IRELAND - Historic Pubs of Dublin with Frank McCourt

A good puzzle would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub.

— James Joyce, Ulysses

Looking for that one place to quench your thirst for history, legendary writers, beautiful sights, warm and wonderful people, and, of course, a good pint?

Then what better place than Dublin, Ireland? And, if you can't make the trip right now, or if you are planning a trip, then what better guide than The Historic Pubs of Dublin?

Especially when notable Irishman and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt, serves as your guide to tell and show you the rich story of Dublin through its most historic pubs, which date back hundred of years. 

I have to share that my husband, Bill, was executive producer of this wonderful show, and I can't tell you how incredibly warm, funny and gracious Frank McCourt was! He was the perfect host and guide to Dublin, its history and its pubs — many he had spent a great deal of time in while a student at Trinity College.

Frank passed in 2009, just one year after doing this show. The world lost a very talented and gentle soul, with an impish smile, incredibly wry and quick wit and an unforgettable twinkle in his eyes. He was very proud of being able to share Dublin with others via The Historic Pubs of Dublin, and I know you will enjoy it as much as he did making it for you!

In addition to the visiting and learning the stories of Dublin's legendary pubs, The Historic Pubs of Dublin will be take you to many of Dublin's must-see attractions, such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Dublin Writer's Museum, Jameson Distillery, Guinness Brewery, Grafton Street and the city's beautiful parks.

Frank McCourt's informative, yet whimsical style, is perfect for sharing valuable insights into Irish culture and history, as well as telling the history of Dublin and Ireland through the lens of its historic pubs — and its literary masters such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Brendan Behan, who were frequent visitors. 

He will take you to visit Kavanagh's, the gravediggers' bar, (John) Mulligan's, a tabernacle to the serious drinker, and to the musical Blue Light nestled in the foothills of Dublin. He will invite you to share a bit of 'craic' at Doheny and Nesbitt, listen to Dublin's finest Irish traditional music at O'Donoghue's, then cap off your tour at the 800+ year-old Brazen Head which, according to McCourt, "...doesn't look a day over 400."

The Historic Pubs of Dublin truly is an entertaining and enlightening look at legendary Irish pubs — that still are Dublin's most popular, hundreds of years after they first opened their doors — as well as the city's and Ireland's history and related historical settings.

This 60-minute DVD is a great trip for the armchair traveler, and it definitely should be required viewing before your first (or next) trip to the Emerald Isle. Sláinte mhaith!

• DVD specifications

• Original release: 2008
  Length: 60 minutes
  Presentation: Widescreen
  Format: Region 1 DVD
  Language: English