The Queen turns down a free pint of Guinness - VIDEO & PHOTOS

The Queen visited Ireland because she was invited. She could have refused. That would have looked good wouldn't it. It's called bridge building amongst other things. Make no mistake, what happened in the past is unforgiveable, and I hope the perpetrators are rotting in hell. When I read the history, about massacres, and the famine, and when I think of people in the north torn apart from their heritage, I feel sick with anger, grief and sadness. But what is to be gained by continuing to hate? So much more will be achieved by friendship and unity, and by accepting that there are people who feel genuine remorse for the actions of their ancestors. And in time, the 26 will become 32 again. Until then, as long as nationalists there are treated with respect and have equality, we can be patient. Too many innocent people have died.

Too early for a pint of Guinness! Good for her! (The queen, unlike her hubby -who would have enjoyed downing several pints if he'd been there without the entourage- and most of her family, especially Charles' wife, now only drinks in the afternoon. Does she still smoke? Or has she given up smoking too.) Guinness' probable sent a barrel of stout to the Queen's residence. But I have to add: I would like to know why did the Queen's visit Ireland? She is going to bail out the Irish Government? Is she going to buy Ireland this tme, instead of taking it? What load of Upper Class snobbery! Give me Liberty! And while you're at it, throw in a pint of Harp lager with a little Canadian ginger ale and a slice of lemon and lime. Yummy, yummmy And call it a Commonwealth Shandy for the shagged!

@FastEddy That inbreed german/english non-celtic women is nothing to me. She never was and never will be anything to me!!!

You guys are looking for any slight mis-step from The Queen. Get over it, She is your Queen, too. FYI: Her security escort would never let Her drink a free beer from anyone in any case, nor would Her protocol advisors.

I'd love a chance to visit the Guinness Brewery and try a perfect pint myself. Sounds delightful! If the Queen doesn't want it, then more for us who do! :)

Hey, the Queen is in good company; Michael Collins didn't favor Guinness either!

Obviously the Queen doesn't drink Guinness, but Pres. Obama is also avoiding the beer in Ireland by bringing his own barrel on his trip to Moneygall next week (more on Gargle Nation). Is it the fact that alcohol is poisonous that troubles them, or are they worried about terrorists putting something extra in the pint? Irish people might be offended that home security is not trusted, but it shows the sad state of affairs that leaders of 'democratic' countries have to fear poisoning by ordinary people like Roman emperors before them. Queen does seem to be enjoying the visit though.

It would have been nice if she'd taken a sip, but can't say I blame her. It makes me feel ill. I think a younger Royal would have done so - almost certain Kate would have.

Didn't want to leave a tip I suppose, the cheap bastards.

At their age, they are probably on all kinds of medications that don't mix well with alcohol. It sure looked like they wanted some regardless.

They were dying for a taste, especially Philip you can see it in his face.

Why would anyone drinking in Dublin be considered a "loyal subject" of QEII? Seriously.

I am sure that you welcomed her well! Congratulations! Poor Sirpeter...jealousy turns many people sour. Give him no more thought. This is a classy lady. She seems to be enjoying herself!

Guinness is good for you but perhaps not right after a good Irish breakfast.

sirpeter i am of an age where I can still hold a pint if i wanted to but I don't like the stuff. Can you not see it for what it was just a gesture. You really are the most opionated man ever to walk in shoe leather and sometimes you even get it wrong IMAGINE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!