St. Patrick's Day Beer and Drinks

Beer, including Guinness and popular green-colored beers and a large part of St, Patrick's Day celebrations! Here are the major beers of Ireland:

• Guinness Draught, Extra Stout, and Foreign Extra Stout.
• Murphy's Irish Stout.
• O'Hara's Irish Wheat.
• Smithwick's Irish Ale.
• Porterhouse Brewing Co. Oyster Stout.
• O'Hara's Celtic Stout.
• Beamish Irish Stout.
• Murphy's Irish Red.
  

How much beer is produced and consumed in Ireland?

Irish beer production is approximately 8 million hectolitres annually, and approximately half is exported, the other half is consumed in Ireland[1]. Lager accounts for 60% of the beer sold in Ireland, stout like Guinness is 34% and ale accounts for 6%.[2]

Guinness Stout

One of the largest Irish beer exporters is Guinness, which was established in 1756 when Arthur Guinness set up a small brewery They moved the brewery to Dublin in 1759 where it has remained since. See this page for the full history of Guinness, on their own website

Guinness stout is popular worldwide and Guinness is the largest beer exporter in Ireland. A frequent question asked is,

Is there a difference between Guinness stout sold in Ireland and that which exported and sold abroad?

The answer is, yes, if you are referring to the draught (draft) beer. Draught Irish stout in Ireland is normally served nitrogenated rather than carbonated, because, due to the physical properties of Nitrogen gas compared to Carbon Dioxide, it produces a more creamy texture with a long-lasting head, and, some say, a less bitter taste. Of course, it is conceivable that some pubs and bars abroad have now set up the nitrogen draught equipment, but we have not been able to locate them (if they yet exist).

Related information

• List of breweries in Ireland
• Irish Beer and breweries by region

References:

1. Annual Review 2010 ABFI"
2. Irish Beer Market Survey 2010 (PDF). (Requires password and login)
3. Complete list of breweries in Ireland

Other holidays and resources:

• Easter egg hunts - near you!
• Find local children's consignment sales
• Road tripping and camping tips, tricks and destinations
• Local Pick Your Own farms
• Environmental resources
• Consumer protection resources
• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local fruit and vegetable festivals
• Local Honey
• Valentine's Day info and resources
• Local meats, milk, eggs
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots