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Dublin’s Best Pub Crawls

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The Holiday Taxis team love Dublin. Here’s why.

If you’re planning on visiting Dublin, it’s surely likely that you’re also planning on visiting a pub or two (or ten). Dublin is practically the home of pub culture. It is the ideal destination for a fun, relaxed break where you and your fellow travellers can really let your hair down and get the drinks flowing. Besides the pubs though, there are beautiful historic sights, plenty of shops and the general vibrance of the city… but let’s get back to the pubs.

Of course, you could just mosey from pub to pub and soak up the atmosphere that way, but why not try out a pub crawl? It’s structured fun and there are countless different routes you can take. So without further ado, let’s explore some of the best, tried and tested Dublin pub crawls – all of which you can book online.

First up: The Dublin City Pub Crawl. At a mere €12, this classic pub crawl is bound to be a smash hit amongst you and your mates. On this pub crawl, you’ll be taught how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, receive a free (yes, free) pint upon your arrival and have some general Irish fun in the shape of learning a bit of Gaelic and getting merry to traditional Irish music. The Dublin City Pub Crawl takes you to four pubs and ends your night with free VIP entry to a late night bar and club – what’s not to love?

If singing and dancing is your thing, then The Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl may be just the pub crawl route for you. Adults pay €14, whilst students pay €12. As you wander between the three venues, two professional musicians act as your tour guides, telling you old stories of Irish music. This pub crawl is less of a boozy free-for-all and more of an informative yet fun and friendly evening, so bear that in mind. Having said this, those who enjoy a slightly less wild night out yet are keen to soak up the traditional Dublin culture, then this pub crawl is ideal.

For the backpackers out there, here’s a pub crawl route specifically designed for you. It’s called The Backpacker Pub Crawl and, frankly, it looks great. For €12, you will find yourself in for free Guinness, free shots, discounts on other drinks, and free entry to a nightclub. The guides are enthusiastic about giving their pub crawlers a fantastic, authentic night out – just like how a local Dublin-dweller would do it. You’ll team up with other backpackers and engage in drinking games, dancing and plenty of other Dublin-based fun. It’s an affordable, wild night out for those of you who are travelling on a budget but still like to party hard.

If none of these official options quite float your boat, then remember that you can always just create your own craic. It’s incredibly easy to initiate your very own pub crawl in Dublin because of the very fact that there are pubs and bars everywhere. For easy inspiration, head into the Temple Bar area of the city and, quite simply, just go for it. From the rich 160 year history of The Temple Bar Pub to the five-floor pub/club hybrid that is Bad Bobs, there is truly something for everyone. 

The Temple Bar Pub

Dublin is a lively place of culture, fun and, most importantly, Guinness on tap pretty much everywhere – it’s hard to go wrong with a pub crawl, whether an official one or your own, made up route. Whatever happens, you will have great fun in Dublin.

Visiting Australia’s best wine producing regions

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Australia is well known for its wine with over a billion liters produced annually. Its wine is very tasty compared to those produced in other parts of the world. With a demanding market there are over 60 designated wine regions producing world-class wines. Australia has diverse landscapes and favorable climates making it favorable for wine producing. The east coast in particular is a productive wine rowing region Here are some vineyards worth visiting in h East coast of Australia.

Hunter Valley, New South Wales

It all began in the Hunter Valley as early as the 1820’s making this the oldest wine-producing area in Australia. Today, this area has over 150 cellar doors. This is where your problem begins, knowing which one to visit in your tour. You need to stay for some days to sample the wine and enjoy the scenery including Barrington Tops National Park, a world Heritage site.

It is the closest region to Sydney, being a two-hour drive to the north. it’s one of the most accessible wine regions making it one of the best places to visit in Australia. The top wine varieties in this region are the Semillon, Shiraz, and Verdelho. The famous winemakers in this region are Audrey Wilkinson, Tyrell’s Wines, and Wyndham Estate.

