The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
Are you planning a trip to Dublin, Ireland? No visit to the Emerald Isle is complete without experiencing the legendary Guinness Storehouse. As the home of the world-famous Guinness stout, the Storehouse offers an immersive journey into the history, brewing process, and cultural significance of this iconic beer. To help you make the most of your visit, here are my top tips for exploring the Guinness Storehouse.
Ireland is synonymous with Guinness, and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is an absolute must for any traveler to Dublin. More than just a brewery tour, it’s a captivating experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this beloved beverage.
On my recent trip to Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse was my first stop after checking into my hotel. Collaborating with Tourism Ireland, I had the opportunity to delve deep into the heart of Guinness. Even if you’re not a die-hard Guinness fan, I promise you’ll be won over by the end of the tour. There’s something truly special about enjoying a pint of Guinness in its homeland.
I’ve always enjoyed beer, exploring the history and science behind brewing, and embarking on brewery tours. The Guinness Storehouse, housed in a seven-story building dating back to 1904, provides an unparalleled experience. It’s interactive, educational, and endlessly entertaining, making it a must-visit for anyone visiting Dublin.
So, before you embark on your Guinness adventure, here are my essential tips for maximizing your experience at the Guinness Storehouse.
Top 10 Tips for Visiting the Guinness Storehouse
1. Book Your Tickets in Advance
While it’s not mandatory, I highly recommend booking your tickets to the Guinness Storehouse online in advance. This simple step can save you a significant amount of time and hassle.
By securing your tickets online, you’ll be able to bypass the potentially long queues at the entrance. Trust me, the lines can be quite extensive, especially during peak season. Booking ahead will allow you to maximize your time inside the Storehouse, exploring all its wonders.
Plus, booking online often comes with the added perk of a discount on adult admission, making it a win-win situation.
Ticket Prices (starting from):
- Adult (18+): €18.50
- Student (18+, Student ID required): €18.50
- Senior Citizen (55+): €18.50
- Children 13 – 17 (children under age 13 are free): €16
2. Get a Stoutie – The Ultimate Guinness Selfie
Move aside, traditional selfies! The Guinness Storehouse has revolutionized the selfie game with the Stoutie, an unforgettable experience that takes personalization to a whole new level.
Imagine having your face imprinted onto the creamy foam of your very own pint of Guinness. It’s an incredible process to witness, and even more fun to experience with friends. The Stoutie is a definite conversation starter and a unique souvenir to remember your visit.
For a small additional fee of €6, you can add the Stoutie experience to your regular ticket. It’s a small price to pay for the chance to literally drink your own face off!
3. Master the Art of Pouring the Perfect Pint
There’s more to pouring a pint of Guinness than meets the eye. It’s a carefully choreographed dance between art and science, resulting in the perfect creamy head and rich, dark body.
At the Guinness Academy, located on the fourth floor of the Storehouse, you’ll learn the six-step process behind pouring the perfect pint. From the initial angle of the glass to the precise timing of the two-part pour, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
After mastering the theory, it’s time to put your skills to the test! You’ll get to practice pouring your own pint under the guidance of expert instructors. And, of course, the best part: you get to savor your creation!
4. Indulge in a Delicious Meal at 1837 Bar & Brasserie
The Guinness Storehouse boasts four distinct cafes and restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. During my visit, I had the pleasure of dining at 1837 Bar & Brasserie, and I highly recommend it.
The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, and the views are simply breathtaking. But what truly sets 1837 Bar & Brasserie apart is its elevated pub fare. Forget greasy bar snacks; here, you’ll find a menu filled with creative dishes that perfectly complement the flavors of Guinness.
When in the land of Guinness, you simply must try the Guinness Beef Burger (€16) or the Beef and Guinness Stew (€17). The flatbreads are also fantastic, packed with flavor and perfectly paired with a pint of Guinness.
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the typical pub food offerings. The oysters (3 for €8, 6 for €15, 12 for €25) are incredibly fresh and delicious. Keep an eye out for the daily specials and seasonal offerings, as they often showcase the best of Irish cuisine.
5. Take in the Panoramic Views from Gravity Bar
Perched at the very top of the Guinness Storehouse is the Gravity Bar, an architectural marvel that offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Dublin. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a pint of Guinness while soaking in the beauty of the city.
Whether you visit during the day or at night, the views from Gravity Bar are simply unforgettable. Watch as the city lights twinkle below, or marvel at the stunning sunsets over Dublin Bay. It’s an experience that will leave you breathless.
6. Dive Deep into the Guinness Brewing Process
The Guinness Storehouse has truly mastered the art of interactive edutainment. The ground floor and subsequent levels are filled with large, engaging displays that trace the history of Guinness and illustrate the intricate brewing process.
From learning about the key ingredients – barley, hops, water, and yeast – to understanding the stages of mashing, lautering, boiling, and fermentation, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of what makes Guinness so special.
7. Immerse Yourself in the World of Guinness Advertising
Guinness has always been a pioneer in the world of creative advertising, and the Storehouse pays homage to some of the most iconic campaigns throughout history.
The third floor is dedicated to showcasing the evolution of Guinness advertising, from the company’s very first newspaper ad to its memorable slogans and characters. This is a fun and nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages.
8. Keep Your Eyes Peeled – Don’t Forget to Look Up!
The entire Guinness Storehouse is designed to be a multi-sensory experience. Everywhere you look, there are design elements that contribute to the Guinness story. From wall murals to hanging installations, every detail is carefully considered.
So, remember to look up, look down, and look all around to fully appreciate the immersive environment.
Fun fact: the entire Guinness Storehouse is built so that the interior is shaped like a giant Guinness pint glass. Keep an eye out for this design element during your visit!
9. Savor the Taste of Guinness in Its True Home
Last but not least, you absolutely must enjoy a pint of Guinness in its “Mother Ship.” This is where you’re guaranteed a perfectly poured pint, served at the ideal temperature and from taps that are constantly flowing with fresh, delicious Guinness.
Even if you haven’t been a fan of Guinness in the past, I encourage you to give it another try in Dublin. You might just discover what all the fuss is about!
For a more in-depth tasting experience, head to the second floor, where you’ll learn how to use all your senses to fully appreciate a pint of Guinness.
10. Bonus Tip: Wear Comfortable Shoes!
While the Guinness Storehouse does have escalators and a limited number of elevators, be prepared to do a lot of walking, including climbing stairs. Comfortable shoes are essential!
Plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Guinness Storehouse to fully appreciate all it has to offer.
Plan Your Visit to the Guinness Storehouse
Address:
St. James Gate
Dublin, 8
Ireland
+353 1 408 4800
[email protected]
Hours:
The Guinness Storehouse is open 7 days a week, all year except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St. Stephens Day.
9:30 am – 7 pm (last admission is at 5 pm).
During July and August: 9 am – 8 pm (last admission is at 6 pm).
For more information, visit the Guinness Storehouse website.
Have you been to Dublin, Ireland before? Did you visit the Guinness Storehouse? Would you add it to your itinerary on your next trip to Dublin?
Travel Tip
If you have a full day to spare in Dublin, consider taking a day trip to Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway.
Explore More of Ireland
- The Perfect 7-Day Ireland Itinerary
- Driving in Ireland: What You Need to Know as a Tourist
- Top 12 Things to Do in Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
- Best Places to Eat in Dublin, Ireland
Pin This Post!
More Foodie Travel Guides
Athens Food Tour
Where to Eat in Kauai Hawaii
Where to Eat & Drink in Amsterdam
My visit to the Guinness Storehouse was complimentary and part of the DiscoverIreland press trip. As always, all opinions and photos are my own.