Wicklow Mountains and Guinness Lake

I had the day off work on Friday so we headed to the Wicklow Mountains, said to "sit on the city's southern doorstep," about 20 miles outside of Dublin. Home to the sets of Mel Gibson's epic "Braveheart," and chick-flicks "P.S. I love you," and "Leap Year." While the latter two films are no cinematic masterpieces, it is obvious that the one thing pulling them through the box office ranks is the scenery and atmosphere of rural Ireland. Peaceful, quiet and seemingly untouched, it's not surprising some of the most well-known artists of modern day seek out this beautiful refuge as an escape. In the heart of the Wicklows, it is not uncommon for visitors such as Paul McCartney, Paul Hewson, (better known as my old pal Bono), and the late Michael Jackson. These musical giants frequent these hills to visit Paul Garreth, U2's first manager. Paul's home, nestled in the valley between two of Wicklow's peaks, looks out over Guinness Lake. Guinness Lake, aptly named because of its dark color and frothy foam shore line, was once owned by the Guinness family and is still the main water source for the dark elixir Dubliners live on. The waters of Guinness Lake get their dark color from a mineral in the peat bogs surrounding it. Even the strong stout flavor of Ireland's favorite beer come from this unique mineral and are described as "tasting the way peat smells." As a day trip to the mountains turned into a history lesson on drink, I realized that the interests of a foodie, or anyone who enjoys a good drink, know no limits.