This is my second time visiting Dublin but my girlfriend is relatively new to Guinness and when she had her first ever pint in London and since seeing how much she enjoyed it I knew we needed to go back to Ireland, a place that feels like my homeland as my grandad was from here.
Any the only place to start and also fly into from Bristol, is Dublin, home of Guinness! It’s one experience you absolutely can’t miss! Located at St. James’s Gate Brewery, this seven-story attraction is more than just a brewery tour—it’s an immersive journey into the history, craft, and magic behind one of the world’s most iconic beers. Since the first time I stepped foot in here 15 years ago, it has changed so much in a good way!
As this is Dublins No1 attraction you have to prebook. We opted for later afternoon/evening in the hope that it wasn’t as packed as the daytime. I added the extra option of getting out face printed on a Guinness because when in Ireland why not! We also decided to take an Uber to location as it just outside of the city centre. You could walk but it was a bit of a rainy and cold day, so we wanted to turn up dry and warm.
There are so many interactive exhibits along the journey, stunning views, and rich history make the Guinness Storehouse one of Dublin’s top attractions. Ready to explore? Here’s everything you need to know about the Guinness Storehouse experience!
A little bit about the history of Guinness
The Guinness story starts in 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed a legendary 9,000-year lease (YES 9000!) for the St. James’s Gate Brewery, Over the centuries, Guinness has grown into a global brand, famous for its distinctive dark stout and creamy head and in my opinion still the No1 in the world (my girlfriend also agrees!)
Our entrance tickets and my favourite toucan
What to Expect at the Guinness Storehouse
The self-guided tour takes you through seven floors of exhibits, each offering a deep dive into the world of Guinness. Here’s what you’ll experience:
1. Learn about the Brewing Process – From Barley to Pint
There are four key ingredients that make Guinness so special: water, barley, hops, and yeast. As you walk through the experience, the interactive exhibits and giant copper kettles show how Guinness is brewed, from malting and mashing to fermentation and maturation. You’ll even get to see, smell, and touch the raw ingredients! We spend a lot of time in this area, and without spoiling it for you, there were some amazing “attractions” to watch as you walk around.
2. The Tasting Experience – Perfecting the Flavour
One of the highlights is the Tasting Room, where expert guides teach you the proper way to taste Guinness. You’ll learn about the rich flavors and aromas, including hints of coffee, chocolate, and roasted barley. It’s a sensory experience that makes you appreciate Guinness on a whole new level, and you get a mini glass of Guinness to try, the first of the day.
3. Guinness Advertising – The Famous Campaigns
If you are like me and come from a TV and design background you know that Guinness has some of the most iconic advertisements in history, from the famous “Guinness is Good for You” slogan to the surreal TV commercials featuring surfers and sea creatures. I remember seeing these a kid. This floor showcases vintage posters, old TV ads, all different bottles and even the famous Guinness toucan. I love this guy so much I have him on a hat, which ofcourse I had to wear on the day.
4. Get your face printed on a pint – a STOUTie.
Because we wanted that extra pint at the storehouse we opted to purchase a “get your face printed on a Guinness”. It was just a fun extra for the day where a photographer takes your photo, you watch your Guinness be poured and then they put it under what I think is a laser printer. If you are not a fan of this you can also opt into the Guinness Academy, where you’ll be taught the six-step method to get that smooth, creamy head just right.
The STOUTie experience
5. The Gravity Bar – Best Views in Dublin 🌆🍻
The grand finale of your tour is the Gravity Bar, located on the seventh floor. With 360-degree views of Dublin, this is the perfect place to sip your Guinness while enjoying breathtaking views of the city skyline and as this comes straight from the storehouse I will always say this is the best Guinness that I have ever tasted! Its super cold and creamy. There are also other options if you aren’t a Guinness fan but I will judge you 😉
In our opinion the best Guinness in the world with am amazing view.
We were graced with a beautiful sunset after a very cloudy day, which made the experience even more memorable. To end the day you cannot miss the shop. It has everything you could ever dream of and I wish I could’ve taken more home!
If you are visiting Ireland this is not one to miss! From a Guinness lover x
Nomadic dani 
Leave a comment