Summary
There’s a reason the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is Ireland’s most famous visitor attraction. Not only is it the home of Guinness, the world’s most renowned stout, but the tour itself is also engaging and educational. Moreover, you get to taste plenty of Guinness, which makes it a delightful experience!
History of Guinness
Founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759, Guinness has been a significant part of Irish culture ever since. Nestled in the heart of Dublin at St. James’s Gate Brewery, Guinness signed a remarkable 9,000-year lease to establish his brewery there.
Great Guinness Storehouse Tours
A visit to the Guinness Brewery should be a top priority on any travel agenda. For arranging city tours, many travelers choose Get Your Guide, which offers skip-the-line tickets and the convenience of free cancellation within 24 hours for most tours.
About The Guinness Tour
The tour commences at the “Seal of Guinness” where Arthur Guinness inked his famed 9,000-year lease. Knowledgeable guides escort you through the multi-story storehouse, detailing how Guinness Stout is crafted from the barrel house to the fermentation plant. Ultimately, it concludes with the enjoyment of a frosty pint at the bar.
Water from the Wicklow Mountains
As you delve into the rich history, you will be led to a blue waterfall where fresh water from the Wicklow Mountains is channeled into the brewery.
Many believe that Guinness tastes best in Ireland, perhaps due to this exceptional source of water. The tour highlights the natural ingredients used in Guinness, including the barley plants growing on the walls!
Guinness Casks – Firkins
Your Guinness Storehouse Tour continues to the Cooperage and Transport floor, revealing how casks are created and shipped.
Have you ever heard of the term Firkin? In Toronto, there are Firkin pubs scattered throughout the city, and I never fully understood what that meant. A Firkin refers to a size of a cask, comparable to a keg but smaller in volume.
Tasting Tour of Guinness
While the factory tour is enjoyable, the primary focus is undoubtedly experiencing Guinness. The tasting room is arguably the best brewery tour venue on the globe, embellished with dry ice and neon lights to enhance the ambiance. The pathway leads you to a pristine white tasting room where smoke billows from slender containers.
These containers serve more than decorative purposes; each is infused with the delightful aromas of Guinness. The enchanting scents of barley, malt, hops, and yeast permeate the air. It’s as delectable as you might anticipate.
After concluding your time in the white room, you transition to a space reminiscent of a grand ship—a design inspired by the vessels that once transported Guinness to the mainland. There’s even an opportunity to ring the bell from the ship Lady Miranda Guinness, which historically ferried Guinness from Dublin to Liverpool.
Guinness in Advertising
One of the most captivating displays within the Guinness Storehouse is the exhibition showcasing advertising campaigns through the ages. Guinness has continually demonstrated creativity in marketing their beer, featuring memorable commercials from a whistling oyster to a bicycle-riding fish.
Guinness is Good for You!
One amusing tidbit I learned was that Guinness was historically considered beneficial for health. In the past, individuals often consumed a pint of Guinness after donating blood in Dublin to replenish their electrolytes. This strategy is undoubtedly an effective method to encourage altruism. Did you know that Guinness is also categorized as a light beer? Despite its dark appearance, it offers a lighter taste profile, featuring fewer calories and less sugar than many other beers. Hence, enjoy responsibly!
The Guinness Harp
Interestingly, the harp serves as the emblem of Ireland. When developing their label, Guinness incorporated the harp but reversed the image to secure trademark rights. When you visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College, the actual Irish harp is displayed for all to appreciate. Historically, the harp was revered and frequently played at royal courts.
How to Pour a Pint of Guinness
During your visit to the Guinness Storehouse, guests have the option of enjoying either the standard brewery tour or upgrading to a premium tasting experience. The Connoisseur Tour includes a visit to the Guinness Academy, where you learn the art of pouring a pint of Guinness.
You’ll master a six-step process that takes precisely 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. The harp emblem plays a vital role in perfecting the pour.
- To begin filling the pint, the bartender fully pulls the tap until the beer hits the harp emblem on the glass.
- Once it contacts the top of the harp, they cease pouring and allow the beer to settle into a dark pint.
- Finally, they finish by adding the remaining head of the beer.
Upon completion, you receive a diploma alongside a fresh pint of Guinness to enjoy at your leisure.
Gravity Bar at Guinness
The Guinness Storehouse Tour concludes in a unique manner that sets it apart from traditional brewery tours. This experience culminates on the 7th floor in the Gravity Bar, providing breathtaking sunset views as you sip on a complimentary pint of Guinness. With some of the best vistas of Dublin available, the experience is truly splendid. Once your visit wraps up, you can easily make your way to the exit via the escalator, where you can collect your checked coats and bags before continuing your exploration of Dublin.
And there you have it, your tour of the Guinness Storehouse culminates in a memorable experience. Have you had the pleasure of visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin? Did you enjoy the journey?
Guinness Storehouse Fast Facts
Our tour of Dublin was in partnership with the Lonely Planet as part of their Lonely Planet Pathfinders. Stay tuned for our forthcoming video of Dublin on YouTube.
