Let’s talk Guinness. Guinness is one of the most successful beer brands in the world. It’s currently brewed in almost 50 countries! However, it all started at Arthur Guinness’s brewery in Dublin, Ireland. In 1759 Arthur Guinness opened St James’s Gate after signing a 9000 year lease. It’s here, at St James’s Gate, where to this day you’ll still find the brewery and the Guinness Storehouse.
What is the Guinness Storehouse?
The Guinness Storehouse is a seven floor interactive experience where you learn about all things Guinness. The building originally housed the fermentation plant but in 1997 was converted into the world’s largest pint glass for the visitors centre. You start at the very bottom with the ingredients. You make your way through each floor learning a different aspect of Guinness’s history. Once you make it to the top you get to enjoy a pint!
Touring the Storehouse
The tour itself is self-guided, you meet with a guide on the first floor who gives you an introduction and explains a bit about what you will see. On the bottom floor you can even see the original 9000 year lease. They typically recommend spending at least 90 minutes exploring the Storehouse but it is very easy to spend far longer there. I’d say we easily spent a good few hours there. The first floor is all about the ingredients, the hops, the barley, the water, and where it all comes from. Then you’ll learn about the brewing process, and how they roast barley to give Guinness its distinctive ruby red colour. Next up is all about how Guinness made its way around the world. From trucks, to trains, to boats, Guinness has an incredible story about how it has become world known. Speaking of being world known, next is an exhibit on Guinness’s advertisements. You know a Guinness ad when you see one and this exhibit show of some of the classics. Along the way you’ll have a tasting where you learn all about the characteristic flavours and notes in Guinness. It’s at this stop that you’ll also learn how to properly taste a pint of Guinness.
The Guinness Academy
This one is an optional stop on your tour. Your admission gets you one free pint during your time at the Storehouse. One of the places you can redeem your pint is at the Guinness Academy. If you’ve ever wanted to learn what goes into pouring the perfect pint of Guinness and the science behind it, you are in luck. Guinness requires a six step, two part pour to achieve the signature white creamy head and cascade of nitrogen bubbles, known as the serge. At the Guinness Academy you can learn to master the special two part pour. The pouring technique for a pint of Guinness is important for the quality, taste and presentation of the beer. Did you know that it should take you about 119 seconds to pour your pint? After you pour your perfect pint you’ll even get a certificate commemorating you accomplishment and now it’s time to enjoy your reward.
Gravity Bar
The final stop on your self guided tour is right at the very top of the seven storey pint glass and that is the Gravity Bar. If you aren’t keen on pouring your own pint that’s totally fine, you can also redeem your free pint here. With floor to ceiling windows the whole way around the Gravity Bar offers 360 degree views of Dublin. They’ve even got great little write-ups on the glass that explains the important buildings and areas in your view. With uninterrupted views and no shortage of Guinness this place is hard to beat.
Stay for Lunch
If you can, I would highly recommend timing your visit so you can stop for lunch. There are a couple dining options and even a cafe if you’re looking for a refreshment or snack, seriously they’ve got Guinness nitro cold brew. If you’re hungry enough for lunch head up to the 1837 Bar and Brasserie. You have to try the beef and Guinness stew. Its the best stew I’ve ever had. It will fill a hole in your life that you didn’t even know you had. Almost two years later, my mom still talks about their beef and Guinness stew and she knows how to make a good stew.
The Guinness Storehouse is open from 9:30am-7pm, 9pm in the summer. Tickets start at 19.50€ online, you save 25% when you buy in advance online, and vary depending on the date and time you pick. Peak times are a little more expensive. The Storehouse is family friendly, Guinness fans and non-Guinness drinkers alike will have a great time visiting the Guinness Storehouse.
We just spent this last St Patrick’s Day in Dublin, of course though, the city was pretty much shut down due to COVID-19. Luckily it wasn’t my first trip to Dublin so I still have a lot to write about. To read about being in Dublin during the cancelled celebration you can find that here. To stay updated and follow along with my travels you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and new this week, Pinterest!
See you all next week!