Visit the Irish pubs, an unforgettable experience

When you think about Ireland you think about the pubs and the Guinness. Their reputation as beer drinker is known all round the world. With a consummation of 138.3 Liter of beer every year, Ireland arrives second after Germany in the top beer drinking countries. Not surprising when you see a pub at every corner in every city.

When traveling with your car rental Ireland , you’ll enjoy the experience of sitting in a pub after a long day driving around. Each pub is unique. The decoration, the music and even the customers are different depend of the city and the location. If you go to Temple bar in Dublin you’ll meet mostly tourists but if you want to meet local you better go a bit out of the city center. My most interesting experience was in a small village in the north of Mayo. We stopped for a night away from the tourist path and decided to go for a Guinness. The pub was full of locals surprised to see us here but eager to invite us for drinks. What a great night!

The famous Irish beer is the Guinness made in Dublin. It is very dark beer and has a "toast" or coffee-like taste. Other Irish beers are Smithwick, an Irish red ale style beer from Kilkenny and Beamish stout, Dense, malty, dark and chocolaty, between others.

Some pubs not to miss in Dublin:
• The Brazen Head (http://www.brazenhead.com/) : Dublin's oldest pub have started pouring the good stuff in 1198. Located at 20 Bridge Street (Lower) it is opposite the Four Courts and a good walk (or short bus ride) away from the city center. Recommended for nostalgic decor and a good pint. Bold Robert Emmet had lodgings here and is said to still visit occasionally ... despite being executed in 1803.
• The Auld Dubliner: Situated in the middle of the busy Temple Bar District this pub is known for its bright mural (including a Jack Russell Terrier relieving himself), folk music and crowds. You will never get bored here, but you'll not hear the music at peak times.
• The Hole in the Wall: Right next to the Phoenix Park in Blackhorse Avenue (Dublin 7), this is Ireland's longest pub, created by combining several old houses. Usually full with a local crowd and people "in the know" travelling some distance to enjoy around 100 yards of bar.

Summer Music Festivals in Dublin

Summer is always a busy time to visit Dublin but a good time to catch one of the outdoor art or music festivals/concerts.

• Oxegen Festival: Ireland's Oxegen Festival is always one of the can't-be-beat best concerts in Northern Europe and sizzle Dublin with over 100 acts and 80,000 rockers at this sells-out-fast event featuring confirmed concerts from Jay Z, Muse, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Kasabian, Florence and the Machine, Stereophonics, Paolo Nutini and Faithless.  It’s every year at the beginning of July (July 9-11 in 2010). Ticket price hasn't changed since 2008 and is €224.50 total for three days of music and overnight camping. More info here

• Dublin Writers Festival:  International writers Antony Beevor, Hanif Kurieshi, Yann Martel and multi-award winning Ian McEwan will join Irish writers Jennifer Johnston, Joseph O’Connor and Tom Murphy and dozens more at this year’s Dublin Writers Festival. The 6-day literary Festival features over 40 writers and takes place the first week of June.  More info on the website. 

• Dun Laoghaire World Culture Festival: Immersed in folk, traditional, eclectic, tribal, digital and the experimental, the Festival of World Cultures presents a kaleidoscopic program of concerts & club nights, fairs & markets, performances, street events, workshops and so much more. Ireland’s first Global Carnival!! The Festival is committed to presenting a series of world music concerts that can be experienced by all in a unique and intimate local setting while also offering a ‘passport to the world’ program of events, many of which are free to all. It takes place during 3 days at the end of July (2010: 23rd, 24th, 25th July). More info on the town website.

• Electronic Picnic: Electric Picnic has established itself as a truly unique Irish festival, set amid the rolling lawns of Stradbally Hall, Co Laois, a beautiful 600 acre estate just 50 minutes from Dublin. Fine music, art, theatre, comedy, pantomime, holistic health….plus a lot more. It is held in September (2010: 3rd, 4th & 5th Sept). More info here.

While in Dublin, you should visit the surrounding by car. Dublin car rental is easy and cheap, especially if you’re travelling with friends or family.

Day trips around Dublin

We have seen the system of car hire Dublin Airport and you have decided which car to rent. You have decided to stay a few days in Dublin and discover the surroundings. Below are some ideas of destination for amazing day trips.

1. Newgrange and Kell

One hour North of Dublin, Newgrange has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has an impressive Megalithic Passage Tomb richly decorated which was built about 3200 BC. The 19 meters long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. Nearby is the village of Kells which has a large collection of Celtic Crosses and other remnants from the monastic age in Ireland. The book of Kells has been discovered there and is now displayed at Trinity College in Dublin.

 

 

 

2. The Wicklows
The Wicklows are mountains South of Dublin. A great place to go hiking! Don’t miss the Powerscourt House and gardens, one of the world’s greatest gardens, and Glendalough, an ancient monastery in the heart of the Wicklows Mountains National Park. Don’t forget to stop at Johnnie Fox’s pub in Glencullen for a pint, one of Ireland's oldest and most famous traditional Irish pubs  and also the highest pub in the country.

3. Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval city at 1h30 South of Dublin. The main attraction is the castle built in the 13th century.  Walk in the city to discover the galleries and old buildings.

 

 

Most places are accessible by public transport or with organizing tours from Dublin. But I always prefered to rent a car to have more flexibility and stop anyway on the road.

The experience of driving in Ireland

During the three years I lived in Dublin, I rented a car every time I could get out of the city to explore the country. Hiring a car in Ireland in the best way to discover the beautiful landscapes.  Dublin car rental system is very good and professional. Booking the car at Dublin Airport is the easiest way as you can get it as soon as you’re arriving and the office is open every day from early morning to late evening.  Booking in advance is recommended especially during the summer holidays and to have the best deals.

The first time I drove on the left, it was scary. It’s like learning again to drive! Especially on their narrow winding roads. Not to mention, the rain, mist and fog, the sheep and cows in the middle of the roads as if they owned it.  But if you drive carefully, you should be fine. Finding your way around in the country can be sometimes quite challenging! Many country roads are not well marked and sometimes the road signs are broken or hidden by the vegetation. So be ready to do some extra kilometers and don’t hesitate to stop and ask local people the right way. Irish people are very friendly and love chatting! You will discover some unspoiled spots usually not marked on the map that will make your trip unforgettable. So what are you waiting for?