The Guinness Storehouse Tour

Guinness Storehouse Tour- If finding yourself in Dublin or Ireland in general you may ask yourself if the Guinness Storehouse tour is worth a visit? Why yes it is! Visiting the Guinness brewery is more than your usual tour. The time spent at the Storehouse will give you a chance immerse yourself into the strong foundation Guinness brewery had and still has in building the city of Dublin. Our visit here was definitely a highlight of our two days spent in Dublin, you can follow our 48 hour itinerary here. If looking for other craft breweries in Ireland you can check out a list here.

Fun Facts About Guinness

Locals used to drink a pint of Guinness after giving blood to replenish electrolytes

The harp that the Guinness logo is designed after is preserved in Trinity College nearby

In 1759 Authur Guinness at age 34 signed a 9,000 year lease for the St. Jame’s Gate location for 45 euros a year!

There are 6 official steps to pour a Guinness beer

Guinness stout is actually the color red!

When Can I Go?

The Guinness Storehouse is open 7 days a week 9:30am – 7pm (last admission is at 5pm)

Late opening during July and August 9am – 8pm (last admission is at 6pm)

Why Should You Visit?

Self Guided Tours

Beside a quick introduction when first walking in, this is a completely self guided tour. Which I loved! Having the option to go at your own pace helped make the process more enjoyable. The tour is set up with lots of informative signs, interactive experiences and all set up in a way where you don’t miss any of the stops. The building in actually built like a beer glass, so you are constantly walking at a low up hill climb, no turns to make where you might miss out on a section. Being self guided also gives you the opportunity to stop and spend more time in areas that spark your interest more.

Learn about the history of the company

Years ago I read a book about the life of Authur Guninness and the brewery’s history. Here I got to learn even more. I am always intrigued how progressive the company was for it’s time. From being one of the first companies to offer employee benefits, from medical and dental to even two pints a beer a shift.

In a time where beer was a cleaner option to drink than public water they provided their employees with pints to take home to their families.

Seriously, you could spend all day here learning about the rich history of Guinness, from the company being built to the production of the beer itself. So much information to learn about!

Go at your own pace

We had lots planned for the day so we moved at a fairly quick speed. But you could really spend all day here, between the amounts of information to take in, the Gravity Bar, many options to sit down and eat a nice meal, and a huge souvenir shop you could definitaly dedicate a full day here.

The Guinness Storehouse has a dinning option for every type of meal you want, from a quick dining food hall, a grab and go small plate cafe to a pub like experience and a burger bar dine in restaurant.

Advertising Timelines

Being an art teacher one of my favorite parts was looking at all the graphic arts and advertising products displayed. From old signs, ads, commercials, and bottle designs, all on display to see how they have changed throughout the years.

Here you get to see the well know “Guinness is Good For You” ads. Which was launched in 1929 when doctors thought the beverage had medicinal properties.

The Guinness Academy

Did you know that there is an art to pouring a perfect pint of Guinness beer? On the fourth floor you can go to the academy to learn how to pour the perfect pint. Here they will teach you how to pour, take your photo and give you certificate for your achievements. I heard that this area can get pretty crowded, but we went in the morning and had no wait at all, we walked right in. The area has seats to sit and enjoy your included pint or do what we did and take in up the the Gravity Bar!

The Gravity Bar

If tight on time just heading up to the Gravity Bar is worth the visit itself. This 360 degree view of Dublin is breath taking. Drinks are also available for purchase at the bar. I could of spent awhile here over looking the view of the city. Dublin has an unique city skyline with all of its red brick building.

It does taste better Ireland!

I can contest Guinness really does taste better Ireland. Sipping on a fresh Guinness overlooking the red bricked city had me knowing that our trip to Ireland would be one to remember.

Tips

Go early

Our time slot was for 10:00am. After our tour we wished that we went earlier than we did! While walking to the Storehouse we saw only a couple people looking out of the Gravity Bar windows. Walking up to the bar with our freshly poured pints it was decently crowded already, and only kept getting more and more crowded as time went on.

The area to pour your own pint was forming quiet the line as well when we were leaving.

Book ahead of time

You can actually pre-order your tickets ahead to reserve the time slot you want. This will guarantee that you won’t be waiting in line to purchase a ticket. As an extra bonus it is cheaper to buy them online! You can get your tickets online here.

While you book your tickets they as have a more private experience available for purchase called the Connoisseur Experience. This tour is only up to 16 people offering a more personal experience, and you also get a private tasting!