In Search of the Perfect Pint

Jaysus,it’s a tough job but someone has to do it: In search of the perfect pint (of Guinness) in Dublin. This is a challenge not to be rushed, and considering the sheer volume of institutions serving the aforesaid, this could be particularly time consuming project.  Deadline :Arthur's Day September 27th17.59pm.

The task clearly screamed HELP,so hence the very obliging team at Jacobs Inn and Isaacs Hostel were recruited ( they didn’t take much forcing! ) to hunt out the  creamiest, smoothest pint in our favourite the best pubs in Dublin. We kind of restricted ourselves to the central square mile in Dublin, so apologies if we missed a vital suburban pint in the far flung reaches of Ranelagh, Malahide or Chapeizod (maybe a sequel blog??).  

The RULES? Well there weren’t any really! The pubs/ bars were judged,to be honest not just on the quality of the  black stuff but overall atmosphere and may have been unfairly influenced  by the  mightiness of the craic  and the consumption  levels on a particular  night in question  - so apologies to Arthur - this might not be the “purest”  of surveys .  We have included  on our  “Black stuff list”  some pubs on  the main Dublin Tourist Trail  ( but let’s  face that’s why they are got there  in the first place ) but we did manage to get a few  hidden gems in too ! So here goes: “Our Staff Picks for a PERFECT PINT” and in no particular order:

Martina (a literary soul?) spends her time at the Bernard Shaw: A pub, with an awesome beer garden and wait for it…A big blue double decker bus that sells pizza. Enough said!! If the bus didn’t pique your interest …you don’t deserve to witness it!

The Mercantile: Great looking bar, pretty central to Temple Bar and them also run a pub crawl every night. But great Sunday session with great modern traditional music.

Kevin: always on form for a pint  

Kevin (yes him) Hannigan  has been known to hang at Messrs Maguire –“Pretty cool bar just south of the river. They’re open late on the important nights of the week ( What IS an important night Kevin?) have several drink promotions most nights and have five different bars over three stories – very unusually and uniquely laid out.

Turk’s Head – One of the few spots in Temple Bar I would go to. It has an unusual layout – some parts of the bar are very cramped with people squeezed next to each other, whereas other parts are open and vacuous. Great live music most nights and some great drink promotions too.

The Porterhouse – There are two of these in the city centre: one on Parliament Street and one on Nassau Street. The Porterhouse is a micro brewery, so they have a large selection of beer from all around the world, as well as their own home-brewed beer (do they serve Guinness Kevin!!?). The one on Parliament Street is better; it’s got live music and a better atmosphere. And finally The Brazen Head – It’s second oldest bar in Europe (though they claim to be the oldest) for one thing. A ramshackle, weathered shell of a building from the outside, a lively local on the inside. Always packed with both tourists and locals, live music every night and (literally) award-winning food.

Mulligans gets best pint vote

Ronan recommends The Long Hall (South Great George Street) – a must-visit pub-and it really is a long hall – a taste of Dublin in the rare ole times! And Mulligans on Poolbeg Street – one of Dublin’s oldest pubs (1782) with the best pint of Guinness for miles around – no fancy frills here!. Frank Ryan’s in Smithfield – Great Pub with great Guinness… go on a Thursday to see the best Dublin cover band! And Darkey Kellys – Trad Sessions and good pints, often free sandwiches!

Niamh also backs up Ronan on Mulligans but suggested Mcdaids another traditional pub but on Harry Street just off Grafton Street –“great spot for a good pint of the black stuff but get in early if you want to get a seat!” (And park your shopping bags Niamh???)


Elaine  - is she hiding her Guinness moustache

Elaine plumps for: The Globe – on George's Street, cool, bar upstairs and dance floor downstairs, always full even on a weekday and always free in! The Grand Social – cool smoking area, good mix of people go there. Usually live music/events upstairs and different genres music played every night. (Warning: all the staff like this one) Sweeney’s on Dame Street – Always live music and great atmosphere.

