When “The Old Irish” was founded, the Bavarian Prime Minister was still called Alfons Goppel and a beer at the Oktoberfest cost around 4.20 marks. To be precise, it was August 6, 1977: On this day, Heidi and Ede Martin opened the first Irish Pub in Munich in Schwabing. Not much has changed to this day, except that the owner is now called Quirin Schartner. So while a Franconian is now sitting in the Bavarian State Chancellery and the bulk prices at the Oktoberfest are more like box prices, Guinness is flowing in Giselastraße today just as it was then.
The Old Irish describes itself as the “oldest Irish pub in Germany”. The furnishings are deliberately traditional. You can see from the rustic wooden tables that they have already had a few drunken evenings. If you can’t get a seat at the table, you can also enjoy your Guinness on the bar stool at the counter – including a chess board game with the bartender. The walls are plastered with pictures of proud fathers with their babies – regulars at the pub, some of whom must have met the baby’s mother here. In the summer you can also sit outside.
In addition to Guinness (EUR 3.50/EUR 6.00) – served in a visually appealing way with a creamy head of foam – there are various other types of beer, from the traditional Kilkenny (EUR 3.50/EUR 6.00) to the traditional Bavarian Augustiner (2 .50 euros/4.50 euros). Whiskey lovers will also find what they are looking for on the drinks menu. After the Corona break, the traditional monthly whiskey tastings are now taking place again.
There are also various cocktails, such as the “Old Fashioned” (10 euros) made from whiskey, Angostura bitters and soda water, which is often referred to as the “ancestor of all cocktails”. Between all that Guinness and whiskey, if you want to fight off the impending intoxication, you can fortify yourself with toast and sandwiches. The “Cheddar Toast” (9 euros) or the “Chicken Classic” sandwich (10 euros) are as good a snack as ever.
Where are you going to Dublin, please?
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
Guests play a round of darts.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
For anyone who gets the urge to travel to Ireland while visiting the pub, there are handy signposts to Dublin or Galway. There are also events, for example often live music on Thursdays, but then with an entrance fee. A number of folk music greats have performed here over the years. Rory Gallagher about or also The Dubliners, which are immortalized on a poster on the wall. When there’s no live music, traditional Irish fiddle music blares in the background.
At 11:15 p.m., this is briefly interrupted by the ringing of bells: Last round, the bartender announces this Wednesday evening. So last Guinness. The music suddenly makes a 360 degree turn; the violin has fallen silent, and an accordion is playing instead. Half an hour later, the music stops completely – the sign that the journey through time is slowly coming to an end. The Old Irish then closes its doors at midnight.
The Old IrishGiselastraße 11, 80802 Munich, telephone: 089/342446, opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 6 p.m.