In 1759, at the age of 27, Arthur Guinness began the brewing dynasty that carries his name when the St. James Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland became his first brew house.  You can tour this famous location, as I did, with a visit to Ireland.

The tour takes you through a brief history of the Guinness family, the beginning of the brewery and the brewing process itself.  This is where you learn there are only four ingredients used to produce the famous Guinness stout: barley, water, hops and yeast. Of course, it is much more complex than getting out a mixing bowl and heading over to the stove. The brewery tour walks you through the steps, with many antique pieces of equipment on display. You will learn about malting barley, something called wort, and see giant copper kettles used to cook the wort prior to moving on to the fermentation containers where the yeast is added … or something like that.   I do remember it was being fun just being there. There was a real sense of history, and I mean more than viewing the display case of all the different varieties of bottles and containers used over the years. However, throughout the entire process, I knew we would eventually get to the “tasting” room. Actually, it was a large glass-enclosed bar located at the top of the tower with great views of Dublin. This is where pints are drawn of the dark, ruby red stout to be sampled by the masses. Even if you do not like the taste of beer (that has never been a problem for me), you could just sip the brew with a newfound appreciation of this beverage that has been sold in over 70 countries since it inception.

The brewery tour was not all that was happening in Ireland. I must admit to visiting several different pubs, to enjoy a pint to be certain, but most importantly to meet the people. This is where I discovered Smithwick’s. Okay, it is another ale, not an Irish poet or famous person, but Smithwick’s still has some historic relevance … but I digress.

Ireland is the country of my forefathers. I understand my clan was more in the British-controlled Northern Ireland area of the country, and unfortunately I did not get up to that area, but I did enjoy seeing much of the southern part of the country. Starting in Dublin, Ireland’s largest, most vibrant city, with Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells, a ninth century manuscript on display in the Old Library located in the heart of the city, you can get a feel for the Irish urban life.  Excellent shopping, wonderful restaurants, museums and, of course, pubs! Dublin is a good starting point, but getting into the country is what makes Ireland such an interesting place to visit.

I was leading a group of 68 people, and some of the highlights of our trip included golfing at the K Club (site of the next Ryder Cup match); the medieval city of Kilkenny; the Rock of Cashel and it’s abbey, Blarney Castle. Yes, I did kiss the Blarney Stone; my wife, however, the more practical one, refused the opportunity, yet enjoyed my contortions to accomplish the goal. Then there was the Blarney Woollen Mills, where I enjoyed watching my wife accomplish her contortions as she shopped for crystal, woolens and other items of interest in the large shopping emporium! Did I mention they have a pub inside? After my grueling encounter with the Blarney Stone, it was a welcome sight. Besides, it is difficult for a mere mortal man to keep up with a woman on a shopping mission! One quick note, you typically can get a better price for Waterford Crystal in one of the many Blarney Woollen Mills than at the Waterford factory outlet in Waterford.  

We also visited churches, cemeteries, cathedrals, abbeys and castles. including Bunratty Castle for a medieval banquet dinner. Plus overnight stays in Dromoland Castle and the Adare Manor.  Oh, by the way, the oldest continually opened and operated pub in Ireland is located next to Bunratty Castle. We couldn’t let something of such historical significance go unexplored! We toured the Dingle Peninsula, Limerick and Galway, were awed by the magnificence of the Cliffs of Mohr, and enjoyed quaint Killarney and the historic Muckross House. We saw stone walled pastures, roadways and yards. In fact, we saw stones everywhere, especially in the western portions of Ireland.

As many great places and sights as we enjoyed in our travels throughout the Irish countryside, the most memorable part of the trip were the people. The Irish are friendly, colorful, warm and funny. I met more Terrys and Michaels and Patricks and Colleens and Katherines, with last names like Quinn and Flynn, O’Callaghan and O’Leary, and Duffy and Murphy.

Take it from this good old Irish boy, if the opportunity presents itself, do yourself a favor and visit the land of my forefathers.

Did I mention they have great pubs there?

		Michael Jackman is president of International Tours, a full-service travel agency, and president of GalaxSea Cruises, specializing in cruise vacations.  Both offices are located in Okemos.  A 19-year veteran of the travel industry, Jackman has received many awards and designations including Master Cruise Counselor by the Cruise Line Internationals.