Local Irish Beer: What's On Tap In Ireland?

Ireland is famous for its beer, and Guinness is the first drink that comes to mind for many. But what else do the locals drink?

Guinness is indeed the most popular Irish beer worldwide, but it is not the most popular beer in Ireland. Heineken is the top-selling beer in Ireland, and Guinness doesn't even make the top 5 alcoholic brands. In 2015, Guinness was in 6th position.

However, Guinness is synonymous with Irish culture, and the relationship has benefited both sides. It is the world's best-selling Irish beer, with origins tracing back to 1759. It is available in several variations, the most popular being Guinness Draught, which was developed in 1959.

Other popular beers in Ireland include Smithwick's Red Ale, Murphy's Stout, Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale, and Harp Lager.

Guinness

The history of Guinness begins in 1759, when Arthur Guinness founded the brewery in Dublin. Interestingly, Guinness himself was a staunch protestant and was strongly in favour of the Union, going so far as to oppose Irish independence.

The beer is made from roasted barley, hops, yeast, and water. While it appears black, the company states the official colour is a dark ruby. There are several varieties of Guinness stout available globally, with the most popular being Guinness Draught, which was developed in 1959. It has a creamy mouthfeel and a surging, frothy head due to nitrogenated beer gas. Guinness Extra Stout is another widely available variety, with a similar taste profile but a little more dryness and bite.

In Ireland, Guinness is often mixed with other drinks. Black 'n Black, for example, is Guinness with a shot of blackcurrant, making the porter bite more bearable for those who don't like it. Another popular drink is the Half & Half, which is Guinness poured over a half-pint of Harp Lager—an Irish version of the Black & Tan.

Smithwick's

The Irish variant of Smithwick's is a translucent red, while the blonde ale is a lighter, crisp, and slightly citrusy beer. The red ale has a malty sweetness with hints of apple juice, berries, and earthy hops. It is a little bitter, but the maltiness and sweetness balance this out. The blonde ale is also a light, crisp, and citrusy beer.

The correct pronunciation of Smithwick's is often debated. Some say it is pronounced "Smith-icks", while others say it is "Smiddicks" or "Smitticks". In Ireland, the "w" is always silent.

Harp

The brand was marketed with the Brian Boru harp as its emblem, and the beer's name was chosen over other contenders such as Atlas, Cresta, and Dolphin. Harp was advertised with slogans such as "Harp stays sharp" and "Look on the Harp side", and the beer was once a household name in the UK. However, it eventually lost popularity due to increasing competition from other British and foreign lager brands.

While Harp Lager is now rarely available in the Republic of Ireland outside of Dundalk, it remains a major lager brand in Northern Ireland, where it is often available on tap in bars. The beer is still brewed in Dublin and is also exported to other countries, including Australia and North America.

Kilkenny

While Ireland is the primary market for the brand, Australia and Canada are the largest importers of Kilkenny. It is available on tap in many Australian and New Zealand bars and pubs, and can also be found in some bottle stores. Kilkenny has grown in popularity in Canada, with several Canadian personalities pictured enjoying a Kilkenny, including Mike Myers and Drake.

Murphy's

The flavour of Murphy's has been likened to "a distant relative of chocolate milk", with a creamy finish that is free from carbonation. The water of the River Lee in Cork is said to give Murphy's its unique quality. The beer has a 4% alcohol content, making it a pleasant drink that leaves very little aftertaste.

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