Hi, Will be going to Europe (Ireland). for the first time early next year. I'm really looking forward to visiting some Irish bars to listen to some good traditional music and yes, drink some Guinness fresh from the tap.
My younger brother is accompanying me but does not during alcohol. This may seem like a odd question but will my brother be readily accepted" in the bars even though he's a non drinker?
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7158 posts
Absolutely. We traveled with a group that included a few non-drinkers and they were always welcomed. I asssume your brother will at least order some non-alcoholic drinks or food. Most of the pubs we visited for traditional Irish music were pretty family oriented with children welcome also and they obviously weren't drinking alcoholic drinks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Nancy is correct. No one will bat an eyelash. Have fun!
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
I say check your sword and your brother at the door!! Just kidding. You'll both have a wonderful time...just especially you. My husband is a non-drinker too but goes along because pubs are fun and all part of the experience. To me Guinness is a food group but I have it on good authority that there are many teetotalers in Ireland. Slainte!
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1640 posts
Definitely go to the Guinness Storehouse. Great view from the top floor bar, where if I remember, you get a pint of Guinness with the tour ticket. I don't drink beer, so my husband drank both his and mine, and I ordered a Bailey's.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
It's a pretty expensive pint of Guinness, since admission has risen to 14.85 € bought on-line and nearly 17 € at the entrance. The price covers just one glass. No way to simply buy a pint, either. On a clear day the view over the city is a true vista, but the glass deck can be crowded and noisy. A more sympathetic pub is located several floors down, where you can join a seminar and pour your own perfect pint, no small ritual for a Guinness devotee. Despite, or maybe because, I have been on the wrong side of draught beer taps most of my life, I came close to perfect. https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/Ticketion.aspx
A small tip about seeking out traditional music: If the pub has a stage, you can bet you will be hearing Danny Boy and Beatles tunes. Instead, try to find a place where traditional musicians squeeze into a corner and play for themselves. Your hotel should be able to help.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2450 posts
My brother-law does not drink and he had no problems in pubs except he had a hard time getting iced tea! Some places he had to order hot tea and a glass of ice so made his own! I disagree with GuInness tour, thought too expensive and boring, especially if an overcast day but that is just my opinion.
Posted by
South Yorkshire, UK; formerly St. Louis, MO, USA
317 posts
Your brother will be just fine. As to music - in whichever pub you go to, look for the places with the musicians piled into a corner, not on a stage.