Quare Swally

Northern Ireland's brewers have been busy teaming up with each other as well as with those from further afield. Here's part 1 of a quick round up.

An article written for the Best of British magazine, highlighting some of the best Northern Irish pubs, taprooms and stouts found outside of Belfast.

A look at the plight of The Marine Bar in Whitehead, which has the backing of its community in a bizarre battle against closure.

The first time I wrote about Modest Beer was when the brewery opened in 2019. Now, in 2026, there are new plans and a new location in North Down.

Announcing and celebrating my favourite beers and venues of 2025. Do you agree with my choices? What were your favourites?

Reviews and thoughts on Belfast's Bullhouse Brew Co now supplying Sainsbury's and Asda with pale ale.

One of the best little one-day beer festivals way out west in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. What's pouring at it this year?

What would be your Ultimate Pub Quiz Round? That's this month's topic on the online beer chat called The Session.

Pac-man, pies and pale ale. A quick run through the inaugural Jubilate beer festival, held in Belfast and organised by the city's Boundary Brewing to celebrate its 10th birthday.

A quick peek into Errigal Brewing, based at the Caisleáin Óir Hotel in County Donegal, Ireland.

Verdant Brewing's Double IPA - Putty - is one of the most hyped British beers but how does it compare to something similar from the island of Ireland? I take a wee scan.

Naming and celebrating my favourite beers and venues of 2024. Do you agree with my choices? What were your favourites?

The Belfast Beer and Cider Festival returned to the city after a six year absence. Its existence matters.

Six beers. Six courses. Heaven. Our Brewery pairs up with Sleepy Hollow restaurant near Belfast.

The Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna is a place I love to visit whenever I'm visiting County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. I'll explain why...

If you think Turkish beer is all about Efes you'd be right, but you might find something else if you're lucky. Here's what I found during my holiday time there.

Reviewing two different bottles of Irish whiskey barrel aged stout from Ards Brewing in County Down, Northern Ireland. The beers were released in 2020 and 2021 so has time been kind?

A few words about the delightful Carlingford Brewery taproom on the Cooley peninsula, County Louth, Ireland.

There's much more Irish Stout available than simply Guinness. Here are a few from Northern Irish microbreweries. Do yourself a favour and pick something different.

Reviewing two imperial stouts that have been stashed away since 2017 and 2022. How do they fare now in 2024?

What were the tastiest beers you had in 2023? Here I give my Golden Pints awards for the best to pass my lips in the last 12 months.

County Down becomes County Fermanagh as the Farmageddon beer brand returns. But is it the same?

Thoughts on the recent, excellent Portrush Beer Festival on the north coast of Northern Ireland.

A look back at the fantastic Outpost Festival - the first craft beer and cider event held at a new craft beer pub in a small County Fermanagh village.

What's the craic with Belfast's Out of Office brewery's monthly Beer Club? Hey, it's only a fiver in and you need to go there. More thoughts in the latest audio blog post...