BEING THERE
Sport
Ireland has a number of traditional and unique sports which are followed with great enthusiasm. Hurling is probably the most authentically Irish, with Gaelic football being the most popular. Golf is enormously popular and there are many fine courses. Typical fees range from IR£10 to IR£25 per day; fees are usually based on a per day rather than a per round basis.
Temple Bar
The Western boundary of Temple Bar is formed by Fishamble Street, which is the oldest street in Dublin dating back to Viking times. Temple Bar is currently a young and trendy part of town, with a variety of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and pockets.
Dublin Castle
Built in the 13th century on the orders of King John, Dublin Castle and would be more accurately described as a palace. Through the centuries the older parts have been extended and today it is only the Record Tower that remains the original part of the castle. The castles tops Cork Hill, behind city hall on Dame Street and tours are held daily.
Behaviour
Ireland is a very relaxed easy-going country with few, if any, rules and regulations. There is nobody you have to particularly wary offending, and there are few rigid rules of behaviour and dress - except, of course to drink as much Guinness and Jamesons as possible!
Language
Although English is the main language in Ireland, it is spoken with a peculiar Irish flavour and lilt. Indeed the Irish accent is one of the most pleasant varieties of English to be heard. The Irish have a notable bias towards scatological speech, as anyone who has seen Alan Parker's 'The Commitments' will confirm.
Drinking
In Ireland a drink means a beer - either a lager or a stout. Stout is Guinness, the famous black beer of Dublin, although nowadays it can also be Murphy's or Beamish. If you don't develop a taste for stout, (you should at least try) a wide variety of lager is available, including Irish Harp or Smithwicks. Simply asking for a Guinness or Harp will get you a pint. If you want a half-pint you should ask for a glass.
Another more recent traditional Irish drink is the Irish coffee. Smooth strong, hot coffee with a liberal amount of Irish whiskey and deliciously topped with cream. Happy drinking!
