We love to cheer with the locals!
When in Ireland, say: “Sláinte!”
Pronounce this Irish term as
Obviously “Cheers!” works, too, but the Irish Gaelic toast is much more common — and using the native language of the Emerald Isle is making a comeback.
Just like in many other European countries, the local way of saying cheers in Ireland with “Sláinte” is also a toast to health.
The Oxford dictionary definition for Sláinte is “used to express friendly feelings towards one’s companions before drinking”. And rest assured, the Irish are some of the most friendly people you will come across when traveling in Europe.
If you are ready to take cheering
Thirsty? Let’s tell you what makes Irish beer so special and why it’s even better when you drink it on the Emerald Isle.
Irish beer, also known as Irish ale, is known for its rich, smooth flavor and its amber to dark reddish color. There are a few factors that contribute to the unique character of Irish beer:
- Water: Ireland is known for its soft water, which is low in minerals and does not contain a lot of dissolved salts. This water is particularly well-suited for brewing ales, as it does not contribute any harsh or metallic flavors.
- Yeast: Irish ale is traditionally fermented with a strain of yeast known as Irish ale yeast, which is known for its ability to produce a clean, fruity flavor.
- Malted barley: Irish ale is made using malted barley that is grown in Ireland. The barley is typically kilned over peat fires, which gives the beer a distinct smoky character.
- Hops: Irish ales are usually made with a variety of different hop varieties. Hops are used in beer to balance the sweetness of the malt and to provide a bitter flavor. Irish ales use a balanced amount of hops to create a smooth, well-rounded flavor that is easy to drink.
- Irish beer have a long brewing tradition in Ireland, with some of the oldest breweries in the world such as Guinness or Murphy’s.
Overall, the combination of these special elements creates a unique flavor profile that is characteristic of Irish beer. The maltiness, the sweetness and the fruity or smoky notes along with the balance of the hops create a special and unique flavor which make it different from other styles of beer.
Guinness is the most famous and best-known Irish beer worldwide.
“There’s nothing on this planet like a pint of the black stuff.”
Guinness, brewed in Ireland since 1759
Guinness was first brewed in Ireland in 1759: It’s a Dry Irish Stout which a unique own flavor profile that comes from the roasted barley and the yeast used. Together, these traditional ingredients gives Guinness its smooth, creamy and a little bitter taste — with its iconic a dark color.
While you can get Guinness pretty much anywhere in the world, it’s at its best when you drink it onsite at the brewery in Dublin. We highly recommend visiting the Storehouse, be it as part of a stop over, or even better on an Inside Europe beer tours experience — crafted uniquely for you and your friends, like any of our group trips. Cross drinkers are always welcome, too.
Another form of salutation when drinking in Ireland is: “Chaith siar é” – Throw it back. The Irish equivalent to the englishmans ” bottoms up!” Phrase for the same occasion.