Port Macquarie, New South Wales

The other wonderful place to visit is Port Macquarie with gorgeous beaches, national parks, and beautiful rivers. It is only four hours from Sydney by road. Enjoy the fresh produce and great-tasting oysters from River Hastings and watch whales and dolphins. You can’t miss taking Koala Hospital daily tours around the exquisite places around Port Macquarie. Take your time to walk along the sandy beaches and experience outdoors activities like horse riding, golf, skydiving, water skiing, fishing, paragliding, cycling, kayaking, and boating. One of the best known wineries here is Cassegrain Wines, where you can try wines made with the Chambourcin grape variety. This grape is a staple of modern Australian wine and to try it is to understand Australian wine culture.

Yarra Valley, Victoria

Yarra Valley, Victoria

Home to about 80 wineries, the Yarra Valley is the coolest wine region in Australia. Here you will find large estates like Rochford’s and small family-run wineries. Even though it is the smallest wine region, the Yarra Valley has a great diversity of wine from fortified dessert wines, sparkling wines to the famous pinot noirs. Visit this region for the wine and tour even the microbreweries and sample the local beer. There is lots of fresh food produced locally to accompany the wine.

Driving from Melbourne, it takes only an hour to get here meaning you can easily get a full day round trip, but to maximize the experience without hurrying, visiting on a long weekend will leave you with unforgettable memories. But check ahead since some places are shut over the weekend.

Its top wine varieties include Chardonnay, cabernet, and pinot noir. The famous winemakers in this region include Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli Wines, and Tarrawarra Estate.

Barossa Valley, South Australia

This is the most famous wine region and is home to some of the largest wineries. Other than wine, Barossa Valley provides delicious local food to enjoy with the wine. During the tour, you can take the Butcher, Baker and Winemaker trail to experience the memorable culinary adventure that allows you to fill your picnic hamper with whatever gourmet choice that pleases you along the trail.

From Adelaide, you can reach this wine region in just one hour. If you want to enjoy wine sampling, it is recommended that you plan an overnight stay. But there are several wine trips that do one day trip from Adelaide. The top wine varieties here are Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The famous winemakers in the Barossa Valley include Wolf Blass, Penfolds and Jacob’s Creek.

Up to 66% of young Britons have drank underage abroad says new survey

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Results have recently been released from a survey taken of young adults that suggests 12 years old is the first time that many have become ‘intoxicated’ with alcohol. Following the research it emerged that a stunning 66% of those who had confessed to underage drinking, first sampled alcohol abroad with Spain being the most popular country.

The research, carried out by sunshine.co.uk, asked 2,113 people from the UK aged between 18-21 about the first time they touched alcohol. The survey was kept anonymous to encourage more truthful answers. The survey also asked both male and females from locations across the country in order to get the most accurate data.

The data that was received following the poll unearthed some surprising truths about the nature of underage drinking abroad. In response to the question ‘How old were you when you first became intoxicated (tipsy or drunk) after drinking alcohol?’ The average result from the answers to this question was 12 years of age, a worrying statistic given that those of this age will almost always be with families.

The following question asked was where the youngsters first got their hands on the alcohol, this is where we see the huge number of first-timers that took their first sip abroad. The staggeringly high percentage of those who first drank abroad sits at 66% whilst the other percentages came from at home (11%,) at a friend’s house (10%,) in a park (7%,) and at a wedding/special occasion (3%). Managing Director of sunshine.co.uk, Chris Clarkson spoke about the 66% of young Britons who’d drank underage abroad:

“It’s fair to say that alcohol is more freely available to young people when they’re on holiday abroad, because other countries can be more lenient with their alcohol laws and policies…”

Those surveyed were asked what the tipple of choice had been for the underage drinkers, alcopops came out top at 31% with cider second at 25%, these results are somewhat less surprising given the sweetness in flavor and marketing campaigns that are generally aimed at youth.

To further compound the figures of young drinkers, 59% of those who confessed to underage drinking answered ‘yes’ when asked if their parents were aware or had been present at the time of drinking. This figure is very troubling when we consider that the first question on the poll was not ‘when did you first taste alcohol,’ it was ‘when did you first become intoxicated by alcohol’ Whilst it is naturally safer that something like this would occur with parents being nearby, it is worrying to think that it is occurring at all, Sunshine’s Clarkson went on to say:

“I was shocked that young people are 12 years old, on average, when they first get drunk. It’s one thing letting a youngster have a sip of your champagne on New Year’s Eve, but it’s another matter entirely allowing them to end up drunk; not to mention dangerous!”

