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In Ireland, Queen Passes on Guinness

Guinness may be good for you , but she'll skip Ireland's famous export

By the Associated Press

Posted May 18, 2011 1:51 PM CDT | Updated May 18, 2011 4:34 PM CDT

(AP) – Queen Elizabeth II's journey of reconciliation to Ireland this week has been serious business—given the violent history between the two countries—which is why one might've expected Her Majesty and Prince Phillip to welcome a fresh pint of Guinness with open arms. But even the expert preparation by a Guinness master brewer in Dublin's Gravity Bar couldn't pique the queen's fancy—she smiled broadly, but declined the beverage, according to the AP. Philip, on the other hand, gazed at the brew with obvious longing. He even jokingly asked the brewer "Is it made with Liffey water?" in reference to Dublin's nearby river, but also walked away without a taste.

The queen is receiving high marks for her dignified conduct during her long-anticipated visit, which included the controversial site of "Bloody Sunday." Over her four-day trip, the queen is still being protected by an exceptionally large security contingent of more than 8,500 police. Much of downtown Dublin was closed to motorists and pedestrians. (For more about security precautions, click to read about a Real IRA member who was imprisoned thanks to the British royal visit.)

A protestor is stopped by police in a street during a demonstration against the first-ever visit to Ireland of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, in Dublin, Tuesday May 17, 2011. (Niall Carson)

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, left, with the Provost of Trinity College Dr. John Hegarty and British Foreign Secretary William Hague, right, at Trinity College Dublin, Tuesday May 17, 2011. ((AP Photo/Maxwell, pool))

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Government Buildings in Dublin, Wednesday, May 18, 2011. (Peter Morrison)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, lays a wreath in the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin, Tuesday May 17, 2011. (Arthur Edwards)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with Provost of Trinity College Dublin Dr. John Hegarty at Trinity College Dublin, Tuesday May 17, 2011. ((AP Photo/pool))

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny at Government Buildings in Dublin, Wednesday, May 18, 2011. (Peter Morrison)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny at Government Buildings in Dublin, Wednesday, May 18, 2011. ((AP Photo/pool))

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip watch as Fergal Murray pours a pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, one of Ireland's most popular sites, in Dublin, Wednesday May 18, 2011. ((AP Photo/pool))

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, centre, Irish President Mary Mc Aleese, left and Christy Cooney, look out at the pitch at the home of the GAA, Croke Park Stadium, in Dublin, Wednesday May 18, 2011. (Peter Morrison)

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In Ireland, Queen Passes on Guinness

Guinness may be good for you , but she'll skip Ireland's famous export

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Queen Elizabeth II • Ireland • Britain • British royals • Guinness • Bloody Sunday

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