Top o' the evenin' to ye! (or my trip to Peterson's of Dublin)

thebadgerpiper

Yesterday, I returned from a ten day trip to Ireland with my wife and mother-in-law. Had a blast, though it is good to be back. I can post some pictures of the trip, but I figured I'd at least start with the stuff all of you would be interested in, Peterson's.

First, it's great to be back. I didn't realize it, but the forums mean it that this is for US residents only. During my second day in the emerald isle, I thought I'd check up on the forums. That... didn't work out so well. I tried logging in, but the site blocked me and told me I had to reside in the US to get in.

"But I'm an American!!!" I shouted at my phone. The phone didn't reply, and I could only stare at the log in screen for the rest of the trip. I actually had TPL withdrawls during the trip, but it was good to disconnect a bit. So, remember if you leave the country, you won't be able to get into TPL.

Second, while this is my third trip to Ireland, I've yet to see anyone there smoke a pipe. Sure, I've encountered pipe smokers in Petersons, but other than pictures, I never saw another soul smoke a pipe. It's disappointing, as I've seen pipe smokers in every other country I've been in, and considering Ireland is so associated with pipe smoking, it's weird.

I didn't bring any pipes with me to Ireland. Since my mother-in-law was with us, I decided I won't smoke during the trip. It wasn't a big deal, and I feel it's good to take a break here and there. However, there were definitely moments I wished I could've had a pipe while enjoying the views.

Anyhow, back to Peterson's. It was my third trip to the shop, and Peterson's never disappoints. The two employees were very friendly and helpful, but let me be until I needed them. I was able to thumb through their collection at will on my own and handle each of their pipes, looking for the right one. The selection was a little picked over, but overall there were plenty of pipes to pick from. My only disappointment for their selection was that they had no 2019 Christmas pipes, as from what I've seen, they're stunning. Had they had a few in stock, I might've gone with one, but I'm happy with the one I bought.

If I had one criticism of Peterson's, it's that their pipes aren't well labeled for price. All the pipes had little barcode slips contained in the bowl of their pipes, but only half of them actually had a price listed on them. Some sections had a general price tag on the pipe wall, but it wasn't that great of a guide. I didn't exactly feel like handing a bunch of the pipes to the employees to price check, which made things a bit inconvenient.

The previous two times I've gone to Peterson's, I was able to pick up two pipes. This time, I went with one, as their pipes went up in price from the last time I was there. However, this allowed me to focus on picking out a nicer pipe, rather than going for two cheaper ones. While two would've been nice, I'm certainly not lacking in Petersons (or pipes...).

I came down to choosing between two pipes: a Baker Street Professor pipe or a Rosslare 68. I was really tempted to go with a Baker Street pipe, as they're larger and cooler pipes, but the Professor pipe is just a bigger version of the 68. In the end, I went with the 68, because I loved the style of it compared to the Professor. I'm happy with my selection, and it's a great pipe (I'm smoking it as I type this).

Since I didn't pick up a second pipe, I ended up buying two pouches of Condor Plug, as you can't buy CP in the states. I love British tobacco, and Condor has been on my bucket list of PT to try. Looking back, I wish I had also picked up a pouch of Mick McQuaid Plug or Clan, but Condor was the big one I wanted to pick up, so I can't be too disappointed in that. Look for a review of that blend once I try it.

Now for the good stuff, the pictures:

thebadgerpiper

And here's the pipe:

The 68 is a fantastic shape, and I think it'll become my favorite Peterson. The Rosslare might be one of the nicest range Peterson puts out. It's not as gothic as the Dracula's, or off beat like the Jekyll and Hyde's, but it won me over.

thebadgerpiper

While visiting the Donegal area, I did come across this nice bit of wall art, depicting some musicians preparing to play at a tavern. The musician on the right is smoking a pipe.

jfreedy

Wow! That’s awesome, @thebadgerpiper! I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland & more specifically Peterson’s. I’ve been a big fan since the beginning of my pipe smoking journey. My two best smoking pipes are both Petersons (and I own Dunhill and Castello pipes). i love the pipe you picked. That stem is elegant and classy. 

TaylorJDutton

I’ve been away from TPL as i typically don’t smoke much in the spring/summer time of year (that time of year i smoke when i camp/special occasions) but this post was a sweet welcome back! Awesome pics and post man. 

thebadgerpiper

@jfreedy You'll love Ireland if you get a chance to go. The people are absolutely wonderful and friendly. When I went to Belfast, I talked to a few people who were very open about the troubles, and I was amazed at how they were able to move on and have a good perspective about it. Whenever the people found out about my wife's Irish heritage, they were very interested to hear her family story. And Peterson's is a grand time. Glad to hear about your Pete's, too. I have one or two that are just okay, but the others are excellent.

@TaylorJDutton Thank you for the kind words, and glad to have you back! I'll have more pics to post that are more Ireland focused.

thebadgerpiper

And here's some more pics for those interested.

Galway Bay

Ireland Countryside

Cliffside

C.S. Lewis Square, Belfast (with a statue of C.S. Lewis entering the wardrobe in the corner. They also had Narnian statues.)

The Rock of Cashel

Kylemore Abbey

Abbey Ruins

daveinlax

Looks like a fun vacation! Thanks for the pictures.

KA9FFJ

Tnx so much for taking the time to share @thebadgerpiper...
I always enjoy your writings and look forward to many more...

Londy3

@thebadgerpiper thanks for sharing the details of your trip with is.  Looks like an amazing time. Your new Peterson pipe was an excellent choice. Looks good on you as well. I would love to take a trip to Ireland, England, Italy and Australia. It's on my bucket list. 

thebadgerpiper

Thanks @daveinlax @KA9FFJ and @Londy3 ! Londy, you'll love Ireland if you get to go. It's worth it for the people and the ruins. I've been to Italy, but not England or Australia. Not sure if I'll venture to the land down under, at least until the spiders are gone.

BobbyG

@thebadgerpiper Thanks for the Ireland walk through that was great! Definetly a bucket list destination for me. The scenery and landscape of Ireland has always drawn me in and to have a guinness at an authentic Irish pub, ya buddy! Oh by the way do they allow smoking in public areas, pubs ect?

thebadgerpiper

Thanks @BobbyG ! As far as smoking in public, it's all outside. There's no smoking allowed in pubs, but I did go to one pub that had an outdoor smoking area that was covered and connected so well to the main area you couldn't really tell the difference besides the door separating the two areas. There was no smoking allowed in Peterson's, which I thought was a real shame.

And there's nothing quite like enjoying a Guinness in a real Irish pub. I'm hoping next time to enjoy one with a pipe in a smoking area.

motie2

@t,hebadgerpiper

A question: Are those pints really served at room temperature?

AnantaAndroscoggin

I learned to appreciate room temperature beer during the first week my ship spent in St. Johns, Newfoundland await a part for the air-search radar.

thebadgerpiper

@motie2 Every pint I had was cool at first, but it didn't take long to reach room temperature. I normally prefer cold beer, but I didn't mind the Guinness when it was room temperature.