All-Ireland Craft Beerfest, March 15th - 19th, Dublin

I was pretty delighted to hear that the All-Ireland Craft Beerfest will return during the 2012 St. Patrick's Festival, following a highly successful 2011 inaugral festival. I'm an enthusiastic supporter of Irish beers for several reasons, mainly because many of the Irish brews taste a good sight better than the generic mass-produced beers. 

Read on for more details of the All-Ireland Craft Beerfest...

Do you know your Bock from your Pilsner, your Stout from your Pale Ale? Discover the treasure trove of Irish Craft Beer at the All-Ireland Craft Beerfest, where over 25 of the top craft beers from around the country will be on tap at the event on George’s Dock platform from March 15^th – 19^th, as part of the St Patrick’s Festival 2012. Bringing together the top Irish craft brewers, the event will celebrate and showcase the best of Irish brewing and provide the true taste of Irish Craft Beer. Open daily from 12pm till late, the event will bring together craft beers, artisan foods and entertainment for all the family as part of the celebration of Irish culture.

The breweries involved in the event include O’Hara’s Brewery, White Gypsy, Eight Degrees, Metalman, Dungarvan Brewing Company, Porterhouse, Galway Hooker, Dingle Brewing Company, Trouble Brewing, Messrs Maguire, Franciscan Well and more.

“The art of brewing is experiencing a kind of renaissance in Ireland today with an increasing number of consumers enjoying craft beers. There are so many great craft breweries throughout the country producing world class beers and we believe the time of celebration of all things Irish provides the perfect platform to showcase their beers.” according to Seamus O'Hara of O’Hara’s Brewery and festival co-chair.

The event will open at 12pm on Thursday March 15^th and will run until Monday March 19^th, from 12pm till late daily, with live music and entertainment throughout the day including an opportunity to learn more about the history of brewing in Ireland.  Members of craft beer appreciation group Beoir (www.beoir.org) will host a series of 30 minute presentations during Friday and Sunday on "Brewing Since the Time of St. Patrick", showing how brewing in Ireland has evolved over the ages with the opportunity to sample and discuss different beer styles.

Admission is €10 and includes a souvenir beer glass. Free admission from 12pm – 7pm Thursday 15^th and Friday 16^th; admission applies from 12pm Saturday and Sunday.

www.drinkaware.ie for the facts

For more information please visit www.irishcraftbeerfestival.com, on Facebook and Twitter (@irishbeerfest)