Short Irish story. My original cardiologist Jim Moran, sound Irish? Somehow the discussion came up about Irish and Irish soda bread. He wanted to know how I made mine. After I put the list out he said "You don't make Irish soda bread, you make American Irish soda bread. My wife makes it the same way you do and she's Italian."
A lot of "discussions" about Irish anything in the area of Chicago. I do believe we have the largest majority of Irish in the USA. There are so many that they divided among themselves into Northside Irish and Southside Irish. And never shall they meld. LOLOLOL They even have separate parades.
The only country I've been certified advisor from is Ireland-certified-specialist. I have been there a few times. Great to visit! Just don't eat their native recipe soda bread. Yuck. When I travel I experiment on foods and such - just not on Irish bread.
And do try new ideas as they're offered. I don't drink beer - but I've had both Guinness and Smithwick's (Smithwick's like our Pabst image). I have had both while there, learning the area, of course - it's my job. I've had Smithwick's with blood potatoes for breakfast. BTW Guinness' biggest production and market is in Africa?

NOW What I really will enjoy this weekend is the Bailey's I have Sunday and Monday!!!! And when you do make it to Ireland make sure you order some and even buy some to bring back to the USA. The product sold here is "toyed" with, pasteurized, and all those things the latest news is telling us about in food we buy here. Has to clear customs - changes it. Really yummy if you get the real thing. Whenever a client offers to bring me something back - I always let it be known.
OK that's my short story - sorry it took so long.

P