So you've been travelling around a bit. Don't quite have 'The Look' yet, but you are buying lots of maps and getting used to jam on toast with instant coffee for breakfast. You're warming up. You find yourself in Dublin and you think 'Hey, what if I actually left the hostel and walked around? What then???' This should help;
1. Do your research. Know the basics. The head on a pint of Guinness should be at exactly 22mm. This is all you need to know.
2. Know the environment. It has been known to rain every once in a while in Ireland, so it is best to prepare by wearing warm socks. A raincoat is also an idea, although guys who go on surfing trips without a towel are not required to wear one. (See King)
3. Study the local food. Really look into it. Don't just drink it. Look at it. Really look at it. Then drink it.
4. Then just relax and soak it up. Lounge about in the comfort that is Dublin. Lots of space, quiet and comfy chairs. (Reference to Coopers for making barrels).
5.But don't sit still. You will be run over by a dangerous double decker bus. This town has 56,000 busses, 1,432 pubs, 38 cemeteries and only 1 hospital/Guinness Brewery (it's good for you).
6.Whilst you're moving, see some old buildings. This place has castles imported all the way from Knockinderry and Cogh (pronounced Cough). But don't forget your mates. You can see him not there in the pic below, not in the middle. (Insert emotion for Fabo Fabo).
7. Now take some time to look at the locals. Find someone authentically Irish and just give em a good ol stare. You will notice that they say 'Grand', 'Tirty', and 'Bee you tea full' alot. Whilst it is not quite proper, I do encourage you to take one home if they are willing.
8. If you have time, walk around Temple Bar. This is an ancient ground where church and drinking was combined, hence Temple Bar or Mighty Temple of the Bars. Beware that many of these places of worship require a hefty sacrifice of gold or limbs for drinks. Highlights are The Porterhouse for the Poorly Aligned Semi Circular Canals and O'Sullivans Monastary of Music.
9. Before you know it, you will be a local. Fiery red eyes to match your hair and your temper, a beard like the mist over Conner Pass and a hat that your ma twud be proud of.
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Did you find this article;
a) Useful
b) Useless
c) Ulyssys written by James Joyce of Ireland
Authors Note: I appreciate if you are reading my blog and given that I'm on the other side of the world to many of you would love to get your comments and encouragement. Tank yu.
Tanks for te photos Mick. Tey're whetting my appetite for our honeymoon in Italy and other parts of Europe next year, to be sure, to be sure!
Posted by: The Reverend | August 11, 2004 at 07:42 AM
Heya Mick,
Looks like your still having a mad time which is great to see! Love the photos. have a pint of Guinness for me now!
Bella
Posted by: Bella | August 11, 2004 at 09:33 AM
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, my how your beard has grown.
Must be the bit of rain you experienced in Ireland and the good old spuds that gave you the growth spurt.
Very happy indeed that you enjoyed the Emerald Isle. Tis indeed a lovely little corner of the globe.
Posted by: June | August 11, 2004 at 12:16 PM
Hey Mick,
Feels like yesterday I was there!
BTW - You are meant to watch your Guinness settle BEFORE you drink it (pic no. 3). Guinness preparation (waiting) is an art form in & of itself. I'll bet at least one entire Irish play has been set in the interim of a Guinness settling ceremony.
In the good old days, barmen would never serve the Guinness until it'd settled.. now it seems the churn of customers is more important that the stillin' of the Guin.
PS. The ginger beard does rather suit you. Picked up any nice Catholic girls yet?!
PPS. I am proud of your hat.
Posted by: Rowan | August 12, 2004 at 04:19 PM
This article made me:
d) jeaulysses
Posted by: Rani | August 16, 2004 at 02:18 PM
brilliant! i'm travelling to dublin again this fall, and will be sure to give these a shot...
Posted by: Anna | April 20, 2005 at 11:31 PM