Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You're a guest on your first night; after that, you're a regular. A wise Irishman once
said, “It never rains in a pub.” The relaxed, informal atmosphere feels like a refuge from
daily cares. Women traveling alone need not worry—you'll become part of the pub family
in no time.
Craic
(crack), Irish for “fun” or “a good laugh,” is the sport that accompanies drinking
in a pub. People are there to talk. To encourage conversation, stand or sit at the bar, not at
a table.
In 2004, the Irish government passed a law making all pubs in the Republic smoke-
free. Smokers now take their pints outside, turning alleys into covered smoking patios. An
incredulous Irishman responded to the law by saying, “What will they do next? Ban drink-
ing in pubs? We'll never get to heaven if we don't die.”
It's a tradition to buy your table a round, and then for each person to reciprocate. If
an Irishman buys you a drink, thank him by saying, “Go raibh maith agat” (guh rov mah
UG-ut). Offer him a toast in Irish—“Slainte” (SLAWN-chuh), the equivalent of “cheers.”
A good excuse for a conversation is to ask to be taught a few words of Gaelic.
Traditional music is alive and popular in pubs throughout Ireland. “Sessions” (musical
evenings) may be planned and advertised orimpromptu. Traditionally,musicians just con-
