 There are 2 things that the Irish have nailed down to an art – craic and beer.
From experience and as someone who has visited a great number of Irish establishments over Europe it has to be said – if you want to experience the best of both visit to Ireland is mandatory.
A word of advice that was passed on by a pub owner – there is no point in a pint if you are not going to enjoy it. And then she proceed to pour samples of beer in small shot glasses so we can have a taste and get an idea of the aroma before we have even ordered our pints. Not every pub owner will be that accomodating however if you can swing a sample to have a taste before you even made your selection try to do so.
So lets take a look at 6 of the best beers Ireland has to offer.
 Guinness
We might as well get it out of the way. According to some connoisseurs Guinness might not be the best, but it is the most recognizable world over. Dark, creamy, rich it might take a while for your Guinness to arrive (it has to be poured slowly so that the creamy dense head forms) but it will be worth it. It does have a touch of bitterness to it, but after the first pint you will stop to notice it much.
Available as Guinness Draught and Guinness Extra Stout you cannot go wrong with either one. Beware though you might be giving away your true colours – it is a favorite with old people and tourists.
 Murphy’s
A long standing favorite (ever since the first visit to Dublin) Murphy’s comes in 3 forms – Murphy’s Irish Stout, Murphy’s Irish Red and Murphy’s Irish Amber. The Irish Stout is smooth as silk and tastes a bit like chocolate. Unlike Guinness the bitterness is barely there.
Murphy’s Irish Red and Murphy’s Irish Amber represent a great alternative when the rich smoothness of Guinness becomes a bit overbearing and you fancy something lighter but still creamy enough. Irish Red is decidedly fruity, while Irish Amber is a bit on the sweet side.
 Harp
Great choice if you are looking for something that tastes light and refreshing. Harp does start of bitter, but it looses it’s bitterness after a few sips. It also represents the only Irish lager that does not lose any of it’s appeal (or of it’s taste) once you are outside Ireland’s borders.
 Kilkenny
Kilkenny was an obligatory sampling since a dear friend comes from those parts. And it did not disappoint – malty, smooth and amber in colour it is a tad bit more sweet then it is bitter. It stands right in the middle between the richness of Guinness and lightness of Harp.
 Beamish
Beamish represents a great choice for hardcore stout lovers who feel Guinness might have lost its edge over the years. Firm, strong, dense, with more then a hint of malt Beamish is not for the faint of heart. And to appreciate the richness of Beamish sip it slowly rather then gulp it down.
 O’ Hara Celtic Stout
Devilishly dark and equally tempting many claim O’ Hara Celtic Stout is reminiscent of the ales of the days gone by. It starts off with mocha like taste and do not be fooled by the color it does not end on a bitter note. O’ Hara Celtic Stout is bound to knock your socks off with it’s complex taste and aroma.
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