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May 14, 2006
Ireland Trip -- The Cider Goes Right to Your Head
Categories: Travel
Our first night out in Dublin was a pretty quiet affair. We walked down Grafton steeet to scope out some shopping for Sarah. Then, we swung through Temple Bar to see what was happening and try to find someplace for our nice dinner out (which we'll have tomorrow or Tuesday). We also found a couple of places where I could get a hot towell shave; I've always wanted one of those, but have yet to find a place in the states. We dropped into Ricks Hamburgers for dinner, because I was craving a burger. We couldn't decide if that was a tourist place or not; it was kind of a dive, had Pepsi, and called fries "fries" instead of chips. We decicded it was an attempt at an American burger joint that only partially succeded. We then stopped by the Stags Head for a pint.
A few nights ago, in Kinsale, I tried a Bulmer's Cider. It makes Woodchuck taste like cow urine and is stronger than beer. I really like the stuff, but even a pint makes my head feel a little funny. I was worried that it was a girly drink, but I've seen plenty of guys drinking it. I have to find some to take back with me.
At the Stags Head, Sarah had her nightly Guiness and I ordered a pint of Bulmers. As soon as we got our drinks, a group of rowdy guys mobbed the bar and one of them ordered a pint bottle of Bulmers and ice. I asked him if it was better that way; he promptly poured his glass and let me try it over ice. He then ordered me to try the next one over ice. Those guys got thrown out of the bar about 15 minutes later. They weren't picking fights or stumbling about -- they were just being loud. Apparently, these Dublin bartenders (especially at the nicer pubs) take no crap. But the Bulmers over ice was pretty good.
Also, the pint glasses over here have these numbers on them, one over the other: 164/05. I asked the bartender what they meant. Apparently, the top number is the batch number and the bottom number is the year it was made. The bartender explained that all real pint glasses carry these numbers because they are certified as true pints by the government. Glasses without numbers are illegal. Talk about taking your drinking seriously.
Okay, it's bed time. Big day in Dublin tomorrow.
Posted by Nakia at May 14, 2006 05:53 PM