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Sat in a cozy local pub, the incessant buzz of Irish-accented voices swirling around you, traditional music flows from a live band in the corner. In front of you is a pint of Guinness, looking like the absolute meal in a glass it is. The perfect line of white foam contrasting the almost black liquid underneath as you’ve waited patiently for it to settle. This is the simplest, yet possibly most enjoyable way to experience Ireland. But first, let’s take it back to where the nation’s favorite beer started – with a Guinness Storehouse tour in Dublin. It’s almost a crime to skip this national treasure location, even if you don’t like beer.
Where is the Guinness Storehouse
Since the company began in 1759, the Guinness Brewery has stood at St. James’s Gate in Dublin, Ireland. The huge wooden gates bearing the familiar harp symbol on one of the world’s most famous brews is unmistakable. While the actual storehouse building is a lot newer, this part of the city has an unbelievable amount of history with beer.
Book any city bus tour and you can all but guarantee that one of the stops will be at the world famous gate. Which makes it really easy to make a Guinness Storehouse tour part of your day. In fact, on of my favorite European travel tips is to take advantage of these city bus tours.
From Dublin’s busy and popular Temple Bar area, it’s about a 25-minute walk to the Guinness Storehouse. Or you can take a taxi if you want to save your legs. I chose to walk on my visit as it was a lovely day out – and I got to see a lot more places along the way.
How to get Guinness Storehouse tour tickets
As one of the most popular experiences in Dublin, an already busy and popular city, you’ll want to book ahead to avoid disappointment. I booked my Guinness Storehouse tour a week before I visited.
When you book, either directly through the Guinness Storehouse website, or a ticket seller such as GetYourGuide, you’ll have to select a time slot. So while you might still see availability closer to the date, getting time you want may not always be possible. Earlier in the day is likely to have better availability.
If your time in Dublin is limited, and in any way around a weekend, plan ahead as best you can.
Pricing starts at around €26 but can be more for busier times like afternoon or weekends. Expect to see some variance on pricing depending on when you choose.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: The Guinness Storehouse is fully accessible with escalators and elevators throughout. That means anyone with mobility concerns or in a wheelchair won’t miss out on any of this magical experience.
How long will you spend?
The Guinness Storehouse tour took a lot longer than I expected. I honestly thought I would be in there an hour, see a bit of the brewing process, maybe a couple of museum-like exhibits and then top it off with a quick pint. I was wrong.
Yes, all the above is part of the experience, but you will get so immersed in it all that you’ll spend way longer than planned. From understanding all the stages of making Guinness, to learning the history of those who made it what it is today. Then of course there are tastings. And between all that is floor after floor of exhibits and artifacts from Guinness-making past.
The Guinness Storehouse tour will take you up through 7 floors in total. And the last one is the Gravity Bar with its incredible views out over Dublin. If there’s the perfect place to have a pint in Dublin, this is it.
All in all I would suggest allowing yourself around 2 hours to visit the Guinness Storehouse. You can likely do it in 90-minutes if you’re powering through, but you won’t be savoring that pint, and you won’t be allowing yourself time in the gargantuan gift shop.
What if I don’t like beer?
It’s not beer, it’s a meal in a glass. The lifeblood of Ireland. If you’re ever going to try Guinness, this is the place to do it.
I didn’t think I liked Guinness, having taken the odd sip over the years and deciding it wasn’t for me. But I did say that if I ever get a pint of Guinness I’m going to wait until I’m in Ireland. That’s exactly what I did, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Even if you don’t like beer, or stout, or whatever you want to call it, this place is iconic. We all know the advertisements with the toucan and all other fun commercials they have had over the years. The part of the Guinness Storehouse tour detailing the advertising was one of my favorite areas to explore.
The Guinness Storehouse is a history lesson, museum and factory all in one. Children are welcome here – although they won’t get a pint of Guinness at the end. So it’s not just about adults drinking beer, it’s a great place to learn more about Dublin and Ireland too.
The Guinness Storehouse tour
I’ve taken part in brewery tours before. They’re usually a quick run through of the behind the scenes, and last maybe 20 minutes to half an hour. They typically end in the tasting room with a sample or two of whatever you’ve seen being made. The Guinness Storehouse tour blew any of these previous tours out of the water.