Hot spots Andy 

Andy’s Hot spots! : If you are looking for the Irish cultural experience the Celt bar  Talbot Street is a great spot to go. Live music every night and very close to the hostel. Always a great atmosphere. .There other bars I enjoy are The Living Room on Catha Brugha Street  The best place to go for big sports matches. They have  biggest screens in Dublin and a huge smoking area out the back with big screens

The Globe on Georges street is one of my favoured bars for a late drink. It has a nightclub downstairs that plays some excellent indie music. Doyle's on Fleet Street is also a good bar. It also has live music every night and a nice friendly atmosphere always. One of my favourite bars that are also part of the hostels pub crawl is The Old Storehouse on Crown Alley in Temple Bar.

Would you take a pint with this man?

A third vote from  James for Mulligans on Poolbeg Street which is just over Butt Bridge a few minutes from the hostel serves a great pint of Guinness in a traditional pub environment of retired and still working hacks from the old Irish Press offices next door to the pub. A good mix of tourists with business folk and students along with some fun Dublin bar staff that has been there years, quality pub. The Palace on Fleet Street also serves a good pint of Guinness in a traditional old pub frequented by Brendan Behan and Flann O’ Brien back in the day…Further afield Clarkes pub in Drogheda has a good pint and has traditional Irish music quite regularly (James since when has Drogheda been in the Dublin’s central square mile? You will seriously need to buy the pints if you want us to hoik on out there!! ) NB but then if  you are visiting Newgrange ,then this might be  good  watering hole on the way back . 

So thats it! Our personal picks for a perfect pint. (Tis a blooming miracle how these guys ever have time to work?) We could go on (and on and on) but at least you get a taste of some of our “tried and tested” and clearly where NOT to go of you want to give us a wide berth!!.

We would love to get YOUR Perfect Pint feedback .So please send a review of your favourite Dublin watering holes (with a photo of you in a pub with a pint, if you have one) to events@isaacs.ie or tag to our Isaacs/ Jacobs Facebook pages. You will be in with a chance to win a free night with us plus a wild night out with The Hostel Pub crawl for you and a mate!

Public Pay Phones in that direction...

Wilkommen from Berlin. I’ve been here roasting in the sunshine for the past 3 days expertly avoiding Sunburn like some well trained acrobatic. Actually, I’ve just stuck to the shade. The shade is my friend!

Berlin has been a reunion of sorts! Not only did I meet my Irish buddy Stephen from home here in the hostel, but also the guys I met in Brugge. So chaos and good times have ensued once again! I got here on Monday afternoon after a not-so-bad 6 hour train journey. That evening myself and Stephen got our map, found a beer garden and went there. We then left after one drink because you know... we’re students and €4 a drink is too much for us. Well, when beer is €1.50 from a street kiosk it is!

Yesterday was a much more interesting day! We visited the city of Potsdam, outside of Berlin. When we got there we trekked to the location of the Potsdam Conference in 1945 in the palace of Cecilienhoff. This is where Stalin, Churchill and Truman met after the end of World War 2 to decide the future of Europe. It was a pretty awe inspiring place, retracing the steps of history that have shaped the modern world. Not just that, but the palace itself was spectacular. Now, we didn’t see all 170 plus rooms, but the 10 we did were quite swanky! Germany isn’t the only country with some historical buildings of note! In Ireland we have a rich past of many Norman and Viking castles and other buildings galore! They literally take you back in time to when our island was conquered by our neighbours from Scandinavia. Their invasion also resulted in the foundation of many Irish monastries and round towers, which dot the Irish countryside and must be included in your stay in Ireland!

This morning, with heads too weary for sunlight, we took off in the blistering heat to view Germanys Parliament. We took in the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and the vast expansive park that is Tier Garten. Tier Garten reminded me of our own parks and greens in Ireland. Not only is there St Stephens Green in the centre of Dublin, but also Killarney National Park in the South West. Really and truly, the whole country is green, so get out there and smell the fresh air! Tier Garten was a cool place to be though, not only does it have expansive green spaces but supposedly there are spots of it which permit nude sun bathing! Madness! That piece of knowledge came to me via Adam of travelsofadam.com. We sat down earlier today and talked of everything from Berlins nightlife to his travels in South East Asia. I really enjoyed his company and he gave me a wider view of Berlin that I haven’t had the chance to experience in my 3 days here. 

