste of Guinness, but I am okay with Murphy's. I usually order Smithwick's if I am drinking "beer". My husband is Guinness all the way!

Would agree with previous poster - I find Murphy's more palatable. I'm more of a beer fan (Try Kilkenny).

Fans of Stout will scream, but I find the tiniest spot (and just that) of blackcurrant in a Guinness, just helps it go down a bit easier.

As for Whiskey, try it with a drop of water instead of ice.

You should NEVER have to wait for your Guinness to settle after you get it at the bar or have it brought to your table. It should settle before it is moved. If it hasn't, that's what they call a "white pint". Don't stand for it!

And the extra cold taps are doing just fine in Ireland. Most pubs offer a choice between the standard stuff (still cold, definitely not room temperature) and the Extra Cold flow.

A lot of men I know like a shandy if they are driving, or after playing football.

Cider is very sweet. You tend to find that kids drink it by the liter (it's very cheap from the off license) or younger women drink it in the pub, because of the sweetness. I used to like it until I hit about 25, and then it just became to sweet for my taste.

Walter, I won't even comment on the blackcurrant fiasco.

A few follow-up questions. . .is the cider alchololic? Is Harp and Smithwick beer or stout? What is the difference between beer and stout? Any other beer, whiskey, or drink to consider? The information you all have shared is wonderful. I am going to have a grand time in Ireland. . .might not see much of the sights but will definitely have a good time in the pubs!

Cider is always alcoholic in Eire & the UK.(unless otherwise stated)Some ciders are very strong.
Stout (porter) contains, I believe, toasted oatmeal.

Cider is alcoholic but Irish Cider (Bulmers) is sweet Cider. In the UK most Ciders are sour tasting totally defferent from Bulmers. Bukmers is called Magners in the UK and I think something else in France.

Guiness you just have to try. most people do not like it initially but if its fresh it grows on you. The canned guiness is fine and a good way to try before.


People do drink shandy's like ann said if they are driving or off to an acticity later. Its not bad so try for yourself.

Hot port and hot Whiskey are great in the winter to warm the bones.

You also can get wine and short i.e. G&T etc.