As St. Patrick’s Day celebrations abound, many are turning their thoughts toward upcoming summer vacations, with Ireland emerging as a popular destination. While Guinness, Harp, and Murphy’s Stout dominate the international beer scene, there’s an exciting world of Irish craft beers waiting to be discovered for those seeking a deeper taste of Ireland’s brewing heritage.
Ireland’s pubs have long been central to social life, especially in rural areas and small towns where families often gather together. In addition to the vibrant atmosphere, the Irish are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, making it easy for visitors to strike up conversations. Over the years, I’ve built lasting friendships with several locals, many of whom I’ve met through our shared passion for craft beer.
One of my closest friends in Ireland is John Stephens, a former professor from University College Dublin. Our friendship, which began over 15 years ago, has been enriched by our mutual love for craft beers. John and I have met numerous times, both in Dublin, where he resides, and in Galway, where I live. He has been instrumental in introducing me to some of the country’s finest brews.
Here are some standout Irish beers I’ve discovered through my travels and friendship with John, perfect for anyone planning a trip to Ireland or looking to expand their craft beer horizons.
First on the list is Little Fawn IPA from White Hag Brewing Co. This crisp and refreshing IPA has an intense citrus hop aroma and a slightly tropical flavor wrapped in a bread-like malt body. With an ABV of 4.2%, it’s an ideal session beer, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. John and I first enjoyed this brew at the King’s Inn on Bolton Street in Dublin.
Next is Triból Czech Pilsner, brewed by Galway Bay Brewing Co. I tried this beer at the Dew Drop Inn in Galway, a must-visit spot for beer enthusiasts in the City of Tribes. The pilsner adheres to the classic style with a crisp malt base and mild floral notes, making it a refreshing and well-balanced option.
For a taste of Dublin, I recommend visiting The Long Hall, one of my favorite old-school pubs, which has recently embraced craft beer. There, I sampled O’Hara’s Irish Red, a smooth, flavorful Irish red ale with hints of biscuit and toffee, balanced by a light hop presence. While not groundbreaking, it’s a far more interesting option than mainstream red ales like Kilkenny.
While in Dublin, John and I also visited Underdog, a top-notch craft beer bar, where I tried Catch the Colours Everywhere, a pale ale from Verdant Brewing in England. True to its name, this beer bursts with tropical flavors, delivering complexity yet finishing crisp. It leans more toward an IPA, but its refreshing qualities make it a standout.
Finally, Sesh, an American-style session pale ale from Lough Gill Brewing in Co. Sligo, impressed me during my visit to Underdog. As a fan of West Coast-style beers, I found Sesh to be just as good, if not better, than many American examples of the style. Light, zesty, and satisfying, it offers a delightful balance without overwhelming hop bitterness.
These beers showcase the diversity and excellence of Ireland’s craft beer scene, proving that there’s much more to discover beyond the well-known brands. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply looking to explore new flavors during your travels, these brews are worth seeking out.
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