The entrance to the Guinness Storehouse tour is an Instagrammer’s dream with a replica St James’s Gate set up and decorated for you to take your photo in front of.
Proceeding to the exhibit, the first words you see are written on the black and white tiled floor. They state that “The essence of Guinness is all around you”.
WHAT IS GUINNESS MADE FROM?
There are four ingredients in Guinness: Water, barley, hops and yeast. The first floor of the Storehouse tour takes you through what each one of them does in the beer making process.
The four ingredients are displayed in a way that makes you feel like you’re really in the beer-making process, not just reading about it. Grab a handful of barley, smell the hops, run your hands through the cascading water.
DID YOU KNOW? They have a supply of the irreplaceable yeast locked in a safe here at the Guinness Storehouse?
THE GUINNESS FAMILY
You will be introduced to the history of the Guinness Family, dating back to the O.G. Arthur Guinness. Could this really be the most loved man in Irish history?
In an interesting part of the museum, find out how the brewing of this now famous beer began. And what led up to the signing of a 9000-year lease for the brewery. Now that’s a commitment.
BREWING GUINNESS ALL DAY EVERY DAY
The magic of Guinness might start with four simple ingredients, but it is brought together with the brewing process. This part of the Guinness Storehouse tour focuses on the incredible 11-steps it takes to get these ingredients to your pint glass.
Find out the magical barley roasting temperature it takes to achieve the perfect Guinness flavor. Learn why nitrogen does to Guinness and why it’s used. And see some the equipment used to make your new favorite beer.
DID YOU KNOW? Every day at 10am there’s a tasting team to check the quality of the Guinness that’s been brewing. What a job!
IS ALCOHOL GOOD OR BAD?
One of the most interactive parts of the tour – other than the tasting – is the 10-question quiz about alcohol. Now I love a trivia game as much as the next person so I took on the challenge.
I won’t spoil the quiz, but through a series of True/False and multiple choice questions it turns out I still have a lot to learn. I got a really terrible score of 4 out of 10.
The questions will teach you about alcohol consumption, how long it takes your liver to process alcohol and tackles common understandings of alcohol effects and whether they’re right.
THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE BUILDING
Throughout the Guinness Storehouse tour you’ll slowly make your way up higher and higher through the multi-level brewery. Despite how this could come off very factory-like, it is actually a beautiful and bright space.
Windowed-ceilings, colorful glass with mirrored panels to reflect is, as well as refurbished steel beam and brick interiors make for a fascinating journey through the Storehouse.
The use of everyday brewery-related items such as beer casks and machinery in the decoration is impressively unique.
THE TASTE EXPERIENCE
All this talk of beer made you ready for a pint of Guinness? Hold on, we’ll get there. First things first, you’ll get an official explanation of what you’re tasting and how you should taste it.
The group will be ushered into a special room dotted with giant white vats which ooze beer scented plumes of smoke. These are the esters of beer, the flavors. Take a whiff and wait for the staff to serve up a couple dozen mini Guinness glasses.
Grab your shot-o-Guinness, and (without sampling too soon) head over to the tasting room. Here, while waiting for your Guinness to settle, the chief taste specialist will recommend the best way to sample your beer.
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF ADVERTISING
Unless you’ve been under a rock for decades you’ve likely seen the distinctive advertising of Guinness. Who doesn’t love the colorful toucan, or the any of the other kooky animals from the Guinness menagerie?
The advertising part of the Guinness Storehouse tour is one of my favorite exhibits. Iconic slogans and posters are on display with statuesque replicas of the most inventive animal creations.
You can end it by watching a video of some of the commercials. In a nod to the fact you have to let a Guinness settle before it achieves the perfect white head on black beer, you might remember the “Good things come to those who wait” commercial of the late-90s.
TAKE A BREAK MID-TOUR
Not sure if you can make it through all the levels without a pint of beer and some sustenance? Or maybe extend your visit after checking out the Gravity Bar. The Guinness Storehouse has more than one place to relax.
Arthur’s Bar serves food, and of course Guinness. While the Gravity Bar is an experience, Arthur’s is a lot less busy of a place to hang out for a while. Take in the views of Dublin while you sit back and relax.
GUINNESS AND A VIEW
You’ve made it through the Guinness Storehouse tour, up through all the floors, and you are now likely an expert on brewing. Time to put the hard work aside and reap the reward.