What about the German stereotype? Serious, uncompromising and stern. Nope. By now you know a stereotype is a label and nothing more. We Irish don’t sit around drinking all day, munching Spuds and chasing pots of Gold. The Germans are a lovely people who have helped me out along the way, even when I was attempting to speak in their native tongue. Horribly trying too! However, one story must be shared about a German I encountered who didn’t do very much to help me. *COMMENCING RANT* Coming off the train returning from Potsdam yesterday, I went to an ATM in the station to withdraw some money. Card in, screen staring at me and then it froze. Wonderful yeah? So I walked over to the Information Desk and told the man behind it my card was stuck in the machine. He advised me to ring the help number on the ATM. I already had and it wasn’t in service. I asked him could he trying ringing it. “Nein!”. More wonderful! Raising his hand and pointing over my shoulder he put the final nail in the coffin of what could have been a beautiful friendship and he said “Public phones are in that direction”. By now, the machine had spat out my card and I, possibly far too sarcastically, thanked the man for his help and left. Thankfully the card worked and I’m still able to spend gratuitous amounts of my money in Berlin! *RANT COMPLETE*

Where to next? POZNAN in Poland! The home of many Irish fans during Euro 2012. I’m going there tomorrow morning and I hope to see just how bad a state the Irish left it in! Thanks must be paid to the Tourism Ireland office in Frankfurt for their helpful tips for Berlin! Other than that, slán! Talk soon!

Follow me and my travels on Twitter at @ciaran_o_connor and @IsaacsHostels and on Facebook at Isaac Hostels.

Post Olympic Blues ?

Oh boy …on a bit of a comedown after the highs of the Olympics and we really need something new to chin wag about. Luckily things are really hotting up in Dublin with a stack of great events taking place over coming weeks. Here are some favourites for you to ponder chosen by Myra a member of our reception team (at Isaacs Hostel and Jacobs inn.)  Or check out our Dublin events guide here

 A rare variety of sports takes  over Dublin thus week  including the annual  RDS Dublin Horse show from 15- 19th  August . This is is but a dart ride away from the hostels. For those who enjoy all things horsey or in fact just like to be seen this is one of the highlights of the Dublin social scene.

For something slightly more racy you can get up close to the thrills of Motor racing in Phoenix Park on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18^th. This one’s FREE! or  Just take a leisurely stroll down to the Liffey this Saturday and marvel at the madness  of those 250 men and 100 women who will swim in the historic Annual Liffey Swim Spectators are encouraged to support the competitors from the banks of the river, with the Liffey Boardwalk providing a great viewing point  . Who needs an Olympic pool to show off your speedos? - Michael Phelps eat your heart out!!  

 If rock is more your style then The Boys is back in town … for Phil lynott Thin Lizzy fans check out Still in Love with You: The Philip Lynott Exhibition 19^th July 2012 – 30^th September 2012 at St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre, Dublin.  Gig season is still in full flow and though Bruce the Boss is a hard act to follow you can catch Noel Gallagher & Kasabian, Marley Park on 23/8 or  for a bit of nostalgia Tom Jones and Van Morrison at Marley Park on 24^th .

Dublin Tall Ships-Set sail 

Time : Duration : We won’t  miss The Tall Ships Races 2012 arriving  here ( a  mere  hop, skip,  and a splash from  Jacobs  Inn and  Isaacs Hostels ) from 23^rd August 2012 – 26^th August 2012 at  Dublin Docklands There are loads of FREE   events and gigs,  ideal for our  backpackers on a  budget .

For the unique entertainment experience of American Football Try the American football event on 01/ 09 at the Aviva stadium - the home of Irish rugby opens its doors to a wild legion of American football fans  .

