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Pubs in Ireland

Pubs in Ireland

I know that people under 18 can't go in bars after 9 pm in Ireland, but I went into a pub and it was a 21 and over pub. They didn't check my ID or ask people to leave after 9 (I'm 18). But why was it 21 and over?

Thanks,
Anna

# Posted on June 18th 2006 by m

Re: Pubs in Ireland

You obviously look over 18 or 21 in this case. It's not too strict but I don't look over 18 or at least I don't think so, so they would probably ask me to shift it, and have before.

# Posted on June 18th 2006 by 52Paddy

Re: Pubs in Ireland

It's just another way for Irish pub owners to have an excuse to make going for a pint an even less pleasant experience. The last ten years in Dublin saw them clamp down on fun in a big way. Several bars actually barred laughing. I know of one friend who was charged 10 euros for a pint of Bulmers. They'll be banning smoking next...

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by bosco

Re: Pubs in Ireland

But smoking is banned Bosco!!!

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Sarfly

Re: Pubs in Ireland

So Sarfly was that an even more sarcastic response to bosco's sarcastic statement?

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Conán McDonnell

Re: Pubs in Ireland

I went to an "Over 21" bar at the weekend and would have been delighted to be asked for ID. Not these days, sadly. :-(

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Johnny Jay

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Not sure conán, I thought someone was having a blonder day than I was!

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Sarfly

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Im always being asked for ID, ok im 20 and for a person between 18 and 23 its legal for them to carry ID at all times as they can be asked anywhere. As for over 21 premises, they are rare, mainly in the cities or big towns. I believe they are there to keep the underage at bay.

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Sarfly

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Sar I believe you're right about the "Over 21" limit being there to keep 16 year olds and suchlike out.
I Ireland as long as you look around 18 you'll have little difficulty getting served in most pubs. If you're playing music the age limit may drop even further, depending on where you are and who you're with.
I was asked for id for the first time in ages just last year. Saying that, it was in a bar in Washington DC. Apparently it's the done thing. I also found it strange having to show my passport in order to buy a train ticket.

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Conán McDonnell

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Ya the US is fairly strict on the whole ID thing. I have a friend back from New York and she find it strange over here. Shes 19 and works in a bar over there too! Also when we were in Milltown Malbay two years ago a friend was asked for ID and she was 30 at the time, I walked straight in behind her. She told the bouncer she loved him and would marry him. She still jokes about it until this day!

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Sarfly

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Hmm - I started drinking in pubs when I was about 14 and the first time I was asked what age I was was when I had just turned 18!

Most pubs dont bother enforcing the rule and many's a youngster joins our sessions to the wee small hours - parents permitting.

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by breandan

Re: Pubs in Ireland

The Gardaí seem to pick on certain pubs when it comes to ID and after hours. Where I work there is no children after 9 and that is a great excuse to get rid of the underage.

The whole being asked for ID when 18 and not when 14, ya I went through that also. I actually only got my age card last week, 2 years later I apply!

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Sarfly

Re: Pubs in Ireland

I know in Canada (and I'm mentioning this cos I'm guessing D.C. and most of North America is the same) that if you are working in a place where alcohol is for sale, the rule is to ask anyone who looks as if they could possibly be under 24 for ID. If you fail to do so, there can be a fair bit of trouble if you are caught. That being said, I think I've only ever been asked for ID once and I started going out to bars when I was 15 or so. Maybe the US is stricter then?

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by gretchen

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Ya id believe the US is stricter, I have never been there but I have heard. Also I think it shoud be over 21's for alcohal as here in Ireland the amount of underage is terrible. On an average night I ask alot for ID and I hate doing it and being known as a b***h to all, but it has to be done. I did a course on Responsible Serving of Alchohol and if I serve a person, he/she leaves and is hit by a car, I am responsible for it as I was the last one to gine that person a drink. Absolute nonsense.

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Sarfly

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Just a clarification on US law & policy:

There is no US law setting the minimum drinking age at 21. The US law says that any state with a minimum drinking age below 21 faces a reduction in Federal funds for highways. All 50 states individually decided that those funds were more important to them than having a lower drinking age. The drinking age and how it's enforced is legislated individually by each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC).

So beware of anecdotes about what happened in one state that go on to generalize about the country as a whole.

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by GaryAMartin

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Sorry GaryAMartin, I have never been to the US and thought that law was throughout the country.

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by Sarfly

Re: Pubs in Ireland

If you happen to know a bunch of sessioneers that play in another pub that you might be concerned about getting into, usually they can be helpful in 'hiding' depending on how good of a freind they are ;-)

# Posted on June 19th 2006 by 52Paddy

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Thanks guys! Great answers!

# Posted on June 20th 2006 by m

Re: Pubs in Ireland

Hmm....what is the minimum drinking age in Ireland? What if I just wanted to sit in on a session while I am there, but I am not 21? (I am 19)

# Posted on June 20th 2006 by irishfiddler

Re: Pubs in Ireland

18 but you are legal obliged to carry ID if you are between the ages of 18 - 23. The only forms of ID accepted is Aged Cards (Issued by An Garda Síochána), Passports os Driver License.

# Posted on June 20th 2006 by Sarfly

Re: Pubs in Ireland

You can view and search pubs of Ireland here: http://mylocalpub.ie

# Posted on July 9th 2011 by willfitz88

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