World traveler embarking on quest to drink at every Irish pub globally
Revamped Version
Hop over to the local Irish pubs this weekend to join the Saint Patrick's Day festivities on March 17! But for one boisterous fellow named Colm Dalton from County Kerry, a visit to these Irish outposts isn't a yearly tradition, it's a way of life.
Colm, a self-proclaimed pub enthusiast, is on a global quest to quaff a pint in every Irish pub on the planet. As of now, he's graced 97 pubs across 47 countries, with journeys taking him from bustling Jakarta to enchanting Krakow and the tranquil Azores.
We caught up with Colm at The Woodbine pub in Finsbury Park – a North London neighborhood brimming with Irish history – to chat about his eccentric expedition.
So what's the appeal, you ask? Well, seven years ago, Colm's pub-crawling baton was passed to him during a spirited night out in Bilbao, Spain. In the tiny Wicklow Arms pub, he made a slew of new mates, including a chap who'd once delivered mail to Colm's parents back in Ireland. That serendipitous encounter was all it took for Colm to decide he'd keep exploring the Irish pub scene, one pint at a time.
The London-based university educator came from a family that understood the allure of a hearty pub session. Growing up in Fenit, a quaint village on the north side of Tralee Bay, Colm was immersed in the region's rich tradition of rural taverns. His parents are musicians and have long played traditional music in these Irish pubs, known for their cozy, inviting atmosphere.
The ocean-facing village has a unique charm, with waves of Irish emigrants settling inCountries such as Britain, North America, and Australia. These nations are home to countless authentic Irish pubs laden with history. The Irish have a knack for creating a homey, welcoming atmosphere, and their authentic pubs can be found in the unlikeliest corners of the world, from Lima to Dubai.
However, imposter Irish-themed pubs are everywhere, having capitalized on the trend in the '90s. Loch Ness, a pub on the French island of Corsica, is a glaring example of cultural misappropriation on Colm's travels. If a pub bears an Irish surname, it's a good sign that it was named after an owner or family, indicating a more authentic experience.
Colm posits that Irish pubs became so popular internationally due to the nation's innate hospitality, the irresistible atmosphere, and their knack for people management, rather than customer service. Music plays a significant role in creating the perfect pub ambiance, and patrons gravitate towards these establishments not only for the drinks but also for the lively, convivial atmosphere.
Colm started his Irish pub adventure as a solo traveler, striking up conversations with locals and fellow patrons. This cultural exchange has been a crucial part of his experience, with pub-goers in different countries offering unique perspectives and insights. In European countries like Italy, France, and Germany, the Irish pub is often viewed as an alternative to traditional establishments, where students and backpackers can indulge in their Irish mythos. In southern Spain, where retirees often settle, Irish pubs are seen as a place to while away the hours in pleasant company. Further afield, in Kazakhstan and Indonesia, Irish pubs serve as exclusive hangouts for businesspeople and professionals due to their expensive imported beers and Western appeal.
"To be an up-and-coming modern city, you have to have an Irish pub," Colm says. It's become a hallmark of cosmopolitan culture, attracting expats and travelers from around the globe. In Malmö, Sweden, for instance, Colm discovered a pub where people danced on tables, surprising his preconceptions of Swedes as reserved and orderly. The Irish pub, it seems, has the power to bring out the rebel in even the most buttoned-up of societies.
In countries where Irish immigrants settled in great numbers, such as Germany and Japan, the romantic image of the Irish as rowdy, passion-fueled individuals is particularly attractive. Music, being an integral part of Irish culture, provides a rich backdrop to these establishments, where patrons can let their hair down and embrace the carefree spirit of the Emerald Isle.
From country music bars in Texas to traditional music sessions in Brazil, Irish pubs offer travelers a taste of Ireland's musical heritage. As Colm continues his globetrotting pub crawl, he remains hopeful that he'll one day uncover the perfect Irish pub – an authentic, welcoming establishment that captures the essence of his homeland.
As for what's next on the list of must-visit Irish pubs, Colm has his sights set on Estonia, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and even Guantanamo Bay. In Africa, he's eyeing Bubbles O'Learys in Kampala, Uganda, while The Dublin, the southernmost Irish pub in the world in Tierra del Fuego, appears on his Antarctic bucket list. With approximately 6,500 Irish pubs dotting the globe, Colm acknowledges that his quest might be never-ending. But as long as there's a good pint and a spirited bunch ready for a convivial chat, he's game to keep exploring.
- Colm Dalton, the avid traveler, aspires to literally visit every Irish pub on the globe, inspired by a serendipitous encounter in the Wicklow Arms pub in Bilbao, Spain, seven years ago.
- Subscribing to Colm's newsletter would provide exciting updates about his ongoing eccentric expedition, detailing his journeys through destinations such as Estonia, Iceland, Africa, and even Guantanamo Bay.
- Despite cultural misappropriation in places like Loch Ness, a pub in Corsica, Colm believes that the quality of an Irish pub experience can often be determined by its authentic Irish heritage, as represented by its name, usually passed down from an Irish family or owner.