So Olympics though  we will  never forget you  it's  time  to move  on and enjoy  all Dublin has to offer  this August . And if that is just all too much for you and per chance it does get actually hot again (say past 20c!)  then head out to  the seaside  to feel the sand  between  your  toes  ,have an ice cream and  if you are really mad a “refreshing dip “ in the Irish sea  (  we are only a  20 min minute dart ride away from bathing spots at the 40 foot Sandy cove or Malahide etc.  ) 

Three French men walk into a room...

DAM Square

Lang niet gezien. This means “Long time no see!” in the Dutch language. Which is where I still am - The Netherlands that is. The past two days have been an illuminating few here in the Dutch capital. On Saturday morning I took a walking tour of Amsterdam. I couldn’t encourage walking tours more! They’re a great way to see the city, and they give you the chance to be in the thick of a culture and a people, as opposed to sitting on a bus gazing out the window like some voyeuristic Monarchs observing their city in action! The tour guide was not afraid to get stuck into what Amsterdam is known for. As he said “I came here myself in 1985 as a Student, looking for sex, drugs and rock and roll. I found two of these. Dutch rock and roll is awful!” He dutifully informed us of the history behind the drug trade in Amsterdam as well the formation of the Red Light District.

Multatuli Statue

Amongst all this education of Amsterdam, I learnt something else. Amsterdam is actually a really nice city! You could spend the day wandering over different canals and bridges. Admittedly, you may get a smell of..you know... every now and then. That’s it though. Once you’re aware of that, you’re free to take in everything else the city has to offer. Amsterdam was the centre of the Worlds First Stock Exchange and held a very important place in history. There is history galore and numerous slanting buildings to keep you going for hours! It’s built on a swamp, so the occasional building leaning forward should not alarm you! The canals here and in Brugge reminded me of the network of rivers and canals we have in our own Ireland. In Dublin alone, there are myriad canals slowly cutting their way through the city, not to mention the River Liffey itself. Also, we have the River Shannon. Irelands largest river, starting up in the Cavan mountains, it flows through Irelands midlands and cuts our south west into the counties of Limerick and Clare. The water highways of Ireland, and of course our lakes, are the perfect places to partake in any water activities that take your fancy. Even if it’s as simple as jumping off a pier, like I did at age 15! Added to that, off our west coast, surfing is becoming a bigger and bigger sport of not just Irish people, but to those all over the world who are beginning to recognise Ireland as a fantastic surfing spot! Sure it rains all the time, we’d have to have good rivers!

In this hostel I am sharing my room with three French guys of my age. They came into the room at around 1am on my first night here. After exchanging pleasantries the next morning , I got dressed and left the the room for the day. Later that day, on a tour of the many canals that cross Amsterdam, I ran into the three guys again. I walked past one and said hello, but there was no return remark. The guys had been getting to know a few of Amsterdam's Coffeeshops a bit too well I suppose...I must have missed the sign for the Horticultural Coffeeshop Tour. Funnily enough, that was the last I saw of them!

On Sunday, I took a late morning. All this work and travel is exhausting you know...! I visited the Anne Frank House in the early afternoon. Incredible is the only word. It was a deeply moving experience and I can offer no other complement than if you do happen to go to Amsterdam, you must come here. Incredible. After visiting here, I indulged a bit in a hobbie of mine. Vinyl! Not carpet, but gramophones! In the evening I took part in a tour of the Red Light District. Wow! A really interesting place that both open your eyes and makes you think. It is very safe to walk around, after all, these women are business women. The only thing you have to watch out for is pickpockets. Another thing I noticed on the streets of the city was all the graffiti. And how wonderful it was! It made me think about our own graffiti in Ireland, and art in general. It is more confined to galleries than city streets in my own country, but there is some fantastic pieces on offer. The National Museum in Dublin which is a short walk from Isaacs Hostel, is free for admission and offers you a chance to see some of the most amazing pieces of art you’ll ever lays your eyes on! I highly recommend it.

