300,000 bubbles, 232º Celsius, 10 days. The Guinness Storehouse Museum in Dublin was an immersive experience guiding visitors through the 232º C roasting process and 10-day fermentation, resulting in a bubbly, dark, creamy beer. The grain and water are locally sourced in Ireland and beer is naturally high in Calcium. In fact, when Guinness first started selling their beverages, people truly believed they were drinking it because it was healthy. I loved the wheat plants, waterfall, and funky animal sculptures. The beer has a nitrogen head to give it creaminess without carbonation. A highlight was getting a guided taste test of the beer. First, smell it and try to observe the three scents – bitter, sweet, and roasted. Take a generous sip, without too much of the head, and let it absorb into your palate for four seconds. Lastly, swallow the dark, ruby red beverage. I personally did not think the Guinness tasted good, but the experience was really fun!
We also went to the Irish House Party and Gaelic Games. The performers used traditional Irish bagpipes, where one squeezes the “lung” with their arm, and it is less loud than a Scottish bagpipe. Also, many of the songs were sung in Irish, which connotes a long history with this language. The music involved audience participation like singing and clapping along to the lively upbeat music. A dancer wore tap shoes and integrated her movement into the songs through tapping noises. She even used a broom to perform an Irish Broom Dance.
I also learned two new sports – Hurling and Gaelic Football. We learned how players use unique wooden sticks to pick up, pass, and hit a ball, followed by a thrilling match in hurling. Gaelic football is a combination of soccer and rugby, where players cannot throw the ball, but they can hold and run with it and kick it to pass. It is played in the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which is a league that spans the island of Ireland and is the largest played sport in the country. I can understand why the games from 1885 are still played, they are enjoyable!
I also went to the Farmer’s Market, ate lots of Cloud Nine, and ran 35 miles! I love the fresh produce and sustainably sourced groceries. This week I got Italian cheese, sundried tomatoes, vegetables and fruits (dates, mushrooms, kiwis, clementines, pears), locally sourced eggs and honey, and fresh baked sourdough bread. Cloud Nine is one of favorite activities in Dublin. They sell ice cream sundaes, crepes, and bubble waffles. I love enjoying a sweet treat by the Liffey River in the evening with friends. This waffle is Kinder Bueno!
What wonderful things you are seeing in Ireland! That ice cream looks delicious! I want a bite!