Taking a Guinness Brewery Tour is one of the most popular things to do in Dublin. When visiting the Irish capital, you just have to sample some of the country’s most famous beverage – Guinness. There really is no place better to try a pint of this well-loved beer than at the original source.
The Guinness storehouse dates all the way back to 1759, where it was founded by Arthur Guinness. Since then, you can’t pass a pub anywhere in Ireland where they aren’t proudly pouring this stout. So if you are visiting Dublin, be sure to tick this significant activity off your list.
The Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
The historic Guinness factory is located right in the heart of St James’s Gate. Since 1759, this has been the home of Guinness – where Arthur Guinness signed a 9000-year lease! The actual Guinness Storehouse, where the tour takes place, was once the brewery’s fermentation plant. This building goes back to 1904.
This Guinness tour and tasting experience will give anyone a complete understanding of this beverage. Not only will you get to see and learn about the production of this beer, but you will also get to taste it in the perfect setting. The tour includes some interesting sights and experiences.
If you are interested in learning about a massive part of Irish cultural heritage, then you just have to visit the Guinness Brewery Dublin. Even if you are not a massive beer fan, this experience is well worth doing for the view at the end in the Gravity Bar!
About the Guinness Tour
This brewery tour is one of the most iconic attractions in Dublin. Whether you love the famous stout, or just want to experience a unique Irish landmark, then this tour is a must.
The Guinness Storehouse is a 7-story building. The tour covers the entire place, allowing you to learn everything there is to know about Ireland’s favourite drink.
The tour involves a completely interactive journey through this building – teaching you absolutely everything you could imagine about Ireland’s beer brewing heritage and history. The tour is self-guided, so you can choose to take it at whatever pace you like.
You get to see some really amazing things during this tour, such as a blue indoor waterfall from the Wicklow Mountains, and walls with barley growing on them. There is also a room modelled after the old ships that used to transport Guinness. Another highlight is all of the old ad campaigns on display.
Some of the different themes that the tour covers include history, production, ingredients and recipes, the craft of brewing, distribution and transport, advertising and Guinness sponsorships. You will also get to learn how to pour the perfect pint and can choose to do the connoisseur tasting experience.
Each floor will unveil new stories around the history and life of Guinness. You will get to learn about how Guinness has become one of the world’s favourite beers. The tour also focuses on the beer’s creator.
Guinness Brewery Tour Highlights
As this tour covers a large area, there are many exciting things to expect along the way. Here are some highlights of the experience.
The World’s Largest Pint Glass
The Guinness factory tour starts at the glass atrium. This is the very bottom of the world’s largest pint glass.
To put this massive glass into perspective, it would hold 1 million regular pints of Guinness! Taking a tour through a gigantic beer glass is definitely a unique Irish experience.
Gravity Bar
Enjoy a multi-sensory tasting experience at the very top of the Guinness Storehouse. After climbing your way up the building, learning all about this beer, there is nothing better than finally enjoying a taste of it.
The Gravity Bar is the brewery’s own special bar – a worthwhile attraction to visit in itself. This bar offers unbelievable sweeping views over Dublin. With the Guinness Storehouse below you and St James all around you, there is no better place to raise a glass of the top Irish stout.
The tasting experience here will really allow you to appreciate and enjoy this famous black brew.
The Cooperage Cafe
Located on the first floor, the Cooperage Cafe is the perfect place to line the stomach pre- or post-tour. Delicious coffee, pastries and sandwiches can be enjoyed here. If you need some quick fuel, then this cafe is always a favourite.
The Store
Before leaving your Guinness tours, make sure to stop off at the fantastic souvenir shop. The store should definitely be explored before leaving the brewery in order to secure that perfect keepsake.
From pint glasses to rugby balls, there is plenty of Guinness merchandise to help remember your Dublin adventure.
What You Need to Know About the Guinness Tour, Dublin
If you’re planning on buying Guinness Storehouse tickets, there may be a few things you’ll need to know. Here is some important information on this must-do tour.
How Long is the Brewery Tour?
As the tour is completely self-guided, you can take as long as you want to do it. The recommended duration of the tour is 1.5 hours, but you can stay longer if you want to make the most of the facilities.
Click here if you would prefer tickets for a guided tour of the facility.
When is the Brewery Tour Open?
Guinness Storehouse tours operate from 9.30 am to 7 pm. This is open throughout the week. The last admission to the tour is at 5 pm on regular days. During the June, July and August summer months, the storehouse closes at 9 pm with final admissions being at 7 pm.
The tour operates all year long but is closed on Christmas eve, Christmas day, Good Friday, and St Stephens day.
Should You Book Guinness Tours?
It is possible to purchase Guinness Storehouse tickets on arrival, but we do recommend booking in advance. As this is such a popular Dublin attraction, having your ticket ready beforehand will make things much easier and may save you some disappointment.
Pre-book your Guinness brewery tour for skip the line tickets.
Where is the Guinness Storehouse?
The Guinness Storehouse can be found at St James’s Gate in Dublin. You’ll find the entrance on Market Street.
If you’re travelling there by public transport, it would be best to take the Red Luas from the city centre. This stops at St James’s Street – a five-minute walk away from the brewery tour. There are also plenty of taxis that wait outside the tour – making it an easy place to find transport.
Guinness Storehouse Tour Options
When taking the tour, there are two different options that you can choose from. You could go for the regular option which involves the standard tour through the brewery.
Otherwise, there is the premium tasting experience which you can add onto your tour. This option includes a stop at the Guinness Academy where you will learn the 6 step process to pouring the perfect pint.
You will leave this with a diploma, as well as a tasty glass of Guinness to enjoy!
Accommodation Near the Guinness Factory, Dublin
If you are planning a trip to Dublin, then the Guinness tour is something that you just can’t miss out on. Here are some great places to stay near the brewery.
Liberty Townhouses
The Liberty Townhouses are only a 5-minute walk away from the Guinness Storehouse – making them the ideal base during your trip. Each unit is fully kitted out, with a complete kitchen, dining area, lounge and garden.
You can enjoy the comforts of home in these townhouses, as they are fully equipped with all of the amenities you may need during your stay.
Ashling Hotel Dublin
The Ashling Hotel is perfectly located in central Dublin. If you want to walk to the city’s top attractions, then this is the ideal base. Only a 5 minute walk away from the Guinness brewery tour, your position couldn’t get any better.
The hotel is really comfortable and stylish, with beautiful interiors. There is also a great restaurant here.
Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin
Luxurious Dublin accommodation doesn’t get much better than the Hyatt Centric Liberties. The place is super stylish and modern – allowing you to enjoy a comfortable stay in the heart of Dublin.
The hotel is well-equipped and very close to the brewery, as well as other top Dublin attractions.
Final Thoughts on the Guinness Tour, Ireland
There is good reason that Guinness is such a popular drink in Ireland, and this tour will allow you to discover exactly why. Anyone wanting to experience all there is to know about this delicious dark brew must definitely give this tour a go.
It is an essential indoor activity in Dublin, and if you love beer it is an absolute must. Take this tour to unlock a very special part of Irish heritage.
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