How to Find an Irish Pub - and Drink a Guinness with a Leprechaun

Morgan J's goal on the List of Bests website reads as follows: "Each city I travel to, I find an Irish Pub, and drink a Guinness in it". Morgan has accomplished his goal in Berlin, Auckland, Geneva, and 14 other cities throughout Europe. Morgan's goal is unique and fun. But, what if you shared his goal? How would you find an Irish pub?

First, it would be a good idea to know what an Irish pub truly is. In the olden days (like the 17th and 18th centuries) English and Irish pubs weren't much different. According to Wikipedia, the Irish pub was plainer, with less decoration on the front of the building. The word "pub" was a derivative of public house.

As the centuries rolled by, it was common to find groceries included in the pub. These were known as spirit groceries. Irish pubs also bear the name of the original owners, such as O'Sullivan's or O'Brien's. It's a frightening fact, but these days, a smoking ban has been instituted in Irish pubs in Ireland - and so the days of the smoke-filled pub have fallen the way of four leaf clovers and leprechaun traps.

Now you know the history of the Irish pub and its general description. Now we have to find one. In order to do this, you might want to surf over to IrishAbroad.com. This website is filled with everything Irish. If you can't find a pub on this site, you must not be a caveman - because I am here to tell you, even a caveman could do it. Nice phrase, huh?

The site has a separate area for Irish pubs with a convenient map of the world. All you have to do is click the area that should contain the pub you are seeking - and like magic - a pub appears. Now, you are ready for the final step in your quest to find an Irish pub and drink a Guinness, like Morgan J. Remember, though, you are walking into foreign soil. If, you have never been in an Irish pub before, it could come as quite a shock. The wee people might surprise you. The singing could astound you. And if you are not of sound mind and body the images of leprechauns and shamrocks might make you doubt your mind. You might also hear a joke or two. Believe me, when I say that calling these excerpts jokes is being quite kind. "A man walked into a bar, a second man walked into a bar, the third one ducked." Courtesy of Irish Abroad.

Irish Abroad reports 1,514 Irish Pubs in America. There may be more, but that is the listing. If you go to Arkansas, New Mexico, or Wyoming, you are out of luck because there are no Irish pubs. Don't ask me why. Probably lack of Guinness beer.

New York is a wholly different story. New York lists 296 Irish pubs. That is the most Irish pubs listed. California and Massachutes run second and third, with 152 and 113, respectively. My guess is that California is nouveau Irish - whereas Massachutes is the most authentic. And New York, well, of course, New York is the most liberal. Hillary Clinton did not make her presidential candidacy announcement in an Irish pub in New York. This may prove to be her undoing. But, I digress.

In the entire world, the Irish and non-Irish find an Irish pub they like and it becomes home. That is the pub they will spend their days and nights in for all eternity. In my city, that bar is known as O'Sullivans or sometimes by some pub lovers, it is called Second Grade. They don't suffer fools gladly, and they look upon strangers with suspicion and mistrust. Morgan J. would not feel comfortable there. He would drink his Guinness and quickly be on his way. But, for those who are a part of the hometown boys, it is truly a home away from home.

An area radio celebrity by the name of Tiny loves O'Sullivans pub. In fact, his web log, waxes poetic when he writes "Let's get together sometime and you can decide for yourself. For those of you that have been to the 'real' Second Grade, you know what a comfortable place it can be....whether you're carousing loudly, enjoying the evening with friends or loved ones, or just sitting quietly by yourself, watching life's rich parade as it unfolds in front of your eyes. Second Grade is kind of a unique window on the world.

Sounds as if he has found an Irish pub. He is probably drinking a Guinness right now.