Three Sheets: Ireland

It should come as no surprise that the Irish consume the second-highest amount of alcohol per capita, at 13.5 liters per person.  For a country that is known not only for drinking and pub culture, but for the drinks that they produce, it’s makes sense that is one of the world’s most ideal places to belly up to the bar and literally “drink in” the culture. As the home to Guinness, a 200 year-old brewery in Dublin that’s famous stout boasts health benefits, like strength, it’s also a dominant maker of some of the world’s best whiskey. And with drinks like the Irish coffee, a plethora of pubs, friendly locals and a holiday in March that’s dedicated to St. Patrick and all things related to drinking, Ireland is a most definitely boozer’s delight.

WHERE WE WENT

Dublin is an amazing city, but for a more authentic drinking experience, head out west to the city of Galway.

• Kings Head Pub – Established in 1649, this pub serves up a Galway Style Black & Tan. As for a ‘pint of ‘special’: a pink of Smithwick’s topped with a small amount of Guinness to give it a creamy top.
• Freeney’s — Stop in for the perfect pint of Guinness, which according to the brewing company, is ready to drink 119.5 seconds after your first pour. At 198 calories for a 20 oz. glass it’s less calories than most popular American beer.
• Moran’s On The Weir — At Moran’s in Kilcogan they serve up some of the best oysters and fish on the planet.
• Tigh Hughes – Take a drive to the picturesque coastal town of Spiddal and belly up to this local bar, where English is the second language. Try some authentic Irish Whiskey or stick with a pint of the black stuff. You’ll feel like an outsider when you walk in and a local when you leave.
• Park House Hotel – Pop by for an Irish Coffee a tasty mix of coffee, Irish whiskey and cream.

How to toast in Ireland

Sláinte (slahn-chə) is a word literally translating as “health” and is commonly used as a drinking toast in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Sláinte mhaiph fada is bás en Eireann means “Good health, long life, and may you die in Ireland”.

Slainte bradán bod mór agus bás in Eireann means “To the health of the Salmon, a large penis and death in Ireland”.

Ireland Fun Facts:

• The legal drinking age in Ireland is 18.
• ‘Busking’ is an Irish word that refers to a live performance in a public place.
• A two stage pouring process is needed when you drink a Guinness because it is 25% CO2 and 75% Nitrogen which is not absorbed into liquid as easily. This makes it less fizzy and creamier but it also means it’s slower to settle.
• The word ‘whiskey’ came from the word ‘uisce’ meaning water.
• Irish Whiskey is distilled three times and the barley is roasted in ovens for a mild flavor, while Scottish Whiskey is distilled two times so it has a slightly harder edge and the barley is roasted over peat driven smoke so it has an earthy flavor.