The Guinness Storehouse is one of Dublin’s top attractions, offering an immersive experience into the history and production of Ireland’s most famous beer. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the home of Guinness.
Getting There
The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of Dublin at St James’s Gate, the original site of the Guinness brewery founded in 1759. It’s an easy 15 minute walk from the city centre, or you can take bus 123 which stops right outside. If traveling by tram, the James’s Luas stop is a seven minute walk away.
The storehouse is open seven days a week, from 9:30am to 5pm in the winter and 9am to 7pm in the summer. Last admission is 90 minutes before closing.
Tickets
It’s best to pre-book tickets online to save time queuing and take advantage of discounts. Prices start from €26 for adults purchased online. Concession tickets are available for students and seniors from €22 online. Children under 4 go free with an adult.
Your ticket includes access to all floors and exhibits, with a complimentary pint to enjoy in the Gravity Bar at the end.
The Tour
The self-guided tour takes you on a journey through Guinness’ 256 year history, spread over 7 floors shaped like a giant pint glass. Allow at least 1.5 hours to experience everything at a comfortable pace.
The ground floor starts with an overview of the brewing process and ingredients that go into making the distinctive dark Guinness stout. Here you’ll also find the Connoisseur Bar where you can learn how to taste Guinness properly.
As you move up through the floors, interactive exhibits let you get hands-on with the brewing process, from roasting the barley to learning how to pour the perfect pint. One highlight is the Tasting Rooms where you can sample Guinness variants like Extra Stout, Foreign Extra Stout and Blonde Ale.
The Top Floor Gravity Bar
This is the iconic climax of the tour – the Gravity Bar with its 360 degree panoramic views over Dublin from the highest point in the city.
Floor 7 is the head of the giant pint, where you can finally claim your complimentary pint of Guinness included in your ticket price. Drink in the views and savour the taste of the perfectly poured pint.
The bartenders pour over 10,000 pints up here every single day!
Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive early, or pre-book a timed ticket, to avoid long queues
- Wear comfortable shoes as there are lots of steps
- Allow enough time – at least 90 minutes but 2 hours ideal to see everything
- Don’t fill up on a big lunch – you’ll want appetite for the tasting rooms
- Bring a camera – the Gravity Bar views are ideal for photos
- Consider adding on an in-depth Guinness tasting experience for €36 per person
- Note the last admission times – don’t miss out on completing the tour
Making a Night of It
The Guinness Storehouse is at its liveliest in the evenings. During the summer months, the storehouse is open late until 7pm or 9pm on certain days.
Stick around after your tour for live music at the Fifth Floor Restaurant Stage. Or head to Brewers’ Dining Hall for Irish cuisine with ingredients from the Guinness family’s Irish estate.
End the perfect pint-filled day by heading downhill towards Temple Bar to continue exploring Dublin’s famous nightlife.
So now you’ve got all the essential information you need to make the most of the iconic Guinness Storehouse tour! With interesting exhibits, spectacular views, and of course plenty of delicious Guinness to sample, it’s a highlight you won’t want to miss on any trip to Dublin.
