About Dublin

The first historical reference to the city of Dublin was found in AD 140 under the name of Eblana Civitas. The bay it found itself in had been inhabited for thousands of years. The Celts set up shop there in 700 BC and in the fifth century they would be converted to Christianity by St. Patrick. Even later in the ninth century, the Vikings would arrive to lay the foundations of a commercial centre which would later be known as Dubh Linn (black lagoon).

Beer is the most popular drink in Dublin and Ireland. It's a fundamental piece of the culture of the town and something that you truly have to see to believe. Bars play such an important role every single Irish city.

One of its most well known brands is to blame, not only because it allows the rest of the world to know its brewing side, but because it has driven a city mad with passion. Yes, we are talking about Guinness.

Guinness, the brand of a city

The history of Guinness begins in 1759 when Arthur Guinness decides to open a brewery in St. James Gate, Dublin. Soon Arthur Guinness would take the title of Master, the highest authority at the Dublin Brewers Corporation, and he would begin to produce a black beer made from roasted barley. A legend was born and because of fate, it seems that Guinness was predestined to succeed.

With the Napoleonic Wars and the building of railway lines, the sale of black beer, or as it would later come to be known "stout", would increase not only in Ireland but also in England. In the latter sales would even triple. The Irish beer brand was starting to outperform its competitors.

In 1803, after the death of Arthur Guinness, his son Benjamin took over the company and, far from being content with what his father had already achieved, continued to expand the company horizon beyond brewing. By making a donation for the remodelling of St. Patrick's Cathedral he laid the foundation of what was to be a close bond between Guinness and the Irish community. A foundation that would never be broken. Even after the death of Benjamin Guinness, the donations were continued, allowing important works to be carried out such as opening St Stephen's Green, the Guinness and Iveagh Trusts for the construction of homes for the poor in Dublin and London, and even helping hospitals in Dublin and Trinity College.

This is how Guinness became a symbol of Ireland. But if that were not enough, thanks to its international marketing strategy with its successful international campaigns, Guinness also became one of the best known beers in the world. All this makes having a Guinness on your visit to the city something that is mandatory, and something you need to do at least once in a lifetime.

Beers in Dublin

Where to grab a beer in Dublin

In the city of Dublin you can find more than 1,000 pubs so having a good beer should not be a problem. In the great majority of them live music is usually offered with solid pub food to eat between pints. With just so many options narrowing it down to just a few could be quite problematic.

Leaving aside some mythical and obvious places like the Guinness Storehouse, here are 5 recommendations based mainly on the popularity of the watering holes which can surely help you to enjoy some delicious Irish beer in the city:

Temple Bar Pub, 47-48 Temple Bar. Opened in 1840, this pub is a classic in one of the best known areas of the city. Food, live music and, most importantly pints of beer of all kinds. Although always full of people, it is a classic that guarantees the most authentic experience in the city.

The Brazen Head, 20 Bridge Street Lower. The oldest pub in Ireland, nothing more and nothing less. Since 1198 this place has long been offering beers, meals and a great atmosphere. If you need a sure bet this is it. And if this were not enough know that Joyce wrote about this place in his novel "Ulysses" and this place was a fixture of famous Irish literary figures. If that doesn't impress you then I don't know what will!

David Bryne, 21 Duke Street. If we get to talk about "Ulysses" then we can't not mention this pub. This is where the novel's main character had breakfast. So if you are looking for a literary environment that can inspire you while enjoying a good beer, this pub is perfect for you.

The Palace Bar, 21 Fleet Street. A beautifully-decorated pub that opened its doors in 1823. It looks very much the same as it did then and is famous for being frequented by the intellectuals of the time. A great place to take refuge and talk while savoring some of their innumerable beers.

Oliver St. Johns Gogarty, 58 Fleet Street. Another must-go to add to the list. This pub stands out above the rest for its festive atmosphere. Both its interior and its terrace are always crowded with people willing to have a good time while they enjoy traditional food and delicious beer at a good price.

