TORONTO – Top o’ the mornin’ to ya on this fine St. Patrick’s Day, made even better with Monograms’ list of top 10 pubs in the U.K. and Ireland.
Monograms, which specializes in pre-packaged independent trips around the world, knows a thing or two about Irish beer and English eats, thanks to its experienced Local Hosts. To ensure that clients get the most out of their U.K. holidays this year, the company has compiled a handy list of must-see bars in Dublin, Belfast, Killarney and London.
DUBLIN, IRELAND:
1. The Norseman. This craft beer and whisky house is the oldest pub in Temple Bar.
2. O’Donoghue’s Bar. Music is always pumping at this lively traditional Irish pub.
3. The Confession Box. The name might seem curious, but when you consider the size of this cozy pub and its proximity to St. Mary’s, its moniker makes more sense. Voted the best pint in Dublin, this pub is best known for its pints of Guinness.
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND:
4. The Crown Liquor Saloon. A Victorian gin palace dating back to 1826, this popular pub’s interior is still lit by gas lights.
5. McHughs Bar. Dating back to 1711, McHughs is the oldest surviving building in Belfast. Live music can be heard most days, everything from folk to local alternative bands.
KILLARNEY, IRELAND:
6. Courtney’s Bar. This pub has been operating since the late 1800s under the same family, and offers a wide selection of Irish whiskeys.
7. The Killarney Brewing Company. Here, visits can find one of Ireland’s most exciting new craft breweries and tap rooms. Beers are named after local myths and legends.
LONDON, ENGLAND:
8. The White Hart. The oldest licenced pub in London and a popular celebrity haunt, this tavern offers a mix of classic traditional pub and modern nightlife.
9. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. This place has survived 15 monarchs and houses a labyrinth of passages and staircases that connect a number of bars and dining rooms. It is said to have served such literary figures as Twain and Dickens.
10. The Old Bank of England. Named after the bank that traded here for 87 years, this pub also lies between the sites of the Sweeney Todd barbershop and the pie shop owned by his mistress.
In the spirit of St. Patty’s Day, Monograms put its ‘Limerick, Killarney, Dublin & Belfast’ tour at the top of its Wanderlist for March. As such, the nine-night tour is on sale at 20% off (over $400 per person) if clients book and deposit by March 31 on any departure up to Sept. 18, 2016.
Accommodation on this tour is in four-star hotels, all chosen for their central location and full Irish breakfasts. Transportation between cities is a combination of chauffeured car/minibus or train. Highlights include a Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour in Limerick and Belfast, and a guided tour in Dublin.
“At Monograms we like to say that the only surprises are the nice ones,” says Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for the Globus family of brands, Monogram’s parent company. “We’re very proud that 93% of our customers say they’d book with us again – it’s a real testament to the combination of security and freedom our tours provide.”
Each month Monograms puts 10 tours on sale, one at 20% off and nine at 10%. For March, these include: Dublin, London & Paris; Dublin Getaway; A Week in London & Paris; London & Amsterdam; Sorrento, Rome, Florence & Venice; Galapagos Highlights; South African Sojourn with Victoria Falls; Aussie Adventure; and China Escape.
For more details visit agentlingo.ca.
