Pub Beverages

Bob,

Pubs offer a wide variety of liquor in addition to beer. I'm not 100% sure about wine, but you can certainly get lots of stuff besides beer. Try Irish whiskey, for example. Scotch is more well known here today, but Irish monks actually invented whiskey many centuries ago.

Enjoy your trip. It's a beautiful country.

I think the selection depends on the size of the village or city it is in. Pubs with restaurants almost definitely have wine. In addition to whiskey, cider is also popular (so I've seen - I don't like it much). Bulmers/Magners (I think it's Bulmers over there, Magners here) is one of the brands, if you want to try some here first.

I recently came across this site:

http://www.ratemypub.ie/

It doesn't seem to list every pub (yet), but it should give you a good idea of what to expect. Have fun!

PS - I know you said you've never acquired a taste for beer, but Guinness doesn't taste like American beer. It's not terribly bubbly, and, to me, it has some dark roasted coffee and dark chocolate flavors to it. And it tastes best in Ireland, so if you're feeling adventurous, that would be my recommendation.

We were in Ireland last year and we do not drink beer. Never had a problem getting a glass of wine or a soft drink.

I also don't like beer and have always been able to get soft drinks and wine in pubs. Some even have extensive wine collections- it varies. Whisky (Scotch or Irish) is usually available - you can get some excellent single malts there. If you aren't certain which kind you like, as the barman to do a "tasting"- he'll pick 3 or 4 different whiskies from various areas (Speyside, lowland, Islay, etc). My favorites are Speyside whiskies- Dahlwhinnie and Bellvinnie (the 12 year double wood is special!!) because I don't like a heavily peated taste and prefer a heather and honey note.

It shouldn't be a problem to get wine, but don't expect an extensive wine list...have a great trip!

I have had Diet Coke in pubs in London.

I second Bulmers - great hard cider and I heard they also have a pear version. I don't like beer either, but I did have Guiness and it tastes nothing like you have had in the US. Nicer restaurants will have wine or hard liquor so you should have plenty of choices. Even if you only drink soda have fun in the pubs - it's the best part of Irish life!

My experience is that you should not have any trouble getting a glass of wine in a pub in Ireland.

Not a huge beer drinker myself, I ordered water often and had no problem

Guinness is not beer. It is Nectar of the Gods. I'm just saying.

You'll have a great time in Eire. Fabulous country. Wonderful people.

Try the cider! I do like the pear cider if available.

You can order a variety of drinks, including wine, cider, whiskey or soft drinks.

Even if you don't like beer, you should at least taste a pint of Guiness in Ireland. I can't drink Guiness here (it tastes like someone poured maple syrup in a beer), but over there it's like drinking a root beer float - smooth and creamy.

You could try a shandy, which my step brother fireman in Scotland used to drink before he turned 21. It's half beer and half lemon soda or other soft drink. He also drinks them when he doesn't want to get too loaded! It's a variation of Radler in Germany which my mother loves to drink cause she can't handle straight beer!

Fellow non-beer drinker here as well. NEVER liked it and never thought I would. I always stick to wine or liquor. Was in Ireland last month for about 10 days. First few days I was sticking to my whiskey (and coke). peer pressure wore on me and I finally tried a Guinness! I must say...i was shocked. loved it. rest of the trip i felt compelled to throw back a few pints a night! i hope you will give it a shot. if not.....found liquor and non-alcoholic drinks readily available

Thanks Claudia. I believe Guinness to be a food group. It does not travel well so it tastes best in Ireland. BTW I've heard it referred to as a Stout. Actually I believe it was early advertised as a very stout porter. Anyone? Bob, try cider or a shandy. Those made with lager are nice. I don't know what will be on offer but Stofford is good. Strongbow has NOTHING natural in it..all chemical. I didn't care for the pear flavoured variety.