Your Guinness Storehouse tour ticket includes a pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar. Hand in your voucher, wait patiently for the pour and enjoy the view while you drink.
There is seating, but the later in the day you go here, the busier it gets. That means seating can be limited. Hover long enough and you might be lucky, or use some Dutch courage to go make new friends.
Failing that, there are plenty of places to stand and savor your pint while gazing out over the beautiful city of Dublin. Spot some landmarks or hang by the bar to watch mesmerizing pour after mesmerizing pour of the Black Stuff.
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
As if you’re leaving this fine drinking establishment without a souvenir or two. Preferably a decorative toucan pint glass, a beer or two, or any number of items displaying slogans, logos or advertising campaigns past.
The marketing ploy of filling your patrons with alcohol then making them walk past the gift shop on the way out is genius at its finest. I succumbed and I’m not even ashamed.
Is the Guinness Storehouse tour worth the price?
It’s expensive but it is an immersive experience. You’ll get to try a pint and some samplers which is worth about 15 EUR in itself. It’s a part of history in Ireland, and has one of the coolest bars in the city.
I had never had Guinness before my visit, and I’ll admit, I’m now a fan. I’m really glad my first ever pint of Guinness was in one of the best bars in Ireland, atop the legendary brewery where it was made. That made it even more special.
If it’s your first time in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse tour really is a must-do experience. Whether you like beer or not, you can’t ignore the power of this famous Irish brand. This really is an interesting place and feels more like a museum. Of course, I wish all museums came with a pint of beer.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you taken the Guinness Storehouse tour on a visit to Dublin? What are your thoughts on the experience?
I enjoyed my visit with you to the Guinness storehouse. I was fascinated by the exhibits and I did the same as you — experienced my first Guinness there and became a fan. I’ve learned it really does taste better poured by a master.
I really enjoyed how you included some fun facts about the process.
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
It is true what they say about Guinness – that it tastes best in Dublin.
I tried it in England and was not a big fan but when I tasted it in Ireland it was completely different, much creamier and fuller flavour.
I was at the Dublin brewery many years ago and was enchanted at the displays (loved all the advertisement board through the years).
It was a great experience, as your article portrays and the view from the rooftop Gravity bar was one of the best views in Dublin. We stayed and had a few more beers, so the free sample one certainly pays off!
A lovely post that brought back memories of our trip to Dublin which – of course – included the Guinness Storehouse. We really enjoyed our visit and thought the museum was well laid out and nicely designed. We particularly enjoyed the advertising display – so many iconic ads! And yes, the Gravity Bar at the top was an essential place to enjoy a tipple. How nice that you enjoyed your first Guinness there and that you’re now a fan! Lots of good advice about visiting and what to expect.
Having a Guinness (and lots of it) is probably one of the most interesting ways in knowing Dublin and its people. As I haven’t been to the city, I think this is where I would likely to start 😉 This is truly a cultural touchstone carrying the very Irish emblem that is known worldwide. The Gravity bar is perfect to finish the tour and savor the tipple. Your tour reminded me of the sherry visit I did in Jerez that made me slightly tipsy at the end 😉 #flyingbaguette
Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/
You describe a pint very well. That is coming from an Irishman 😁 I know where the Storehouse is located and your post does a great job describing it. Very helpful. 2 hours is easily enough time to appreciate the experience and enjoy the view of the city from above. I miss home now lol
I actually found the Guiness Storehouse fascinating. Once you get past the tourist stuff, the history of the beer and how it is such an integrated part of Ireland (and Dublin) history. I love your observation of filling with alcohol then letting them shop haha. Fun fact, the bbq sauce counts as a liquid and security will take it. (insert sad face here).
Oh no!! More reason to go back – and pack it in your suitcase this time
Whilst this is an experience I would probably skip when in Ireland, I appreciate your comprehensive guide to this tour and sharing with us your impressions and insights. Guinness and Ireland are synonymous, like Amsterdam is with Heineken, so I understand that the storehouse tour is high on many visitor’s lists. I like that the experience allows you to fully immerse yourself with the brand and is not just a quick in-and-out.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Very interesting, who knew there was so much to know about a beer 🙂
I loved the advertising part, it’s always fun to see how products evolve in their offer to the public.
I have Ireland high on my list of places to visit soon and this experience will certainly not be missed on a trip to Dublin.