Contrary to popular belief, Ireland’s not all trad music, Guinness, and Jameson (although Irish whiskey is understandably huge). American perceptions are largely informed by the classic Irish pub—which is about as apt as learning about Italy from Olive Garden.
Thankfully, the team behind famed New York City Irish bar The Dead Rabbit have sought to “de-leprechaunify” that image, both through its award-winning pub and, now, sponsoring trips to the Emerald Isle—one of which I was recently able to join.