York definitely looks like it deserves a trip. Aside from the great beer mentioned, the traditional pubs appeal to me no end. I love the idea of a pint of ale, a book or the newspaper and some peace and quiet. It's not something that can be found with any degree of ease around Dublin.
I had a bottle of Old Peculiar the other night. It wasn't bad, but I figured it had to be a different beer on cask.