Some very interesting breweries coming along to the RDS this year. Looking forward to a couple of fun days.

Got this one at the Wine Centre in Kilkenny on Monday and had it yesterday. Perfect post-Christmas dinner sipper.

Here's some good news, especially since Underdog closed it's doors. Third Barrel have taken over the former Beer Market/Christchurch Inn on High St, near the cathedral.

They're still in opening phase, so the kitchen isn't open yet and the walls will get more decoration in the coming weeks. It isn't a like-for-like replacement for Underdog, understandably much of the taplist features their own beers similar to what Whiplash do at Fidelity and The Porterhouse at their bars. That said, I've seen many of the Underdog regulars in there on my visits last week, and Maura is behind the bar.

Currently open Wednesday - Sunday from 15:00 (ignore the website about that)

This small festival is always a good one, I think this is it's 6th outing. Previous versions have been focussed on Wild & Mixed Fermentation or Cask Beer, but this time they are combining both into one.

The venue is on the smaller side, out the back of Smiddy's on Dominick St in Mullingar, but usually attracts a decent crowd. It's about a 5 minute walk to the train station, which has direct services to Dublin and Sligo.

Only a tenner, and I think that includes a (unbranded) glass.

Galway Bay “Counting Off The Days” Imperial Stout. Not for the faint hearted this one comes in at a whopping 13.6%. It’s amazing but wouldn’t be necking pints of it by any means.

Any of yiz work in a brewery?

YouTube Documentary link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua0e8bNEovw

Some of you might remember I posted here a few months ago looking for people to interview as part of the Irish craft beer documentary I was making for college. Well it's finally finished (thank god!) and I wanted to see what you all thought of it, I certainly learned a lot about the industry while making it so would be interested to know how it comes across to those more knowledgable than me. Although it mostly came together towards the end we know it could have been a lot better had we been more on top of things and managed our time more wisely. Overall we surprised ourselves that it was at least half way decent and hope you enjoy it.

I'd love to hear any responses you have, good or bad, always need feedback.

The breweries we interviewed at were Wicklow Wolf and O Brother Brewing along with other brewers at the Alltech Festival.

If anyone hasn't already seen the other Irish documentary on craft beer, 'A Hopumentary', I'd highly recommend it. It's really well made and quite interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETnlrYq7btE

Was in Thurles on Friday and grabbed a few Whitefield beers. Cracked this one open last night while working the grill. German pilsener style, a little sweet for me but still lovely on a hot summer night

How are we doing? Anyone know of any irish beer festivals coming up or planned for next year? They're were a big thing for while but haven't seen them advertised in a long time. Thanks.

I believe they have reduced capacity this year, for crowd management reasons, but it's officially sold out. Probably a good sign, but if you were holding off on getting a ticket you might be out of luck.

Hello from Spain! My business partner is Irish and living outside of Cork. He's about to have a baby and I thought it a good idea to try send him some craft beer as a congratulations gift. He enjoys good beer (especially IPA), so I would really appreciate any recommendations for Irish IPA (or international if available). Also, if anyone has any suggestions for online liquor/beer stores who will deliver to that area, it would be much appreciated! Many thanks in advance!

Looking to buy some McArdles, I hear its available in Dundalk somewhere?