The Guinness Storehouse dates back to 1904 when it was instrumental in the fermenting process. It was later converted into this magnificent visitor experience and opened to the public in 2000. Located at the heart of the sprawling Guinness complex, the building brims with the enticing aroma of the brewing stout.
The fully-rounded visitor experience begins with an introduction to the four magic ingredients; water, barley, hops and yeast. Next a virtual master brewer explains the alchemy that transforms them into the creamy pint. With a stroke of luck, and good timing, you could be one of 100 visitors chosen each week to literally Start the Brew with the touch of a computer button.
Here, too, you can Taste the Brew under the professional guidance of the Tasting Team. Histories of the transportation process and the art of coopering (barrel-making) are also revealed. And a large projector illustrates the international reach of this iconic drink.
Just as famous as the drink itself has been Guinness's ground-breaking advertising campaigns. The second floor is dedicated to this creative genius, with posters, TV ads and branded memorabilia bringing decades of award-winning campaigns together in one unique art collection.
The third floor's interactive Choice Zone concentrates on the effects of drink and reminds us all to enjoy without excess. On the next level is a history of the building as told through copies of photos and documents from the extensive Guinness Archive.
Hone your pint pouring skills - no easy feat for any Guinness virgin - at the fifth floor's Source Bar where you can also sample various Guinness incarnations - from the original Extra Stout to the brewhouse series. And for the more ravenous among you, the Brewery Bar serves a great range of global cuisine and traditional Irish dishes, many of which are infused with the unmistakable Guinness taste.
The pièce de résistance of any Storehouse visit has to be a trip to the seventh floor GRAVITY Bar, where a complimentary pint of creamy Guinness can be savoured against a stunning 360° backdrop of its home city.
Back at the ground floor, the flagship Guinness Store sells a vast array of branded merchandise and memorabilia, and is always bustling with enthusiastic visitors keen to bag a few eye-catching collectibles.
The Guinness Storehouse is a 15min walk from the city centre. From Dame St (outside Trinity College), follow the road around, passing Christchurch on the right, leading to Thomas St. At Crane St turn left, and at the end of the road turn right onto Market St. Alternatively catch a bus or the Luas red line to the St James stop. Drivers can use the free car park, but make sure you arrive in good time as spaces fill up very quickly. Some metered spaces are also available outside.
To book a tour, click here. For a printable, map click here.
Comments