Not sure what reaction you'd get asking for a whisky sour, though - not hostility, but probably bafflement !

We are going to be in Ireland in 18 days and this is great info. as we are going to spend a fair amount of time pub crawling. I have one question, it's stated repeatedly that the Irish love American tourists, how do they feel about Canadians?

Everybody loves Canadians :-)

Thanks Caroline, maybe we should add Scotland to our itinerary!

Can you go pub-crawling in an upright position?!

I think so, but it's not as much fun..........

In my (considerable) experience, you can <u>start</u> vertical...

Cailin is quite right it is not necessary to tip the bar staff but do leave a couple of euro for the lounge girl/boy, most of them are students and as their wages are generally very low they rely on the tips.

Well stated Rob.....and if you do end up horizontal, your degree of fun will depend greatly on what position those around you are in......

When the kegged beer is first poured in your glass and set on the bar table by the bartender, it will be not only much foamier than you are used to in America, it will only be half full. Do not touch it; you'll look like an American greenhorn. The beer will take two minutes to set. When the beer is ready to top off, your bartender will do so. Be patient.

Another Irish pub thrill you may experience in the west of Ireland are older men in bars who speak Gaelic or a sort of half-Gaelic/half-English. You are on your own on how to handle this.

TTT

Even in Gaelic parts they always will speak to you in English. In Donegal everyone spoke to us in English without us even uttering a word first...probably know we were Dubs!

Ok I feel silly, or even ignorant for asking this. But when ordering an irish coffee (with Jameson) do you just ask for a coffee, or an Irish coffee even though you are in Ireland?

Also, do they serve whip cream with it like in the states? If not, is it rude to add your own cream?

Ask for an Irish coffee. Irish coffee is a whiskey coffee. Cream is included and should look the same as you get at home.

I know it's a bit late to reply but I just had to clear up a few issues here!
I am Irish and live in Ireland and have been frequenting pubs for years.
A few points to clear up:
No need to buy barman a drink - very rare - I have never bought one even for the best of barmen or women.
Do not tip bar staff.
Small tips to floor staff only - when you are served at your table and if service is good.
Smoking in pubs is now against the law (if you smoke good opportunities for conversation with the smokers at the door).
If there is traditional music being played informally it is not offensive to talk, however it is usual to listen attentively to a singer or to a musician playing a solo slow air.

I agree sitting at the bar is good for meeting people.
If someone buys you a drink always buy one back or offer to buy one back.(very important).
Try to avoid getting into rounds (where you end up having drink bought a group of people who are drinking together and you have to buy one back for all the group.
Baileys sold in all bars is usually served on ice.
Try out the quieter off the tourist trail pubs - usually more interesting

I know it's a bit late to reply but I just had to clear up a few issues here!
I am Irish and live in Ireland and have been frequenting pubs for years.
A few points to clear up:
No need to buy barman a drink - very rare - I have never bought one even for the best of barmen or women.
Do not tip bar staff.
Small tips to floor staff only - when you are served at your table and if service is good.
Smoking in pubs is now against the law (if you smoke good opportunities for conversation with the smokers at the door).
If there is traditional music being played informally it is not offensive to talk, however it is usual to listen attentively to a singer or to a musician playing a solo slow air.

I agree sitting at the bar is good for meeting people, and talking to bar staff.
If someone buys you a drink always buy one back or offer to buy one back.(very important).
Try to avoid getting into rounds (where you end up having drink bought a group of people who are drinking together and you have to buy one back for all the group.
Baileys sold in all bars is usually served on ice.
Try out the quieter off the tourist trail pubs.