Guinness Storehouse: Tasting the Icon of Ireland

You can’t think of Ireland and not think of Guinness, for over 200 years this beer has become synonymous with the country. Every bar we visited proudly displayed advertisements, some recent and some almost historical, across their walls. I even remember my Nan (who wasn’t Irish to my knowledge) had a collection of famous Guinness posters. I made sure to book my tickets online before my flight. Tickets can sell out quickly so it’s best to avoid disappointment. I knew if there was any attraction in Dublin I had to visit, then the Guinness Storehouse had to be it.

My hotel was conveniently within walking distance of the storehouse. So after a quick drink in Roberta’s in Temple Bar, I led the group to the gates. As we walked through the city, we rounded the corner and the Guinness logo came into view printed on some gates. At this stage I really began to feel excited, the last time I felt excitement like it I was 12 years old and standing outside the gates of the Cadbury Factory in Birmingham. It was amazing to get that feeling back as an adult. We went inside and showed our tickets, collecting our passes for our beer and photo-print for later in the exhibition, and made our way up the escalator, to the start of the storehouse.

In the centre of the Guinness Storehouse, set in the floor and protected by thick glass is the lands lease. Signed by Arthur Guinness in 1759, it secured him a 9000-year lease at St James Gate Brewery for £45 per month. It’s clear to see Arthur Guinness knew he would be making history there. It doesn’t sound like a lot nowadays, but at the time it was nearly two years’ wages. And the factory wasn’t the monument you see today. At the time the place was pretty run down. Covering four acres it just had a copper, a kieve, a mill and a loft. Since then it has continuously grown, and to this day they still pay just £45 a month in rent.

As you climb up the tower you learn all about the brewing process. Such as how they have to roast their Barley at precisely 232°. Any cooler and the beer loses flavour, any hotter and the barley will catch fire. They employ experts who taste test each day (best job ever) to ensure that every pint is perfection. Despite us thinking Guinness is black, it actually has a Ruby Red hue. You can see this when you hold to the sunlight, check it out when you next say cheers.

After learning about the brewing process I stopped for something to eat from their Cooperage Cafe. Their menu had what claimed to be “probably” the best cheese toastie in Dublin (which I can confirm lived up to the name). I couldn’t say no to a Hop House 13 Lager, and a muffin as well. Whilst sitting down to enjoy my meal, I could hear the tower being filled with music. A band would be playing at intervals in the centre, and the music bounced as it made its way up to us.

Soon though I was back on my feet heading up to the next floor. My next stop was learning about the marketing that goes behind Guinness. We saw everything including their trademark animals from their most famous campaigns. Animals such as the Toucan, the seal, a singing clam and a fish on a bike. There’s even a great photobooth section where you can pose while holding a steel girder. Most of my friends who have been to the Guinness Storehouse before tended to highlight three photos in particular, the girder photo, their “Stoutie” and the Gravity Bar. On the opposite side was a cinema room, where you could watch ads on the big screen.

Continuing along through a bar we passed a local band performing live. But straight after we came to a part we were really excited for, the Guinness Tasting Experience. Jumping in the queue we patiently waited our turn. The whole experience is designed to heighten your senses. Allowing you to refine your pallet so you can taste every note. You start by walking through a darkened tunnel, emerging into a clinically white bar, with four wells emitting steam. Each well’s steam has the aroma of a different part of the Guinness. All of which come together to create that taste we know and love.

Our Connosseur was Sebastian, who started to talk us through the notes. I was then handed a Guinness tasting glass and invited to the next room. This room was made to replicate Arthur Guinnesses office. I appreciated the addition of little stands on for us to rest our little beers. Sebastian walked us through the proper way of drinking a Guinness. Deep breath in, and a generous mouth full of Guinness. You had keep your lips together as you swallow and breathe out through the nose. Doing this completely changes the flavour, as you can really taste the hoppy notes in the back of your throat. For years I had been sipping it which means I was mostly tasting the creamy head.

Now more enlightened in the way to drink a proper Guinness, I made my way to the next section. Here I was to get my “Stoutie”, A selfie printed onto the cream of a Guinness. It’s incredible that they can do it and so much better than a cheesy photoprint you get elsewhere. Couples were posing together, and the level of detail they can print out was amazing. I almost felt too guilty to drink it, the image even remained visible until the end of my pint.

Upstairs in the Gravity bar, I enjoyed panoramic views of Dublin, some more Guinness and music, an award-winning combination. There are fewer sights more beautiful than rows upon rows of Guinness settling on a bar, the small bubbles rising to the top to form the creamy head we know and love. The bartenders were constantly pouring and there was always someone in need of a top-up. Despite the demand, every pint was lovingly poured with precision. Then to be taken away and enjoyed along with friends to the music. Whenever I told someone I was heading to Dublin, they would delight in telling me, almost involuntarily, that the Guinness tastes better over there. And I’ll cheerfully say they were right. I am now one of those people who delight in telling others and the great Guinness taste.

Reluctantly I had to eventually make my way back down. But as always I had to make a pit stop in the gift shop. So after grabbing my t-shirt, I joined my group outside. Our plans were to next head off to the Temple Bar area for some drinks. We decided as a treat instead of taking a taxi opting for one of the carriage rides instead.

The Guinness Storehouse recommends allowing 90 minutes for the tour, but you’re allowed to take things at your own pace. I spent around 3 hours here as I went to the various bars and enjoyed the food too.

If there’s anything you want to do in Dublin, I would highly recommend booking in advance. You can buy tickets using the Get Your Guide link posted just below and secure your spot. 

Yes! If you want the great taste of Guinness with none of the alcohol, you have the option of getting a Guinness 0.0%. Available from any of the bars and even on your Stoutie!

Not at all! You can still enjoy the factory and enjoy other drinks and food. If you prefer there’s their Hop House 13 Lager, you can enjoy soft drinks as well.

As you climb through the tower, there are a few experiences and interactions you can get involved with. These include

• The Stoutie
• The Tasting Experience
• The Guinness Academy

Yes, everywhere is accessible. Throughout the storehouse are ramps and lifts as well as escalators.

Parking is nearby on Crane Street, it’s on a first come first serve basis. Taxis are often outside the main entrance though so it’s worth walking there and getting a Taxi back. There’s a good chance if you’re visiting you’ll be having a few drinks anyway so unless you have a designated driver it’s the safer option.

Yes! If you are enjoying the city of Dublin on its wonderful bus tours, then the Guinness Storehouse is a registered stop taking you right outside. You can book your bus tour and entry together with Get Your Guide here.

If you are coming straight from the airport or hitting one last stop before your departure, they do provide storage. This is only for luggage though and not for coats.

It goes without saying, if you are drinking you should probably be eating too. Luckily, you are spoiled for choice here, with four bars and restaurants to visit. You have…

• The 1837 Bar and Brasserie
• Arthur’s Bar
• Brewers Cafe
• Cooperage Cafe

I ate at the Cooperage Cafe on the 1st floor, but had I known that further up was the 1837 Bar and Brasserie I would have gone there instead. Both are brilliant but I preferred the menu up there and I was too full by the time I reached it. Especially after seeing their Guinness Burgers!