California Champagne — A Special Touch

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They blanket the earth with colors that change with the seasons. The lush, rich vines extend in perfect rows across the valleys and up the hillsides of California’s Central Valley.

From springtime’s first green buds to the verdant foliage of summer and the rich colors of autumn, the vineyards present an ever changing feast for the eyes and a sensual delight for the wine lover’s palate. This is wine country and the home of California champagne.

Controversy Ended

Yes, the Central and Napa Valleys are the home of California Champagne. Before the vineyard purists shout blasphemy because the California versions cannot be called champagne, you should understand that California wineries have been bottling sparkling wine under the name Champagne for over a century.

The purists’ primary argument is that only sparkling wine that comes from the Champagne Province of France may be called champagne. There are a few other requirements, including the use of only seven specific grape varieties and certain fermentation techniques.

Let’s put the controversy to rest. California champagne is produced from the same seven grapes, primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Because grapes grown in California soil are naturally sweeter and have a smoother taste, many California champagnes do not follow the French technique of adding bacteria to the wine to take away its acidity.

Most importantly, the United States signed a Wine Trade Agreement with the European Union in 2005. Under this agreement, wineries that had been producing sparkling wine under the name Champagne are allowed to call it that. There you go. Controversy ended.

Variety and Versatility

Of course, despite the agreement, many still claim that California champagnes are not the same as those from France. They are correct.

The New York Times points out that California champagnes are improving, meaning they are mirroring the originals from France. But champagnes and sparkling wines from California are uniquely American, offering a wide variety of tastes. From fruity to dry and tart, many feel they expand the potential of champagne and sparkling wine as a beverage to compliment food with broad and tasty possibilities.


[Image Courtesy of i.ytimg.com]

Not bound by the traditions of the highly specialized, and highly priced, wine-producing culture of the old world, California champagnes are versatile and affordable. Many lend themselves to uses and food pairings that might never be considered by traditionalists.

Use Your Imagination

Many still have not broken away from the tradition of reserving champagne as a drink to toast special occasions. Epicurious Magazine points out that champagne is the perfect wine for everyday food and drink pairings, with a remarkable ability to blend with and enhance the taste of meats, vegetables and fruits.

Take a dry California champagne like André Brut, mix with equal parts orange juice, or to taste, and you have the classic Mimosa, the perfect brunch cocktail. Make it a little dryer, less orange juice, and its sparkling lightness highlights breakfast dishes, including popular meats like bacon.
                   

[Image Courtesy of www.greenbrideguide.com]

Throw some berries in it and you have a light and fruity afternoon cooler. Pair champagne with seafood or meats and see how it brings out the full flavor and richness of the dish. Add your favorite liqueur and it becomes the perfect desert drink.

Use your imagination. You may be surprised at how well it compliments your favorite foods.

A Special Touch

Once you open yourself to the possibilities, reserving champagne only for those special moments in life may seem like a waste of a very good thing. Next time, reach for the bubbly. Light and refreshing, versatile and tasty, champagne can bring a special touch to any meal.

The history and popularity of New Zealand’s Pinot Gris wine

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Grown in both Marlborough on the north end of New Zealand’s South Island and in both Hawkes Bay and Gisborne on the North Island, Pinot Gris has had a very long and remarkable history.

This is a very versatile light bodied, fruity wine, growing best on clay soils with flavours of apples, pears, honeysuckle and apricots. Pinot Gris produced on the North Island tends to be very rich and full bodied, whereas those from the South Island tend to be cheekier and lighter.

Pinot Gris vines were first planted during the 1990’s and have risen rapidly to be the third most popular variety in New Zealand. It is the perfect wine paired with roast pork and a fruity pear sauce, as well as seafood, pasta and chicken.

A potted history of Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris is thought to be related to Pinot Noir and has a long history dating back to the 1300s in Burgundy, France. In fact, recent DNA analyses have shown that Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc have very similar DNA profiles and are in essence just different varieties or mutations of the same vine.

