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6 Irish Beers That Will Blow Your Mind

The Galway Hooker – The Queen Bee of Irish Brews!

Type: Pale Ale

Obvious jokes apart, The Galway Hooker is an absolute winner! Named after the iconic local fishing boats, this fine ale was first brewed by cousins Ronan Brennan  & Aidan Murphy. The beer was brewed to serve a purpose – providing a local beer for those not wanting a Guinness. It was a challenge; but the tasty pale ale has won many plaudits and most importantly, a fierce local following. Quoting the inventors, “There’s a love of good beer in this country, but a lack of variety. People are slow to change their drinking habits. We were careful which pubs we put it into – places where people are open-minded and it didn’t outlast its keg life”, claim the confident co-brewers!

the galway hooker

The Absolutely Smashing Galway Hooker in all it’s splendor 🙂

Aided with a nice grainy, wheaty smell with a tinge of clove for balance, the Hooker opens really well with all the hoppy bitterness of a classic pale, combined with the solid drinkability of a good draught and a very curious citrusy aftertaste that simply makes you want to have more and more. The light to medium body with decent carbonation only adds to its overall value. 

Ask for a Hooker at pubs across Galway (careful not to wink inappropriately – HA!);  not only will you get yourself a superior brew, but also earn the approving nod of locals around and an express entry to their intimate social circles 🙂

Discovered At: Quay Street, Galway, Co. Galway

Overall Rating: 4.25/5

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34 comments

  1. I’ll have to pass this to my boyfriend… I don’t personally drink but he loves beer!

  2. Great post! Loved trying all the different beer while in Ireland. Although I preferred the ciders I was also a fan of harp- especially when they mixed it with ‘lemonade’.

    • mm

      Hannah, it was part of my daily routine in Ireland – everytime I entered a pub, I’d interrogate the bartender for his favorite choice of local brew! Worked like a charm most times. Never tried the lemonade trick with Harps – maybe next time (sure sounds very intriguing)

  3. MMMM BEER that is awesome that you found a really good beer. I like trying different things here in canada

  4. Thanks for sharing! My husband and I really want to go to Ireland within the next few years. It looks like such a beautiful country- and the beer certainly can’t hurt!

    • mm

      Samantha,
      you really must – you’ll hardly believe how beautiful the land is and how warm the people are through somebody else’s words 🙂

  5. Not a beer drinker but got a few friends who love the whole beer experience.

    • mm

      Nolie,
      That’s a shame, really – but there’s beverages of all kinds in Ireland. Do you prefer ciders? Do share this with your beer guzzling friends 😉

  6. I’m not a drinker but I’m sure there will be plenty that will love this! I’ll have to pass it on.

  7. I don’t drink . . . can’t even stand to smell beer . . . but I love Ireland and the Irish. Does that count? 🙂 I have not been to Ireland but it is on my “bucket list.” I made it over to Scotland once and found that it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I’m sure Ireland is breathtaking as well. I can’t wait for my chance to see it.

    • mm

      Oh it’s interesting you mention that Tina, because I was in Scotland immediately before I traveled to Ireland and I found both cultures to be quite similar – connoisseurs of good beer, whiskey & wine, great patrons of literature and music and generously warm people as a rule! You should drop by – Ireland will hardly disappoint 🙂

  8. I can’t stand beer, but I know my brother would love this post. He enjoys trying out different kinds of beer.

    – HilLesha O’Nan

  9. I will have to share with my father-in-law who loves trying all different kinds of beers.

  10. I am not a beer drinker but I have some friends that are. They are planning a trip to Dublin so I will share this with them.

    • mm

      Catherine, if they are going to be in Dublin tell them not to miss out on the Temple Bar area – that block has some of the best traditional and contemporary pubs in the city. Porterhouse and Temple Bar itself to name a couple 🙂

  11. I’d like to try these, but I’m sadly not that big into beer. I’m more of a wine person personally.

  12. You know, I’ve never had an Irish beer before, but these sound really good. I’ll have to give one a try.

  13. I’ve never been into beer, but I’m going to give these a shot. I’m of Irish descent, so maybe these will tickle my pallet.

    • mm

      Goodmorning Irishman Ben! Happy to make your acquaintance – I’m quite sure it’d do more than just tickle your pallet sir 🙂

  14. All of these sound so good. .I love a good beer, and I’ve never had an Irish brew before.

  15. They All Sound Delicious Love All The Different Flavors Thank You For Sharing!!

  16. I’m not really a beer drinker, but one day I plan to try an Irish brew with my corned beef & cabbage on St. Patty’s Day.

  17. I have never been to Ireland but would love to go some day just to try the beers. I have heard they have the best beers. They sound amazing. Thanks for sharing.

  18. Not a beer drinker persay…BUT my hubby goes nuts over beer battered bread. Maybe we will have to try it with a taste of Ireland next time 🙂

  19. Irish beer is too grassy for me. I like the good taste of a proper blonde!

  20. I have never been to Ireland, only to England next door and as able to taste a few Irish beers. I think I would like Tom Crean’s fresh Irish lager. I generally don’t prefer to have beer that is too bitter.

  21. I went to Ireland a number of years ago and loved it! The food and the beer are so good. I have never had Guinness but I have sampled some of the other stuff.

  22. I’m not a beer drinker. A trip to Ireland would be fun though.

  23. I hate all beers and ales.. I’ll drink anything else though alcohol wise.. I like the stronger stuff, not the weak stuff, never have liked the taste of beer.

  24. I have never been to Ireland, but if I ever get the chance to — this post will definitely come in handy.

  25. I don’t drink, but I definitely want to go to Ireland. So thanks for sharing. If I ever make there I will definitely keep the beers in mind for my beer-drinking-buddies!

  26. I love beer but tend to stick with the locals – great post, thanks for sharing!

  27. I will keep these in mind for when we head across. I am always unsure which beers I should try – I am not really Guinness fan and prefer a lighter beer so this is a great, handy guide to have. Thanks for sharing.

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