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Happy St. Patricks Day

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Where in the world have you visited Irish bars? Were they authentic?
13 years ago, March 16th 2011 No: 1 Msg: #131341  

Cheers big ears!







Though I have walked past Irish bars in almost every continent I visited, I rarely go into them. I prefer to wait until my at least once yearly visits to Ireland.

There was one near where I lived in down town Toronto that I did visit many times, because some of my friends hung out there. I cant remember the street name though. It was a long time ago.

Reply to this

13 years ago, March 16th 2011 No: 2 Msg: #131348  
As a an Irish person/Paddy, I try and stay away from Irish bars. They're generally not that authentic and because they have a Shamrock or Guinness sign outside the door they think they can put up their prices by 50%. There was one in Cusco, Peru that wasn't far off the real thing. I cant remember the name though. Anyway, the traditional Irish bar are few and far between in the land of the saints and scholars. It's all fancy leather chairs with loud chart music pumped through the speakers. My girlfriend laughs at me but you cant even have a conversation any more the music is so loud. Guess I'm getting old!

To all those Irish who have had to leave recently I hope you can celebrate it where ever you are. Bain sult as an lá Naomh Pádraig. Eireann go Brach! Reply to this

13 years ago, March 17th 2011 No: 3 Msg: #131430  
I think this is a great thread. I am eager to find out where people have celebrated and in what ways.

Not being Irish, I've never made an effort to celebrate. Although once a few years ago when we were living in Seattle we celebrated at Kells Irish Pub. It was a fine afternoon. It had that Irish Pub feel about it---- that so many Irish Pubs do in America but I'm not sure how authentic it really is. The fish and chips were grand so that and a couple of beers made for a nice afternoon. I don't see the attraction to green beer and have not tried it.

I imagine the St. Patrick's celebrations around the world have gained in popularity as they have in the United States. I have a good friend who has always celebrated her Irish roots with gusto. She finally made it to Ireland two years ago and was going to purchase a scarf in her families colors. She could not find what she was looking for and asked for some assistance. The clerk gave her a funny look and informed her she was Scottish. I laughed until I cried when she told us this story. Amazing.... at those celebrations of her Irish roots.

I would like to go to Chicago for their parade and celebrations some day.


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13 years ago, March 17th 2011 No: 4 Msg: #131450  
The pubs can be great but the LP annoyed me a bit about Irish Pubs. One description of a pub in Buenos Aires said it "served typical Irish food like Steak & Kidney pie". Now, I can guarantee you 99% of Irish would not and do not eat Steak & Kidney pies. One recently for a pub in Amman, Jordan said it "served typical Irish food like Bread & Butter Pudding". Both of these foods are associated with the UK and very few Irish eat them or desire to eat them.

I will say though, you cant beat a good shindig in an Irish pub. Reply to this

13 years ago, March 17th 2011 No: 5 Msg: #131467  
I apologize for anything that you found offensive in my post. I had absolutely no intention of saying the wrong thing.
Please accept my apologies.

In the United States many of the Irish Pubs I have been in are decorated in a similar way and have similar items on the menu. Not having had the pleasure to travel to Ireland yet I can't confirm how authentic they are. Truly no offense was intended.
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13 years ago, March 17th 2011 No: 6 Msg: #131468  
??

You didn't say anything bad! The only thing I can think is that you think LP is "Last Post". I meant Lonely Planet guides though. I'm now confused and embarrassed! It was just my rant on what the Lonely Planet considers Irish!!! Reply to this

13 years ago, March 17th 2011 No: 7 Msg: #131469  
Yep, thought you meant last post.

I can now see how lonely planet makes plenty of sense.

No harm. Reply to this

13 years ago, March 17th 2011 No: 8 Msg: #131470  
Sorry again!

I felt real bad. Lonely Planet, causing more trouble!! Reply to this

13 years ago, March 17th 2011 No: 9 Msg: #131471  
Please, please, please do not feel bad at all. My mind was experiencing a little gap not to have figured out Lonely Planet.

Ah, the joys of internet .....and abbreviations. I had to laugh at myself when I realized you meant Lonely Planet.

Seriously, please do not give this another moments thought. Some day we will have a beer together and laugh about this.

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13 years ago, March 18th 2011 No: 10 Msg: #131513  
I'm Irish, and in fact do like visiting the Irish pubs of the world. I think we fail to admit that the temptation is always there. Its not that i live in these pubs when i'm away, but really enjoy the eclectic mix of people you get in these pubs. For the most part too, they always seem to be a gathering place for all foreigners that seem a bit displaced in the country they are in. I like that all foreigners abroad (not just irish) feel that there is the safe bet of the Irish pub to go to meet people and make themselves more comfortable before branching out and properly integrating into the new country. I love that such a mix of nationalities find these pubs so welcoming abroad. Also another plus about an Irish pub, and i can say this for sure is that Irish pubs abroad, unauthentic though they are as pointed out by wanderly wagon, do actually offer a lot of craic especially in comparison to some of the more local establishments. And i'm always up for a bit of craic on my travels.

By the way my favourite Irish pub is one down by the Harbour in Cannes. A lot of yacht crews and a few locals in from varnishing their yachts (nothing s*exual there by the way), settling down for a pint after a long day.

Oh, i can also confirm that Guinness is definitely best served in Ireland. Especially out in the countryside of Ireland as opposed to in the heart of the cities where it is harder to get a really good pint. Reply to this

12 years ago, April 4th 2011 No: 11 Msg: #132847  
When we were there, there were two "Irish" pubs in Ulanbaataar in Mongolia. We didn't visit either as the government had banned the serving of alcohol due to riots in the city! We did go to one in Hong Kong, though, and really enjoyed the food even though it wasn't very Irish.

The best pub we visited in Ireland (in Dublin) was run by a couple from Tblisi, Georgia, who were so pleased to meet someone that knew their country they made us a special Georgian meal - for free 😊.

John
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6 years ago, October 31st 2017 No: 12 Msg: #202763  
B Posts: 2,064
I live near Boston, where Irish pubs range from incredibly authentic to blatant tourist traps. Finding the former takes work, but is well worth it. Getting served used to require the right accent, but this attitude is thankfully fading away.Needless to say, don't go near any of them the first half of March.

One of my favorite St. Patrick's Day memories was watching really good step dancing and music at a bar that otherwise had no Irish connection at all : ) Reply to this

6 years ago, November 1st 2017 No: 13 Msg: #202773  
In response to: Msg #202763

Next time we head to Boston I'll have to get the names of the real ones from you

MJ Reply to this

6 years ago, November 5th 2017 No: 14 Msg: #202851  
We've been to authentic bars in Dublin and other Irish cities. Ha ha. not what you were asking. Belfast had some great bars.

How do you measure authenticity?

I remember a good one in Cambodia. Reply to this

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