Alcohol…..
The Irish like to think that it is their mission to teach the world how to drink. And so we invented whiskey and stout and set forth to share our concoctions with the world. However, despite what most may think, Ireland comes mid-table in European alcohol consumption…

Bogs…….
One sixth of Ireland consists of bogland, a higher porportion than any other European country except Finland. Bogs are wild marshes and the soil, when dried, is used for fuel. The word 'Bog' also means Toilet!

Craic…….
Pronounced Crack and not to be confused with a form of cocaine: It means having a good time, playing or listening to music, making jokes, slagging your friends, getting drunk.

Dublin.....
The capital of Ireland situated on the East coast. Birthplace of James Joyce, U2 and Colin Farrell to name but a few. Split by the River Liffey, Northsiders and Southsiders enjoy a friendly rivalry. Currently Europes hottest destination, principally for the brilliant Pubs no doubt.

Easter Rising.....
Easter 1916 is when the Irish eventually got their act together to 'encourage' the British to depart from whence they came. The main action took place at the General Post Office on O'Connell Street Dublin.

Famine…..
The great famine occurred in Ireland from 1845-1849 and caused the death of over a million people and drove over 3 million to emmigrate - mostly to America. The potato crop, the single crop of the land, failed one year after another.

Guinness….
Ireland's national drink is Guinness. Heck it even uses our national emblym the Harp as it's logo. It's a drink that needs careful attention and loving tenderness to pour properly. Ask one of our bartenders for a demo - then repeat. Then try another one for good luck. Then start again.

Hospitality….
Irish people are still famous for being unusually friendly to outsiders. From the early years, hospitality has always been seen as a basic duty, just a warm welcome and warm food were the basic rights of any traveller. There was a supersition whereby any caller at a door couldn't be turned away without bringing bad luck and a bad name to the household. But the essence of the tradition still lives on today, especially in the B&B's, small pubs and restaurants scattered around the country.

Invasions….
Many foreign visitors have rudely interrupted the course of Irish history by invading the country - first up were the Vikings in the 8th century. Next off the boat were the Normans in the 12th century leading to the English government controlling from the 16th century. Each group, brought their own "nasty habits" and complications which have influenced and contributed to the modern independent passion that is felt by all Irish people across the globe.

James' Joyce.....
One of the greatest authors of the 20th century. Quite simply, a Genius. His most famous work is Ulysess one hell of a read - made easier with drink.

Kiss the Blarney Stone.....
What most American tourists like to do at Blarney Castle in Co Cork. Why you'd want to kiss some cold wet rock is beyond us.

Lingo......
Or language to you. Gaelic is the native tongue - although its use is sadly declining. Compulsory at school. Still spoken in certain parts of Ireland. TG4 is an irish language TV channel - well worth watching.

Music…..
U2. The Chieftains. Van Morrisson. Thin Lizzy. The Cranberries. Enya. The Corrs. The list goes on. Need we say any more? Thank you.

No……
Northsiders come from the North side of Dublin. (See 'The Committments') Clever what? As opposed to Southsiders. (See 'About Adam')
Eternal clashes of (sub) cultures. Its a blood thing.

Optics…….
Although merely a measured drink dispenser, optics are an essential part of the Irish Pub. In the old days the pub would also be the local shop so counter space was always at a premium, thus the solution was to hang and display the bottles upside down on the
back wall. Sounds simple but look how the idea caught on in bars all over the world.

Pub…..
The pub has always been 1st and foremost a refuge, a safe haven where a person can meet friends and forget about the headaches and problems of work, home, the past and the future. Once inside the pub, everyday reality recedes!

Q…..
Anyone got any ideas here?

Rain…..
So it rains in Ireland. Big deal. Get over it. Life is too short…

Sport….
Gaelic Football. Hurling. Horse Racing. Soccer. Rugby. Boxing. Athletics. Snooker. Golf. Cycling. The list goes on. The Irish have world beaters in all these categories. Humility prevents us from going further.

Tea…..
Read this carefully. The Irish drink more tea per capita than any other nation on this little planet of ours. Work that one out will ya?

Uilleann Pipes......
Uilleann pipes are a traditional Irish instrument that make music which will make you weep. Think of them as an apology for bagpipes.

Violence….
…and Northern Ireland went hand-in-hand for 30 years. Thankfully that's nearly all gone now. Here's to the future.

Wake….
Known elsewhere as a funeral. At a wake, the corpse is laid out on public view in the family home whereby friends and family call to the house to commiserate with the immediate family and to drink, eat, talk, play music and sometimes dance. Wakes reflect a fear of death: you give the corpse a good send-off in case it comes back to haunt you.

X-rated….
Ireland can now watch X rated material. Progress we guess.

Yeats, William Butler…..
The most famous Irish poet. Romantic. Haunting. Read and weep.

Zoological Gardens, Dublin….
Cheap answer. But you try writing this stuff.