TOPIC:

"TheBeerNut":21c1jzku wrote:

"Atticus":21c1jzku wrote: I take it Bord Bia didn't want samples given out for perceived hygiene issues?[/quote:21c1jzku]Not at all. It's just that they didn't want to risk taking focus away from the main exhibitors who were paying to be there and charging for their wares.[/quote:21c1jzku]
Ha. Ok. That's fair enough I suppose.

I just had a look at last years photos[/url:3ag9p1lt]. One year and some nice weather really does make a big difference.

[img:3ag9p1lt]http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xIbekNojO5I/SM49iy4P95I/AAAAAAAAEsU/JNkEa9wOKXY/s512/P9140091.JPG[/img:3ag9p1lt]
Last year not this one.

I headed into Dublin by car yesterday with my wife and father, man i wish i brought our bikes on my bike rack. Got there about 1.20pm, and traffic was pretty bad. Parking was fine though, public transport was not an option for me (heavily pregnant wife), so I was delighted to get some Hop Head to take away. The first band on Sunday were excellant must check who they were, I thought I was in Woodstock, the atmosphere was great. We brought loads of water, camping chairs, munchies, sunscreen and the rest. Q's only about 5 people long at 1.20. Never tasted Hop Head before, but only had 2 as I was Dessie the driver later on. Its great. Can't wait to see it in Superquinn and Tesco etc. 4 or 6 packs I hope.
Yeah later on the Q's were mental, you literally had to Q for everything...
Got to say a quick hello to yourself Beernut. This weekend has great potential, maybe even a "real" Oktoberfest there, with tents and carnival/amusements, but definately It should be bigger next year, I have it marked in already for a family day out with our new little one..
Had the Burren Burger, very nice 20min Q not bad. Wasn't gone on the Carlow IPA though, just had a sip of it. Well done everyone.

Nice meeting you, Norrebro.

"Norrebro":2duk9syt wrote: It should be bigger next year[/quote:2duk9syt]Thing is, how do you do that? Perhaps something along CAMRA lines, where instead of breweries bringing and staffing their own bars, have one big bar zoned into the different breweries, with lots of paid staff churning out the drinks. The big logistical issue would be getting beer engines and keg fonts, as the breweries are unlikely to have enough of their own.

Anyone object to Bord Bia spending their taxes on Angram engines?

My feet and calves are still sore today after spending the whole weekend standing up, but it was definitely worth it - had a fantastic time. It seemed that ICB were the only attendee's who had enough people there, given the huge turnout, so it was great to be able to help the brewers out a bit. Had Paudie from the Franciscan Well realised that I had never pulled a pint before in my life, he might have been a little less happy about inviting me behind his bar. After pouring through a 50 litre keg of Rebel Lager in just over an hour in front of a never ending queue, I now have a new level of appreciation for the bar keeping profession and what they go through on a busy night!

"a_friend_in_mead":3q8i211l wrote: I just had a look at last years photos[/url:3q8i211l]. One year and some nice weather really does make a big difference.

[img:3q8i211l]http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xIbekNojO5I/SM49iy4P95I/AAAAAAAAEsU/JNkEa9wOKXY/s512/P9140091.JPG[/img:3q8i211l]
Last year not this one.[/quote:3q8i211l]

It was actually like that at lunch time on Saturday. It was great for the first hour or two. The big unknown for making it a bigger event is if it pisses down all weekend most people won't go. Although they should have contingency plans to improve distribution if the forecast looks good a few days before the event. e.g. Sell bottled versions of the beers from stalls in the field. That wouldnt require much infrastructure.