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Ger enjoy your trip. I'd return the favour and show you around but i've to work. not a bad thing these days i guess ....although all this talk of t.s.b in making me thirsty. I'd start with that and then move on to the heavier stuff.It is usually super but I have found it hard to find in town and at times it hasn't been up to its best.

Thanks for tips guys - think I will stay with the original plan but may might even try a second TSB. Want to be alert when I arrive in the B&C so pacing myself is the main aim. Interesting to see how you will find the Lean Follain on draught/cask before I get there - it will most likely be gone by Thursday I reckon!

&amp;quot;Ger Cork&amp;quot;:2nor8ag4 wrote: it will most likely be gone by Thursday I reckon![/quote:2nor8ag4]Well, that's casks, isn't it? <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->

I should be able to hook up with you for a pint or two on Thursday.

I will be away from here (away from pc land!!) unitl Wednesday so will check in then.

Great TBN can contact you Weds re Thursday.

Beer Mission in Dublin 19.3.09

Must say I had a most enjoyable evening sampling some great brews in Dublin last Thursday and more or less stayed fully to my half-planned itinerary.

For the record started of in Messrs. where I had a pint of Bock – had hoped to have the Extra Stout but unfortunately this and the plain were both gone –apparently very thirsty people there on Patrick’s Day!!!! I had the Bock before. It was pretty o.k. but one could be fooled by the strength of it as it did not seem very much like a 7-8%. Very good service and had some food as well served by a very pleasant staff member. Of course I must add the bar was almost empty about 5-530 p.m. when I was there which I thought a little unusual.

My next port of call was the Porterhouse – I had been here before but not for a couple of years. I started off with a tasting tray of three stouts – the Plain, Oyster and Wrasssler’s. The Wrassler's was definitely the highlight of these three but I must say I would be happy sipping any of these three – well done Porterhouse!!!! I was joined about this time by Beernut who ordered a pint of Chocolate Truffle stout and after a sample of his I went one to have one as well. It had an immediate chocolate strong taste and was very nice – not as nice as Young’s chocolate stout but overall very good.

We then left Porterhouse and went to the Bull and Castle. I had never been here before but had checked in advance where it was as I was staying closeby that night. . The favourable reports I have observed on this site obviously can be very easily confirmed. I quite liked the Beerhall style and whilst there met both Geoff and Declan at different stages. Their enthusiasm for what they do is refreshing and great to see. We started with pints of Purgatory (hard to resist it!!!) and following this pint were joined by Declan (who was off duty I might add!!!) and we had bottles of Clotworthy Dobbyn which is always a lovely drink. Beernut had to leave at this stage but I continued with pints of Hooker and Castle Red (Rebel Red) and was most pleased with all drinks served.

Overall a most enjoyable evening was had and for lunch the following day I returned to the Porterhouse for a pint of TSB Cask Ale which was most pleasant. . Beernut had advised that it tasted better on the second pint but I am afraid I was tempted to go for another chocolate truffle stout for No. 2. pint. This time I must say I felt a little disappointed with this – yes very nice but I felt that as one goes down the pint the chocolate taste declines somewhat! I do not mean to be very critical – just an observation

Overall a most enjoyable trip to what are undoubtedly some of the very best beer bars in Dublin by a long shot. Great too that they are all so close together.

Here's to the next time!!!!