As the autumn days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the lure of an open fire in a cosy pub and a creamy pint of stout becomes irresistible. And if any further excuse were needed to hole up in a Dublin snug, International Stout Day (6 November) provides the perfect reason to meet up with friends to raise a glass of the black stuff.
Dublin is famous as the home of the world’s favourite stout, Guinness, whose story is told in the stylish Guinness Storehouse, a leading visitor attraction in the city. The history of the brand and of the family behind it has also recently been turned into a hit Netflix series – House of Guinness – introducing the world to the dynasty and revealing its impact on Ireland’s capital city.
Some of Dublin’s landmark buildings and spaces owe a debt to the Guinness family and are worth a visit on a stroll around the city. The family contributed to the restoration of St Patrick’s Cathedral where author Jonathan Swift was Dean, and of nearby Marsh’s Library, an important literary heritage site in this UNESCO City of Literature. Leafy St Stephen’s Green and the beautiful Iveagh Gardens were donated to the city by members of the family and are oases of peace.
After an exploration of the city on foot, a pint in a cosy Dublin pub is just the ticket. Many of the city’s traditional pubs have welcoming open fires and snugs – an area separated from the rest of the pub by a door or partition to screen the occupants from view. These date back to times when it was frowned upon for females to drink in pubs, but they also became popular with many patrons who wanted to avoid the public gaze including lovers, clergy and policemen!
A drink with friends, Mc Daid’s pub, Dublin
City centre pubs like McGrattan’s on Baggott Street and McNeill’s on Capel St are perfect venues for enjoying what the Danish call ‘hygge’, taking time to relax and enjoy life’s simple pleasures – a pint of stout with friends, sitting by a fire or in a snug and listening to a session of Irish traditional music. The Brazen Head, one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, is also a great place to unwind and boasts a menu full of delicious warming Irish food.
Those who want to embark on a longer walk can head into the Dublin Mountains, easily accessible from the city, where hiking trails lead to wonderful views over the city and the sea. And even in the mountains, a bracing walk can be followed by a pint in a warm and inviting pub. Johnnie Fox’s Pub Bar and Restaurant, said to be the highest on the island, is a step back in time and has been welcoming visitors for over 200 years. Or call into the Blue Light pub in the foothills of the mountains where an authentic Irish turf fire, live music and great views await.
To round off your celebration of International Stout Day, why not seek out some hearty Irish food that has Guinness as an ingredient. A rich beef stew with stout or Guinness brown bread, created by the Guinness Storehouse Head Chef, are just some of the delicious recipes to be enjoyed in gastro pubs across the city.
Johnnie Fox’s Pub and Restaurant, Dublin Mountains
ARTICLE CREDIT; TOURISM IRELAND
