In Ireland, a pint – having one, going for one, buying one – is a cultural institution. It’s so much more than 568ml of beer in a glass. But how did a simple pint become such a phenomenon? Like all great superheroes, the pint has it's own origin story, a full-bodied narrative that explains how the beloved beverage came into being and part of everyday life.
In A Compendium of Irish Pints, journalist (and pint lover) Ali Dunworth delves into the culture, customs and craic surrounding pints in Ireland. Beginning with the birth of beer and traversing through Ireland’s unique drinking journey from the Brehon Laws to invasions, Ali shares why ‘going for a pint’ means so much more than just going for a pint. From the ubiquitous airport and after-work pints to the importance of beer mats, seeking out pints in snugs, discussing hangovers or eating crisps for dinner, Ali leaves no type of pint unturned (or undrunk!).
Covering etiquette to expressions, pints for celebrations and pints for commiserations, festival pints, old man’s pubs and everything in between, A Compendium of Irish Pints shows why this popular beverage is integral to Irish society and why it has been migrating further afield.
With illustrations by Stephen Heffernan, aka Hephee, that perfectly captures the culture of pints in his iconic style, you’ll find yourself working up a thirst and sending that text we all love to get: ‘Fancy a pint?’
Ali says “A Compendium of Irish Pints is my attempt to capture some of the magic, the lore, the love and the craic of going for pints in Ireland. I wanted to write about Irish pints as a cultural phenomenon but also write about pints and pubs in the way we actually talk about them and enjoy them. From the pint's historic roots to how it’s become a cultural cornerstone in Ireland, it’s full of nostalgia, observations, facts, cosy pubs and clinking glasses. I hope it offers a snapshot of our current pint and pub culture while acknowledging the challenges our beloved pubs face in a changing landscape.”
“A Compendium of Irish Pints” by Ali Dunworth is published by Nine Bean Rows and illustrated by Stephen Heffernan. It is available from all good bookshops and many independent retailers around the country as well as online at ninebeanrowsbooks.com.
Keep up to date with the latest news by following Ali Dunworth on social at @alidunworth
Slán go fóill.