Beer in ireland

The term here in Ireland is craft beer instead of microbrew as is used in the US. Ireland historically was Guinness but the 1980s brought imports, so surprisingly Budweiser has a large following. At my local watering hole I  see Heineken, Budweiser, Guinness, Smithwicks, Perroni., Carlsberg and a couple craft beers. Beers typical run in the €4.50- 5 a pint range (Pint being 20oz/500ml instead of US 16oz). A 6 pack is probably €8-12 and single 500ml bottles about $2.99-3.50. So on average bigger portions than US but more expensive too.

It seems like the leaders in the early craft brewing craze are Galway brewing (known for the Galway Hooker) and O'haras (have the full selection- stouts, pales, red ales, etc...)

From my samples so far some my local favorites
Trouble brewing- Dark Arts Porter- surprisingly complex, coffee and chocolate flavors. Intense but not too much.
Metalman  Brewing- Metalman Pale ale- most portland like pale or IPA I have had here very tasty.
Carlow Brewing- O'haras  leann-follain and Irish stout- 2 very outstanding stouts

On a side note, the lagers above are acceptable. Stella , Carling are both consider wife beaters, beer of the poor ( I happen to like both and don't beat my wife thank you very much...)

that's the Ireland brewing report for now

reporter on the street

Rob