Pinot Noir is a black grape that originated from Burgundy, Pinot Blanc is a white grape that is quite often confused with Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, produces rose and white wines. The reason that everyone has been so confused about the Pinot varieties is because it is more than 1000 years old and has had plenty of time to develop into different varieties.

In fact, Pinot Gris is so old that we very nearly lost it when Phylloxera, a pest that attacks vines, wiped out this vine in Burgundy during the 1800’s. Grafted hybrids with American stock were planted, but were unsuccessful in Burgundy and it looked like Pinot Gris was lost until it started to flourish in Italy and Germany and once again rose to popularity in Europe.

It was around this same time that the grafted hybrids were brought to New Zealand, but their production was only minimal, more of a boutique wine. Over the years, Pinot Noir became more popular, but the market for this was also slow to pick up in New Zealand, with the main focus on Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Then all of a sudden during the early 1990’s the market for Pinot Gris started to grow and with its lively floral, tropical fruit flavours has rapidly gained a following of dedicated wine lovers. In fact, it only took three years for Pinot Gris to overtake Riesling as the third most planted white wine grape in New Zealand.

So if you want to taste a crisp, light bodied wine with a host of acidy fruity flavours, depending on the region where the grapes were grown, then you can do no better than open a bottle of classic Pinot Gris this weekend and find out why this versatile wine is so popular in New Zealand restaurants and in their wine culture.

Sample the flavours of Amsterdam’s breweries

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Amsterdam is famous for many things – its canals, tulips, red-light district, cafes and, of course, its beer. If you enjoy the odd pint or two, I’d recommend paying a visit to a couple of the city’s breweries.

As well as learning a bit more about how beer is made, you’ll also have the chance to sample some of the local tipples. If this sounds like your kind of thing, search for a cheap Amsterdam hotel close to the breweries you want to go to, so that you only have a short walk (or stumble) home.

Here are a few of the breweries I think it’s worth heading to if you’re staying in the Dutch capital.

Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is in the former brewery of this famous lager and has been declared a National Monument. This is a great place to begin your education into the brewing process, as there are numerous exhibits here detailing how beer is made, as well as providing you with more information about the history of Heineken.

In 1988, this brewery stopped producing its famous drinks on a commercial scale, but a mini brewery remains, as well as a tasting bar. One of the quirkiest things about the Heineken Experience is that it has stables where it keeps shire horses that are used to deliver beer throughout Amsterdam.

It does cost €18 (£14.71) to get in (or €16 if you book in advance online), however, this includes two drinks, so you’ll get your money’s worth!

Brewery de Prael
The Brewery de Prael prides itself on using traditional techniques that are hundreds of years old to create its tipples. All the grains used are 100 per cent organic and no artificial flavours or carbonation is added to the finished product – the fizz in these pints comes from the carbon dioxide that occurs naturally during the fermentation process.

Even though the owners have introduced modern equipment to help with the brewing process, they stick to traditional methods as far as possible. Tours start from €7.50 with one beer included, or you can opt for their four-beer package priced at €16.50.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ (or the IJ Brewery)
This small brewery is located next to a windmill, so it shouldn’t be too hard to spot. It’s a fantastic place to visit on a sunny day, as it boasts a large outdoor terrace where you can sip on a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
As with most of Amsterdam’s breweries, it too offers tours of its facilities, at the bargain price of €4.50 including a beer! There are ten beers produced and bottled onsite (although not all of these are available year-round), giving you lots of tasting options once you finish your tour and sit down for a drink.

Among the regular brews are Zatte, which was the first to be produced here, Plzen, Natte, Ijwitt, Struis and Columbus. The last two of these aren’t for the faint hearted with alcohol content of nine per cent.

Jopenkerk
This is one of the newest additions to Amsterdam’s brewery circuit, with all of its brews produced according to traditional recipes. While the beer is certainly good enough to warrant a visit to Jopenkerk, its setting in an old church only adds to the appeal of an afternoon of drinking here.

As well as the brewery and bar, there’s also a cafe and restaurant onsite, so you can easily spend a day enjoying the atmosphere and working your way through the many beers produced using centuries-old recipes.