Monday morning I take an early 6hr train ride to Berlin. I really cannot wait. I am literally bursting with excitement for the opportunity to sit still for six hours. All that recycled air!! I don’t hide my sarcasm that well... Either way, I am really looking forward to Berlin. I am meeting a fellow traveller blogger - Adam Groffman from www.travelsofadam.com -  and another Irishman there and in true style, we plan on leaving a stamp upon the place! I’ll let you know if we do!

Follow me and my travels on Twitter at @ciaran_o_connor and @IsaacsHostel and on Facebook on the IsaacHostels page.

Bumper to Bumper disco is back

The bumper to bumper disco Headphone disco is back.

The headphone disco is presented by Dublin Dance Festival in association with Temple Bar Cultural Trust and Phantom 105.2 with the station’s Jim Carroll and Michelle Doherty on the decks spinning all the best tracks, from the latest indie floor fillers to classic tunes from the 80s and 90s.

The headphone disco will start at 9 pm with gates opening at 8.30 pm. All you have to do is bring your headphone and have your radio tuned to 105.2 FM.

Tickets to this event are free but must be picked up from the Dublin Dance Festival Box office on 12 East Essex Street.

For More information click here

And don't forget when staying in Dublin, stay with us at Jacobs Inn or Isaacs Hostel

Win Westlife tickets and accommodation in Dublin

Finally the dust has settled (or should I say Volcanic Ash) and we are gradually getting back to normal after a crazy week sorting out guests who couldn't get back home and dealing with other guests who could not get to us.

Now we are getting ready for a really busy summer in Dublin which is going to be fantastic because this summer Isaacs Hostel is celebrating it's 25th birthday - and we are going to party! - Isaacs Hostel is committed to staying forever young so watch out for our special 25th offers and deals - there are new ones every week so check out our website to keep up to date with everything.

Competitions are also coming fast and furious and in conjunction with Hostelworld, we are giving away two tickets to see Westlife plus 3 nights accommodation at Isaacs Hostel. Click here to enter the competition.

Live postcards from Dublin

Smile, You're on Candid Camera!

Send a live postcard to all your friends back home. World Link house have cameras on the streets of Dublin. The cameras are located just around thecorner from the Jacobs Inn and Isaacs hostels in Lower Gardiner Street between Talbot Street and Lower Abbey Street. Send the link (www.nci.ie/ipsy) to your family and friends.

Tell them when you'll be out and about and they can see you live and in action. Don't forget about the time difference - we're GMT = 0 hours. Remember the picture updates every 15 seconds so have lots of fun – send messages making letters with your body or have people pop in and out of the picture! Visit www.hidden-dublin.com/card for more ideas and maps of the cameras exact locations.

Food for thought

Food for Thought

'Me stomach thinks me throat's been cut' is just one of the entertaining ways an Irish person can let you know they're ready to eat! Good hearty fare can be as simple as a burger and beer enjoyed right here in the hostel every Friday and Saturday evening or try your hand at preparing a full Irish breakfast in our self catering kitchen.

On your visit to Dublin the more adventurous visitor will want to sample some of our more traditional dishes including coddle, Irish stew, colcannon and corned beef and cabbage which can all be found in the great selection of restaurants around the city. Try Gallaghers Boxty House in Temple Bar (http://www.boxtyhouse.ie/) or the Shack (http://www.shackrestaurant.ie/). Why not visit Hotel Isaacs Il Vignardo restaurant, where Italian food with an Irish slant is served in attractive surroundings which will make you feel you've entered a Tuscan vineyard. With early bird and lunch specials at €9.90, the value is hard to beat.

For the serious foodies among you a trip to the 'Taste of Dublin' festival (http://www.tastefestivals.ie/) will be just the ticket. Running from the 11th to 14th June and now in it's fouth year with over 30,000 visitors the idea behind this festival is to allow everyone to taste food prepared by the best Irish chefs. Prestigious restaurants such as L'Ecrivan, Diep Le Shaker Chapter One and King Sitric to name but a few prepare 3 signature dishes each. It all takes place is the beautiful surroundings of the Iveagh gardens off Stephens Green just a 15 minute walk from the hostel.