Having welcomed over 20 million visitors (and counting) the Guinness Storehouse Dublin is Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction. Brimming with history and fascinating stories, the Guinness factory is located at St. James’s Gate in Dublin 8 and it’s where Guinness is still brewed to this very day.
This is of course down to the fact that in 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease for the site, and what a site it is! With working breweries, bars, restaurants and of course, the Guinness factory, there is so much to see and do at this Dublin visitor attraction. Planning a visit to the Guinness Storehouse? Here’s everything you need to know.
History
The Guinness Storehouse is one of the most historic sites in Dublin, dating all the way back to 1759. It was during this year that Arthur Guinness, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, signed a lease, which was 9,000 years long, to take over the site at St. James’s Gate.
Arthur Guinness got straight to work on the brewing process, waiting 10 years, until 1769, when his first shipment of Guinness left Ireland for England. And so, the story of one of Ireland’s biggest exports began.
In 1803, Arthur Guinness passed away, leaving his son, Arthur Guinness II, to take over the Guinness brewery.
While Guinness is well-known for its distinctive taste, it’s also easy to identify, thanks to the harp logo, which was registered as a trademark in 1876. Soon after, the brewery doubled in size, which saw operations expanded to north of the River Liffey, with the new site including an impressive internal railway system.
Throughout the years, Guinness has seen sales rise and decline, but all the while it has remained as one of the most well-known names in the alcoholic beverage industry. Today, Guinness owns 5 breweries, located in 5 countries around the world, with 10 million glasses of Guinness sold all over the globe, every single day.
Location
The Guinness Storehouse is located in Dublin 8, on the southside of the River Liffey and just a short walk from well-known spots such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral.
Parking
If you are planning to drive to this visitor attraction, then you can find (limited) free Guinness Storehouse parking on Crane Street, which is a 5 minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse itself. Alternatively, you can park in a nearby paid car park, such as Thomas Street Car Park (an 8 minute walk away), Q-Park at Four Courts (a 14 minute walk away), or Q-Park Christchurch (a 17 minute walk away).
Opening Hours
The Guinness Storehouse opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am - 7pm (with last admission at 5pm), Saturday from 9:30am - 8pm (with last admission at 6pm) and Sunday from 10am - 7pm (with last admission at 5pm). As we mentioned above, it’s worth booking your ticket online so you can view peak times and plan your visit accordingly.
Tickets
With the Guinness Storehouse being Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction, it should come as no surprise that we recommend buying your Guinness Storehouse tour tickets in advance. Buying in advance will allow you to avoid the queues when you arrive, and (most importantly) the online booking engine will show you what times are quieter on any given day, should you wish to try and avoid the crowds.
Saving Money on Guinness Storehouse Tickets
If you are hoping to save a few euros on your Guinness Storehouse tickets, then you can do so by purchasing the Go City Dublin Pass, which allows you to visit numerous famous Dublin tourist attractions, over a number of days. Other attractions available on the Dublin pass include places such as EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Dublinia, Dublin Castle, The GPO Museum, plus much more.
Tours
Planning to take a Guinness Storehouse tour? You’ll be happy to hear that there are a few different Guinness experience options to choose from.
Guinness Storehouse Experience (self-guided tour)
By far the most popular of all of the tours, the Guinness Storehouse experience allows you to explore the seven floors of the storehouse, before finishing it off with a free pint of Guinness in the famous Gravity Bar. Tickets for this tour are priced from €31.00 for adults.
STOUTie Experience
Ever had your face printed onto a creamy Guinness head? Well with the STOUTie Experience you can do just that. This tour also includes your self-guided tour of the storehouse, plus your selfie printed onto a free pint of Guinness once you reach the Gravity Bar. Tickets for this tour are priced from €39.00 for adults.
Guinness Academy Experience
Explore the seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse, and while doing so, learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. You will even receive a certificate to prove your pouring power! Finish up your tour by enjoying a pint of the black stuff in the Gravity Bar, which boasts amazing views of the whole of Dublin. Tickets for this tour are priced from €43.00 for adults.
Connoisseur Experience
For the real Guinness fanatic, there is no better way to spend your time at the Guinness Storehouse than the Connoisseur Experience. As the name suggests, this tour will allow you to experience an exclusive Guinness tasting session, hosted within the secret Connoisseur Bar. You will also be able to explore the storehouse at your leisure, learn how to pour the perfect pint and relax with a drink in the Gravity Bar. Tickets for this tour are priced from €95.00 for adults.
Seven Floors of the Guinness Storehouse
What is there to see and do within the seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse? With so much to explore, we advise you to take your time, so you don’t miss a single thing! Here are some of our favourite parts.
Learn about the story of Guinness
On the ground floor, you will be transported back in time as you learn all about the history of Guinness. With flowing waters and a strong aroma of hops and barley, it really is a treat for the senses.