When to go

We'll tell you the best time to visit Dublin. Take notes and start preparing your trip!

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam finds its origins in a small fishing village located near the Amstel River, where a dyke ("dam" in Dutch) is built in the 12th century and changes the name of the area to Amsteldam. Later in 1358 this fishing village would begin to stand out as a commercial hub and little by little would assume its true role as one of the most important ports not only on the continent, but in the entire world, beaten only perhaps by Lisbon.

While it is true that Amsterdam has lost the commercial importance that once distinguished it, it remains the intellectual center of the Netherlands and a true example for everyone in terms of tolerance and freedom.

Dutch beer and Heineken

Heineken, Amstel, Bavaria, Orangeboom... One can easily get lost among the many Dutch beers in existence, and this is undoubtedly the country's favourite drink. Together with Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic, Holland finds itself at the axis of the great beers of the world.

Although there are a plethora of breweries and brands present throughout the country, there is a particular brand that has managed to grab all the international recognition, Heineken.

It was Gerard Adriaan Heineken who put this beer empire on his own shoulders and ran. For him taking care of the quality of the beer was fundamental. With the scientific and technological advances of the time, both with refrigeration and yeast, Gerard Adriaan took full advantage so that his beer obtained a quality far superior to the rest. This allowed it to become an industry staple, earn a ton of profits, and become a point of reference for other international companies.

After the death of his father, Henry Pierre Heineken assumed command of the company and continued in the same direction, promoting even further the technological development of its factories with the sole objective of improving its beer.

Thanks to all this Heineken enjoyed a great international reputation for years and in 1948 got their first brand-labelled bottle, giving way to the beginning of many famous advertising campaigns. The success of these actions would forge Heineken as one of the most internationally recognized companies in the world.

Beer in Amsterdam

The most popular beer in the Netherlands is pilsener, a blonde beer, with plenty of foam that should be served cold. However, there are also other well-known types of beer, such as "Witbier", a cloudy wheat beer, or "Bokbier", a dark and sweet beer commonly drunk in winter.

Where to grab a beer in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a beautiful city perfect for walking around as long as the weather permits. Somewhere along the way getting lost in its streets and canals you will not be short on options to savor a good Dutch beer. The Heineken Experience is a good place to start and see exactly how the country's most famous beer is made, but you would be fine in any of the great breweries that are scattered around the city.

Here are some recommendations that we hope will help you find Amsterdam's best beer.

In de Wildeman, Kolksteeg 3. Possibly one of the well-known breweries in Amsterdam, located very close to Dam Square, in the heart of the city. A very relaxed place, with over 200 types of beer where you can taste your beer without anybody bothering you. They do not even ave music. It is just your beer and you.

Pollux, Prins Hendrikkade 121. A neon light bar with a classic jukebox that pleases everyone. The couple that owns the place is a really good laugh and this becomes the perfect place to have a beer. Have a seat on one of their stools and if you find that something is still missing, ask them, and they will surely find the solution to your problems. Or at least recommend another beer.

Café Gollem, Ramsteeg 4. Back to the Historical Museum you will find this café where you can try Dutch and Belgian beers. Located in a house next to Singel canal, it is a place with a great variety of beers. Perfect to rest for a while and sip a good beer.

Brouwerij’t Ij, al lado del Molino de viento de Gooyer. An authentic brewery that used to be a public bath, near the Gooyer Windmill. It is the only one in the city that also makes its own beer. You get great atmosphere here and it is another solid recommendation to enjoy a good beer.

Café Brecht, Weteringschans 157. If you want to feel like you are in Berlin but enjoy delicious Dutch beers at the same time this is the perfect place. This is a cafe in the purest "Berliner" style which, of course, is packed with both German and Dutch beers. Frequented often by students, it is a great place to enjoy a beer with no pretense.

When to go

We'll tell you the best time to visit Amsterdam. Take notes and start preparing your trip!