There are more urban myths about Guinness than any other beer, usually perpetuated by people who rarely drink the stuff.

The significant difference between Guinness drunk in Ireland (North or South) is that they serve it much colder than they do in England - unless you opt for the Extra Cold in England. Which means that it doesn't taste so full as it does in England. Which probably means that those who prefer it in Ireland don't like the taste as much as those who prefer it in England.

The serving "ceremony" is more to do with tradition. Go to the Guinness stand at the Boat Show and you will find that they pull half pints and let them stand just the same as they do in Ireland, topping them up as they are sold. But that is only because they are so busy, with all the pseuds having their once-a-year pint and banging on about whether it a good one or not.

I would think that it would be difficult for Guinness pipes to become "dirty" because Guinness is totally dead, being blanketted under nitrogen, an inert gas. Dirty pipes certainly contribute to real ale going off, but that is because the stuff is full of live organisms.

The other favourite myth is the belief that it is a full bodied, heavy drink. It is not. It is a pleasant lunchtime tipple, light and easy to drink, not too alcoholic so good for an extended session, and not at all hard on the head.

Nor on the bowels, which is another popular myth.......

cheers, Terry