[Chasers] 
Traveling with alcohol enthusiasts

By Sam Ujvary
Irish Invasion

Just about every country, culture and religion has contributed something to our society as a whole. Celebrations surrounding jolly old St. Nick are long-standing traditions with roots in the Germanic mid-winter Yule celebration. Greek influence played an intricate role in the popularity of horoscopes around the world. Modern baseball of the U.S. is now just as popular in Cuba, Japan and the United Kingdom. Of all the gifts that specific regions have shared with the rest of the world, perhaps the most popular, is the global invasion of the Irish pub. 

No matter where in the world you travel, you’re almost certain to stumble upon Ireland’s most precious gift. While this may have something to do with the extensive emigration from Ireland tracing back to the 19th century, it certainly has everything to do with the welcoming environment one feels when entering an establishment. The friendly ambiance of camaraderie when you walk into an Irish pub makes you feel like it’s your frequented neighborhood bar, even if it’s 10,000 miles away from home. It’s never just about drinking—it’s like stepping into an episode of Cheers. A lot of pubs get a mix of locals and tourists alike who visit for a pint, and are often the search results for Americans living and traveling abroad.

Over the course of many years, the pub has become so widely known for its authenticity that companies have been established specifically for the niche market. For generations, cities in Ireland have crafted pubs and shipped them all over the world. After all, who knows how to better build an Irish drinking establishment than a group of Irishmen themselves? These manufactured pubs have become wildly popular, and companies have exported more than just a few slabs of wood and a place to grab a beer—they’ve exported centuries of tradition, and more importantly, a place where everybody knows your name.

 Here's to you.