CONNECT WITH MULVIHILL LYNCH SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE:
*Website: https://www.mlsirishdance.com/

In this episode of Pubs & Pints, Tim sits down with Debbie Lynch-Webber, the owner and director of the Mulvihill-Lynch School of Irish Dance. Together, they explore the vibrant world of Irish dance, its deep-rooted traditions, and the evolution of the sport from local parishes to global stages like Riverdance. Debbie shares her journey as a dancer and educator, the importance of community in the dance world, and how she continues to inspire the next generation of performers.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Heritage of Irish Dance: Debbie’s personal history with the art form and how the Mulvihill-Lynch school became a cornerstone for the community.
  
  
• The Post-Riverdance Era: How the global phenomenon changed the perception and popularity of Irish dance forever.
  
  
• Beyond the Steps: The discipline, friendships, and life lessons learned through competitive and performance-based dancing.
  
  
• The Role of the Teacher: Debbie’s philosophy on teaching and maintaining the "soul" of Irish culture through movement.
  
  
• Podcast Connection: Tim and Debbie discuss their shared history and the impact the school has had on families, including Tim's own daughter.
  
  

Whether you're a long-time fan of Irish culture or just curious about the world of jigs and reels, this conversation offers a warm and insightful look at a beloved tradition.

ABOUT THE PUBS & PINTS PODCAST:
Rooted in the Irish tradition of great storytelling, Pubs & Pints captures the magic of conversations shared over a pint—whether it's in a cozy local pub or around the kitchen table. Join Tim as he explores the history, the people, and the heart behind the culture. Please follow, share, and subscribe to your favorite socials below.

CONNECT WITH PUBS & PINTS:

• Website: https://pubsnpints.com

#PubsAndPints #IrishDance #IrishCulture #DebbieLynch #MulvihillLynch

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Connect with Séamus Doohan:

• Website: walkingdonegal.net
• Email: walkingdonegalireland@gmail.com
• Instagram/Socials: @walkingdonegal

In this episode of Pubs & Pints, host Tim sits down with Séamus Doohan, a man whose life is woven into the rugged landscape of Falcarragh, County Donegal. Séamus isn't just a local; he is a storyteller, a walking guide, a historian, and a passionate advocate for the Irish language.

We dive deep into the folklore and reality of Donegal life, from the legendary prophecies of St. Colum Cille to the heartbreaking history of the "Bridge of Tears," where generations of Irish emigrants said their final goodbyes before walking to the ports of Derry. Séamus shares how he transitioned from a "football fanatic" to a professional mountain guide, helping visitors uncover secret waterfalls, ancient ruins, and the medicinal secrets of local wildflowers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Pub Culture of Falcarragh: Comparing the social life of the 1990s to today and the magic of a "singing circle" at the Shamrock Lounge.
• The Bridge of Tears: A moving look at the path taken by those leaving Ireland for America and how Séamus helps their descendants reconnect with that emotion today.
• St. Colum Cille & Ancient Manuscripts: The history of the "Dove of the Church," the first-ever copyright battle, and the sacred Cathach manuscript.
• The Poisoned Glen & Mistranslations: How a simple linguistic error turned the "Heavenly Glen" into the "Poisoned Glen."
• The Irish Language Revival: Séamus’s journey with Gaelic and his experience guiding famous polyglots like Ari Smith (Xiaomanyc) through the Donegal Gaeltacht.
• Archaeology and Art: A look at Séamus’s latest passion—painting the shadows and light of old Irish customs.

Whether you have Donegal roots or simply love a good story told over a pint, this conversation with Séamus Doohan is a journey through the heart of the "Forgotten County."

Featured Links & Publications:

• Condé Nast Traveler: Donegal, Ireland: A Land of Myth and Music
• France TV Feature: Watch Séamus on France TV
• Walking Donegal on YouTube: Watch the Landscape
• The Irish Language Journey: Séamus and Ari Smith (Xiaomanyc)

About Pubs & Pints: Join Tim as he explores the history, the people, and the stories behind the world's most iconic Irish pubs and the characters who make them home.

#PubsAndPints #Donegal #Ireland #WalkingDonegal #IrishHistory #Gaelic #Falcarragh #IrishPodcast

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30 Years at Guinness, Rural Ireland, and Publican Stories with Des Roche

Description:

In this episode of the Pubs and Pints podcast, I sit down with my good friend Des Roche. Des is a true gentleman from County Galway, Ireland, with an incredible wealth of stories. He spent 30 years working for Guinness, starting as a merchandiser and moving into sales, giving him a front-row seat to the characters and culture of Irish pubs.

A few years after retiring from Guinness, Des began driving tour buses around Ireland, meeting people from all over the world, but mostly from the US. That is actually how we met—Des has been the driver for the group I travel with for our annual Ireland Pub Crawl for the past three years, and he’s become a great friend.

We crack open a cold one (tea for Des, Guinness for me!) and discuss everything from growing up in rural 1970s Ireland without running water to the specific science behind the "widget" in a can of Guinness. Des shares hilarious stories about eccentric publicans, a gripping family story involving the Black and Tans, and gives us some insider travel tips for the best chowder and scenic drives in Ireland.

In this episode, we cover:

• 0:00 - Intro & catching up.
• 06:30 - Growing up in East Galway in the 1970s & 80s.
• 15:40 - The science of Guinness: Gas mixes, clean glasses, and the perfect pour.
• 31:00 - Des’s 30-year career at Guinness & the launch of the "Widget" can.
• 37:00 - Hurling: Injuries, passion, and the pride of the club.
• 46:00 - Travel Tips: Dingle, The Healey Pass, and finding the best Seafood Chowder.
• 55:00 - Funny stories about Irish Publicans.
• 1:14:00 - A brush with history: The Black and Tans raid.
• 1:20:00 - Music memories: The Wolf Tones, Luke Kelly, and a Christy Moore anecdote.

Question of the day: I’m trying to learn the rules of Hurling so I can follow the matches better from the US. If you have any resources or tips for a beginner watching the sport, let me know in the comments!

Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more stories from the pub!

#PubsAndPints #Guinness #IrelandTravel #Galway #IrishHistory #Podcast

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