My husband and I will be visiting Ireland in July. We hope to catch some traditional Irish music in an authentic pub. My husband does not drink alcohol. I do enjoy beer, wine, and a bit of whiskey now and then. Do the pubs serve other drinks besides alcoholic drinks? Is it frowned upon to not drink alcohol in the pubs while their are musicians playing?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10544 posts
You can drink anything you want in a pub. Alcohol is not required.
Posted by
harwich, mass, usa
42 posts
Wow did I write this message!!!! My husband and I.... the same thing!!! WE are going in July and he doesn't drink either, but I do. Watching clips of Rick in the pubs on his show, it looks like everyone is enjoying the music and drinking at the same time. This will be our first trip over abroad and we cannot wait.
We are going on an overnight flight and have a rental car waiting for us in Shannon. Unfortunately we will only be in Ireland 4 days then on to Italy.
Posted by
Arlington, Virginia
29 posts
The Irish word, "slainte" - cheers or to your health - says it all! Drink whatever you want. You can even get milk in pubs that serve meals. While you're there, don't miss out on the trad at O'Connor's Pub in Doolin, County Clare. It's a mecca for musicians from all over. Doolin also has a couple of other pubs featuring trad, especially in the summer.
Posted by
OP
Pittsfield, MA
89 posts
Millicent from MA: when are you going? We leave from Boston to Shannon on July 14.
Posted by
harwich, mass, usa
42 posts
We arrive in Shannon on the 21st in the am. Leave on the 25th staying in limerick.
Posted by
Goleen, Co Cork, Ireland
69 posts
It's not even noticed if a person is not drinking. In fact there's usually one to drive home! The only thing frowned upon would be tap water without food!!!
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
237 posts
I agree with everyone here. Pubs are 'public houses' and are more like extended living rooms not like bars are in America. Many pubs even allow children with parents until 7:00 or 8:00 for food.
Even when we went to places to listen to music it was very low-key without cover/door charges or drink minimums. In Dingle wandering from pub to pub to check out who is playing in each place is the norm so unless you're a real drinker not drinking alcohol in each place isn't unusual.