Ancient gray brick buildings stand on the endless green "grass plains," where tranquility pervades from the sky to the ground and every little wildflower. Living in Ireland evokes a sense of nostalgia; if Tao Yuanming's utopia had an exotic version, it would be just like this. The most striking feature is the colorful low houses in Irish towns, each adorned with vividly painted doors. At first, one might find it quite unusual, thinking those colors are rather rustic, not understanding why so much effort is spent on decorating the exteriors, and why they need to be repainted every two to three years. Over time, however, one comes to appreciate the beauty of those colors, especially on rainy days when driving, watching the colorful houses and doors flickering in the raindrops, one cannot help but feel the Irish people's love for life.
When mentioning Ireland, one inevitably thinks of the three famous drinks: whiskey, Guinness, and Baileys. Haruki Murakami, after traveling through Ireland, once wrote: "If our language were whiskey, it would be much simpler. All I would need to do is silently offer a glass, and you would quietly take it and send it down your throat, very simple, very intimate, very accurate." Indeed, in Ireland, whiskey means "the water of life."
Irish whiskey, Guinness, and Baileys are the most common Irish drinks, but the drinking culture in Ireland is omnipresent, from exquisite wines to various bars, and to numerous liquor museums. There are many Dublin-style bars around the world, but none can replicate the authentic experience of a real Dublin pub. Regardless of age or gender, going to the pub for a pint of stout, chatting, and singing country songs is an unchanging nightlife routine. This city has thousands of pubs, each with its unique style.
Irish pubs are places for music and gatherings. Residents of small towns often entertain themselves, ignoring outsiders; while in larger cities, pubs often feature live music in various styles, including Irish, Scottish, rock, reggae, etc., accompanied by a variety of beers. The audience may engage in lively conversations or sing along with the band, creating a vibrant atmosphere. In recent years, karaoke has also made its way into Irish pubs.
The Irish are passionate about drinking, as evidenced by the luxurious, century-old pubs. Only by stepping into an Irish pub can one truly feel they have entered their lives. Unlike the vibrant bars in China, Irish pubs are places for communication, music, and normal socializing. They can pop into a pub for a drink at any time, enjoying their own time.
In Irish life, different places require different attitudes to appreciate; the drinks and atmosphere vary, and before arriving on-site, one should gather some background knowledge.
It is said that Sir Hugh Beaver, the owner of the Guinness Brewery, was hunting in southern Ireland with friends when a golden plover flew by. He aimed to shoot it but missed as the bird flew too fast. To save face, he claimed that the bird was the fastest in Europe. His friends did not believe him, so they consulted various libraries for answers, but none provided the information they sought. This led Sir Hugh to ponder, "Why not have a book that records all the latest records? Whenever people have disputes about firsts or mosts, they can refer to this book." He recalled how patrons in Dublin pubs often argued over bizarre world records, which further solidified his idea, leading to the compilation of such a book, named Guinness. Guinness stout is best enjoyed cool, rather than ice-cold. It should be poured slowly, with the glass at a 45-degree angle; stop pouring when it is three-quarters full, let it settle, and then fill it to the top. When topping off, the tap handle should be pushed forward, not pulled back. This creates a creamy head that lasts until the last sip. The foam of a pint should fill the rim of the glass without overflowing. Recent advertising campaigns have claimed to "pour the perfect pint." However, this "slow pour" method is prevalent in Ireland and the UK, while most American bars do not emphasize this essential "slow pour" technique. Some bartenders even draw simple patterns in the foam during the slow pouring process, such as the common shamrock and harp designs.
The Great Famine in the mid-19th century, caused by potato blight, forced a large number of Irish people to leave their homeland for the American continent in search of a way out, sparking a massive wave of immigration and simultaneously spreading Irish culture and Irish pubs worldwide.