A Glimpse Into Ireland’s Core: Traditional Music & Pub Culture
A Glimpse Into Ireland’s Core: Traditional Music & Pub Culture
A rich Irish experience includes gorgeous scenery and true hospitality, but a key aspect of being in Ireland is exploring the unique and iconic pub culture.
As soon as you enter an Irish pub, it feels like entering the heart of Ireland. Regardless of what’s going on in your life, when stepping into the pub, there’s something about the atmosphere that washes all cares away and replaces it with pure happiness. Some will say that happens because of the delicious Guinness, but the truth is there’s so much more than just drinking.
Often I’ll talk with folks who say they don’t drink and wonder about visiting the pubs. I advise that it’s really about the feeling and the energy of being in the pub and the welcoming people. There are many times I sit in a pub with my diet coke, and have a fantastic time, enjoying the atmosphere or chatting with the locals.
Elevate your Irish gateway with an authentic pub experience that includes traditional music and pub etiquette.
The Place to Enjoy the True Meaning of “Craic”
There’s a reason why Irish people are so jolly and welcoming all the time – that happens for a reason. They know the secret behind the word “Craic”.
Linguists claim that the definition of the term Craic is quite hard to pinpoint. Essentially the term is slang used for fun and enjoyment; however, the true meaning fully embraces the Irish culture. The term means something much more than just a good time. True “craic” asks for great company and cheerful conversation where everyone is involved.
If you’re getting asked, “What’s the craic?” that’s just the local way of saying, “How are you?“ “How are you doing?”. It’s the start of a lively conversation.
In pub culture, they say music enhances the craic, and Irish folk music is another element that represents true Irish culture.
The Legacy of Ireland’s Traditional Music
Music is an essential element that maintains the atmosphere of an Irish pub — aside from Guinness, of course. The Irish pub, as the world knows it worldwide, became what it is today thanks to the revival of traditional Irish music into the pub scene in the 1960s after previous bans on music and dancing in public spaces.
The Emerald Isle has a rich music history, and a local Irish pub is an ideal place to catch an impromptu performance. Music is spontaneous and brings people together, so it’s not uncommon to see a bunch of musicians performing in the corner of the pub.
Music is about community and communication, so if you play an instrument, take it to the pub with you. You never know when an artist will join you in an impromptu jam session.
Along with classic jams, rock and roll, and famous songs, you’ll also have the chance to experience real Irish music. The musicians play instruments with unique sounds, like bodhrans (traditional drums), Uilleann pipes (similar to a bagpipe), and fiddles. The songs have deep meanings and melodies that give you goosebumps. You will hear legends, stories, and myths about the land and its people. Songs about history, celebration, and rebellion that send a powerful message to people today. The Irish folk songs tell stories and unite people, are symbolic of the national identity, and represent a living tradition.
While listening to these songs, you’ll have the most authentic experiences in Ireland, so choose your pub wisely.
Pub Culture: The Basics
Irish pubs are not just places made to enjoy a good drink. There is a deep sense of camaraderie present in these places. Irish people frequently gather in local pubs, and even a newcomer can feel the familiarity and friendliness.
Here, locals know each other and will invite tourists to join their conversations without hesitation. You may observe the friendliness between the customers and staff, which adds one more layer of familiarity and community.
Irish pubs are actually community centers (public houses) where you can go, leave your worries behind and have a few drinks with new and old friends.
Even though, at their core, pubs are gathering places to see your friends and family, there are a few things that differentiate them. Let’s see what kind of pubs you may encounter on your Irish journey
Rural Pubs in Ireland
Rural pubs in Ireland are the main center of rural life. For that reason, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon such a place that’s someone’s garage or living room. Add to an empty space a wooden bar, a couple of alcohol bottles, and some chairs, and for sure, you’ve got the proper formula for a hidden Irish gem.
These rural pubs are focused on community, and it is a great way to blend in and meet the locals, perhaps learn some history and experience some culture of the area.
As we already mentioned, there’s a familiarity between customers and bartenders. The bar staff plays an essential role in creating the proper atmosphere. As a staff member, it is a must to have the ability to pour a proper pint of Guinness, which requires some skill, and they also need to know details about the local area.
Sports Pubs
If you are a sports enthusiast, add a sports pub to your must-see list. Whenever there’s an important sports event, you can be certain that all pubs in Ireland are working at full capacity.
The atmosphere is always electric when there’s a hurling match or Gaelic football on television. So if you want to live moments full of intensity, excitement, and joy, then join a sports pub on your visit to Ireland.
Irish Pub Grub
Ireland is famous not only for the Guinness pints but also for traditional food recipes. Thus, it’s not too challenging to find a pub that serves delicious Irish favorites. From traditional Irish breakfast to a large portion of fish and chips, trying some local specialties in a pub should definitely be on your list.
The hub of Irish culture
As you can clearly see, the pub is a hub for life in Ireland. These places are perfectly crafted for you to blend in with the locals and truly experience local culture, food, and music. Thus, while you visit the Emerald Isle make sure you take time to enjoy the essential part of Irish life.
