Cats and Clowns Kickoff the Season

[Northside Hawk]

I had a very similar itinerary back in 94. I'd like to see more of the north if/when I go back. I thought it would be cheaper at the time, especially the beer.

The north was the true Ireland. Highest concentration of Gaelic tongue, least touched by pretension, most potato famine history, best scenery, best pubs,, best music,, most interesting social and political history which of course is still evolving in Belfast and Derry. Not to mention Sligo and Donegal where my relatives from seven or eight generations ago emigrated from Scotland

Touring the Derry Bogside and streets where Bloody Sunday victims were slain and with the guide being the Offspring of a slain victim was a sobering experience to say the least

 

[Northside Hawk]

My wife would like to go back relatively soon, but I've pushed to see some other countries on our bucket list first. I'm sure when we do go back we'll try to see more of the north.

I don't recall the beer prices. I do recall loving Smithwicks and ordering it almost daily. When we returned, I discovered that it wasn't being exported to the U.S. and that there were numerous other people looking into its availability. Interestingly, I kind of forgot about it then suddenly noticed it on the shelves six months or so later.

It's still good out of the bottle, but doesn't have much of a shelf life (I'd recommend tossing it after 6 months in the fridge). It's much better out of the tap.

Drank a ton of Guinness too, and now drink the alcohol-free version (alcohol is a migraine trigger) which is quite good for a NA beer. People typically love stouts or hate them, not a lot of in-betweens.

You can usually find Smithwicks at HyVee, Piggly Wiggly and specialty beer and liquor stores. Can't drink rhe Guiness here, never could. Loved it over there particularly when Touring the brewery in Dublin. Other faves were Carlsberg, Rockshore and Five Lamps.

 

[Hawkboys]

It's still good out of the bottle, but doesn't have much of a shelf life (I'd recommend tossing it after 6 months in the fridge). It's much better out of the tap.

If you're beer sits in a fridge for 6 months, you're not doing it right.

And I'm not a big drinker.