This page is read by a voice synthesizer - therefore be aware that the pronunciation of some words may be a bit 'off'.
Drinking In Dublin
Original Photo by Ian Wilson
by Jane Lasky
When my colleague Kevin Moran delivered a casual "How are you?" to his Dublin cabbie he didn't expect such a colourful answer. Replying in full-on brogue, the driver replied, "I am under the water." Not quite getting this sing song-y comment, Kevin pushed for a translation. "That means I am not drinking. I can't. My liver is shot," the driver replied
This wasn't the first time my friend Kevin had had trouble understanding local euphemisms and other expressions during his week long business visit to Ireland. On a drive back into Dublin following a day trip out of town, Kevin marvelled at the energetic driver who kept up an almost one-sided banter with the entire bus load of tourists. For the most part, this chatty man was animated and upbeat, turning dour only when he hit city limits at the peak of rush hour. "Oh, all those people are out with their mad tots," he complained.
Kevin had visions of little children running around causing a ruckus. The twenty others onboard also looked confused as no one could spot even a single crazy kid. Finally, someone asked the driver what he was talking about. "Mad tots. Mad tots," he ventured. "They all have mad tots at this time of the day. Mad tots are what causes accidents."
Still completely mystified, another passenger called for clarification. Frustrated, the Irishman repeatedly pointed to his forehead with his index finger. "You know, mad tots. MAD tots." Kevin suddenly understood. "We call that road rage in America," he told the man at the wheel, recalling many a manic driver in Los Angeles who had had "mad tots [thoughts]." The whole bus load of people laughed at my friend's masterful interpretation.
As he is of Irish descent, Kevin perhaps became more easily acclimated during his inaugural visit to Dublin than do the rest of us from this side of the Pond who lack a similar background. Still, there were many times during his working foray there when Kevin needed to know more in order to fit in. That said, following is some viable information so others can do the same:
- Since Dublin's rush hour traffic has become a big hassle in recent years, be sure to plan accordingly when going from point A to point B at those times of the day.
- If you wanted to stay plugged in during your stay but you don't want to drag along your laptop, consider sitting in at a cyber cafe. Dublin has
plenty where the charges are minimal (about $3 for 15 minutes). Hot tip: Most libraries in this Irish city are also equipped with computers that have Internet
capabilities so consider seeking one out especially if you are planning to make long connections.
- Keep in mind that small time thieves love a crowded pub so be sure to guard your goodies if you venture into one. Although charming and friendly,
Irish pubs are places in which one should consider wearing a money belt, or better yet, locking up all prized possessions (passport, credit cards, excess
cash, etc.) in a hotel safe before you venture forth. Also, be sure to keep tabs on how much Guinness (it's stronger than you think) you consume as you will
not want to get so inebriated as to lose track of everything, your valuables (and possibly your values) included.
- If you don't like to drink but you do want to visit a pub or three just to experience the ambiance and the cultural nuances, take a literary tour. Available through local tour operators as well as the Irish Tourist Board, these walking tours take you to several pubs once frequented by famous writers including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. Before entering, a couple of Irish thespians will perform a short scene outside each entrance to put you in the mood for that particular den of drinking madness.
- If you are out until the wee hours don't expect to hail a cab when you are done for the night. These days, Dublin is experiencing a shortage of taxis so it is best to call for one on the phone before you set foot on the pavement at the end of your evening.
