Irish Pub Tour — 50 States in 30 Days — Day 6 — Arizona and Colorado

Tim is hitting some high note cities now — Phoenix and Denver.

Phoenix, Arizona

Whiskey, Stout, music, literature, the robust and unique people and their distinct pubs have always been just a few of Ireland’s greatest commodities. Seriously, an authentic Irish pub is not just some dive bar or dowdy restaurant. In Ireland, the local pub is at the heart of cultural and social life. It is a community gathering place for friends and music and celebration — even if the celebration is an Irish Wake! A true Irish pub is distinguished by its “craic,” an Irish term referring to positive interaction among people through conversation, stories and music.

Tim Herlihy, the U.S. Ambassador for Tullamore Distilleries in Ireland, knows craic as good as anyone alive. He's taking to the air and roads and accomplishing a crazy visit to an authentic Irish bar in all 50 states…and planning to accomplish it in just 30 days! American Bars posts a picture of him here since he will not look like this at all by the time he is finished.

American Bars is tracking Tim throughout his journey and we'll post the states, cities and bars he'll visit in advance so you can meet him if you are fortunate to be where he is coming through, when he comes through.

Sunday, February 22 is day six of Tim’s timeless trek. Today he visits Arizona and Colorado.

Here is the itinerary:

Rúla Búla

401 S. Mill Ave.

Tempe AZ 85281

Open Daily 11am-2am

(480) 929-9500

He should arrive at Noon, but with all the hustle and bustle, better to check and be certain.

Choosing the right name for an Irish pub is extremely important. This Tempe, Arizona Irish pub (down near Arizona State University, Coors Stadium and other noted placed) wanted their name to tell a lot about the pub experience and, after studying many names, like rivers, counties and cities in Ireland and pub culture, the name chosen was Rúla Búla. Taken from the Irish Gaelic language expression "rí rá agus ruaille buaille" it translates to "uproar and commotion" in the context of a celebratory and fun time. They phoneticized the expression into Rúla Búla to simplify pronunciation in English. They felt Rúla Búla was an appropriate selection for the upbeat, fun image the City of Tempe portrays. Particularly on Mill Avenue, which is often, open only to foot traffic during the many festivities that take place throughout the year.

Rúla Búla is located in the historic Andre Building in downtown Tempe. R.G. Andre, a skilled saddlemaker, was a prominent businessman in Tempe. Long ago, before statehood, when Arizona was a pioneer town. While living in Phoenix, he built a Victorian-styled commercial building on Mill Avenue in 1888 and opened a saddlery and harness shop. In 1893 he moved to Tempe, Andre later joined with M. Mertz, who became his partner in Andre and Mertz, a store specializing in harnesses, saddlery and vehicles. Rúla Búla pays tribute to Captain Andre with an Irish saddlery-styled pub, which contains many of the bric-a-brac, flooring, lighting and interior design elements reflective of those more than100 years ago in Ireland.

In Ireland, a merchant’s shop would often double as a pub. A corner of the shop would be set aside for this very purpose. Customers would sit, sip Guinness and converse surrounded by shelves of merchandise. Irish pubs are a retreat from the real world and at the heart of Rúla Búla is the ready smile, the invitation to relax and enjoy good conversation, great food and drink, hospitality and humour. In a word—craic. Celebrate with Tim when he arrives at Rula Bula. Call the tavern for details about Tim’s visit.

Next Stop— Denver!

Fado Irish Pub — Denver

1735 19th St, Denver, CO 80202

Phone:(303) 297-0066

Fadó Irish Pub is located on Wynkoop between The Denver Chop House and Coors Field.

Fadó (pronounced f’doe) is an Irish term meaning ‘long ago’. It’s often used to start a story (the

Type to enter text equivalent of ‘once upon a time’ ). They chose the name because at Fadó, we are telling the story of Ireland’s evolving Pub culture. Once you walk in you can feel the Irish culture envelop you.

Yes, it is hard to be distinguished and authentic when part of a 16 store chain of restaurants and bars. The individuality gets lost in the corporate sameness of things. Two good things: The chain is owned by real Irishmen who do take pride in the details. Just look at the interior photo. It is a very rich and traditional interior that beckons one to sit and relax and stay a while.

Tim will be right at home here. You should too. Come on out, Denver, and meet Tim on Sunday. Call for details

Next stops — Culture Shock! From the bustling cosmopolitan bergs of Phoenix and Denver, Tim next heads out to the wilds of Wyoming and the prairies of Nebraska. …and green horses…