"Irish Pub" - this expression contains so many associations like "fun" "cosiness" "Guinness" " happy people" and " the Irish way of life".

When we went to Dublin in May I wanted to find out if all these associations are true and if the pubs are like the tourist guidebooks describe them.

So we went on our second evening in Dublin to Temple Bar, the famous "pub area," to visit such a pub. After arriving in this zone we had to solve a difficult problem: "Which pub should we go in?" All over there were so many beautiful looking pubs but finally we made the decision to try out one called "Fitzsimons," which was painted red and looked very old.

When we entered the room I felt as if I had been transported into a different time. The interior was decorated with impressive wood paneling and looked very old. You needed only to take one look to realize that this pub had been furnished with love. Even the steamy air seemed to suggest old-fashioned intimacy.

The atmosphere in this pub was quite different from that in German bars. I had the feeling of belonging to them and it didn´t matter that I was there for the first time. I got the impression that the Irish didn´t pay attention on the question whether you are an Irish(wo)man or a tourist. All people there were friendly and cheerful, and even loners were integrated into this big group of merry people. There was no feeling of impersonality. From my point of view this congenial atmosphere was reinforced by the live band and the Irish dancers. I hadn´t ever seen this kind of dancing before and I was really impressed how much emphasis the Irish place on their tradition.

The only thing I can recommend to you is to visit such a pub if you are in Ireland one day!

Katrin Reibetanz