Much has been written in recent years about the reduced number of pubs across Ireland. For example, Swinford, Co. Mayo. a small town, had 22 pubs at one time; it now has 12. At the same time, each little village had so many pubs that when Gene and I drove through these villages, I was still able to photograph large numbers of pubs. So they are "alive and well" believe me. Most of you know that social life in the towns/villages revolved around the pubs, especially for men. It was a place to gather and chat about people, places and things. One's troubles were left at the door.

JMany pubs serve very hearty foods at reasonable cost -- it's called "pub grub." Pubs are a great place for lunch. Most tourists like to drink Guinness. I sampled Guinness when I was 18 while touring the Guinness Brewery, Dublin. I did not care for Guinness then and still do not drink any kind of beer. But most on our tour group enjoyed beer at the local pubs.