A trip to the Guinness Factory in Dublin.
The moment I was waiting for… My first sip of Guinness in its world famous home…
A trip to the Guinness Factory did not disappoint during my Dublin trip!
Visiting Dublin soon, and love Guinness?
This blog details how you can visit the home of Guinness, along with the process of booking your tickets and directions on how to get to the Storehouse.
Let’s grab that Guinness!
The Guinness logo is loud and proud throughout the Storehouse.
The Guinness Storehouse at St James Gate Brewery in Dublin is a very popular attraction for tourists from all over the globe, with approximately 20 million visitors walking through its doors since it opened in the year 2000.
There are seven floors worth of Guinness information & activities in the storehouse, which surrounds a glass atrium which is in the shape of a pint of Guinness.
The floors all tell a different story of the rich history of Guinness and its founder ‘Arthur Guinness’.
There is a 9000-year lease at the base of the atrium, which was signed by Arthur Guinness on the brewery site.
That first sip was magical.
Time to taste it.
When I booked my flights to Dublin, the Guinness factory was one of the main excursions on my agenda as it is Ireland’s #1 attraction.
My love of Guinness and appetite to learn about rich history around my hobbies and interests also meant that the Guinness Experience was an itch I needed to scratch.
I visited on a Sunday at around lunch time during November, and the crowds weren’t too busy when we first arrived.
As we made our way through the tour and up the floors, it got busier, therefore, early morning or late afternoon would likely be better if you want a quieter visit and Arthur Guinness all to yourself.
An early morning visit also gives you time to do many other interesting things in Dublin, whether it is exploring the castle and cathedral, admiring the street art, or grabbing a few beers in Temple Bar.
How to visit the Guinness Factory in Dublin?
Address:
St James’s Gate, Dublin 8, Dublin, Co. Dublin. D08 VF8H
Nearest Bus Stops:
Bus 13, 40 & 123.
Parking at Guinness Storehouse:
There is some limited free parking at the Guinness Storehouse around the corner next to the old Hopstore, on Crane Street.
Bicycles can be locked here.
There is also a Dublin Bikes station at Market Street South, near the front entrance of the Guinness Storehouse.
There is some paid parking near the Four Courts (15-minute walk away).
Map showing distance from the Temple Bar area of Dublin to Guinness Storehouse.
Visiting Guinness Factory By Tram (Luas):
James’s is the nearest tram stop to the Guinness Storehouse, leaving you a short walk.
Walking Directions from James’s Street LUAS Stop:
After leaving the tram, you turn left head along the track until you take a right on James Street.
Keep walking the turn onto Basin Street Lower. Turn right and walk to the end of the street.
Turn left onto Basin view and walk around the corner until you see another left turn. Turn left on St. James Avenue.
Walk to the end of St. James Avenue and follow the loop in the road around until you see the Guinness Storehouse and old brewery building.
Walk past the gates and then turn left onto Market Street South. The Guinness Storehouse entrance can be found on your left.
By Bus:
The following buses depart from O’Connell Street:
13 towards Grange Castle, departing from stop 270
40 towards Liffey Valley, departing from stop 270
123 towards Walkinstown (Kilmanagh Road)
You need to leave the bus at bus stop number 1940 on James’s Street & Watling Street. You will see a sign that points you to the Guinness Storehouse.
If you’re using a Hop On Hop Off bus to arrive at Guinness Storehouse, it is advised to allow one hour and 20 minutes from O’Connell Street.
Entrance information for the Guinness Storehouse.
Opening times:
Monday - Friday
10am - 7pm (last admission 5pm)
Saturday
9:30am - 8pm (last admission 6pm)
Sunday
9:30am - 7pm (last admission 5pm)
Tour length:
You can expect your tour to last around 90 mins, but it can be enjoyed at any pace. Don’t forget to leave some time to enjoy a lovely pint of Guinness at the end ;).
A brief history of the Guinness House in Dublin.
The Guinness House in Dublin is the original site where Arthur Guinness began his brewery business in 1759.
He signed a 9,000 year lease as he believed Guinness had a long and bright future!
He started brewing his dark porter-style ales through using dark malt and creating his stout. River and street porters, furthermore, local workers instantly loved it.
After Ten years in the business, Guinness started exporting, through shipping a modest 6.5 barrels to England.
Fast forward over one hundred years to 1886, and the organisation had reached 1.13 million barrels a year, and the company was floated on the stock market.
Guinness merged with Diageo in 1997 as a result of declining sales spanning from the 1970’s.
A relaunch introduced pale malt, however retained Guinness brand’s rights and trademarked harp logo. As of the 2020’s, Guinness is performing really well globally.
Today, visitors to the Guinness House can learn about the history of the brewery and its impact on Dublin and the world.
The famous Gate.
Some cool street art outside the Storehouse.
The Storehouse’ building was first constructed in 1902 as a fermentation plan for St James’s Gate Brewery.
The building was used solely for this purpose until 1988, when a new fermentation plant was completed near the River Liffey.
The Guinness Storehouse was constructed in 1997, to replace the Guinness Hop Store as the Brewery’s main visitor centre.
Following three years of development, the Guinness Storehouse was opened to the public on 2nd December 2000.
Guinness Storehouse tour options.
Guinness Storehouse Experience - From €26. Book here.
Learn about the history of Guinness, which spans over 250 years.
Self-tour of the fascinating seven floor premises at St James’ Gate.
Enjoy a Guinness or soft drink in the ‘Gravity Bar’, which offers fantastic views of the city.
STOUTie Experience - From €34. Book here.
Have your selfie printed on the head of a beautifully-poured Guinness.
Learn about the history of Guinness, which spans over 250 years.
Self-tour of the fascinating seven floor premises at St James’ Gate.
Enjoy a Guinness or soft drink in the ‘Gravity Bar’, which offers fantastic views of the city.
The Roasting area.
There are exhibitions throughout the factory.
Guinness Academy Experience - From €38. Book here.
Discover the magic secret and learn to pour your own pint like a pro!
Receive a certificate to prove you poured at the home of the black stuff.
Learn about the history of Guinness, which spans over 250 years.
Self-tour of the fascinating seven floor premises at St James’ Gate.
Enjoy a Guinness or soft drink in the ‘Gravity Bar’, which offers fantastic views of the city.
Connoisseur Experience - From €85. Book here.
Exclusive Tasting Session hosted by a Guinness Beer Specialist.
Set in our secret Connoisseur Bar.
Learn about the history of Guinness, which spans over 250 years.
Take part in interactive activities across the seven floors at the home of Guinness.
Immerse in the unbeatable views from the gravity bar, whilst enjoying a Guinness or soft drink.
What you will learn from your visit to the Guinness House in Dublin.
The Brewing process.
Fittings from the original brewery.
Guinness advertisements from historical times.
How Guinness creates its perfect pint - including the four key ingredients that are used.
The sea voyages that led to Guinness becoming an international brand in 150 countries.
The main man.
Christmas time at the Guinness Storehouse.
If you visit in the months of November and December you will find a cool Christmas themed shop within the tour selling Christmas jumpers, alongside other Christmas souvenirs.
A festive feeling in the Storehouse.
Refreshments:
The Guinness Storehouse is full of an array of options to grab some refreshments during, or after your experience.
On floors six (Guinness & Food) & seven (Gravity Bar), there are several options for food and a lovely pint of Guinness.
Arthur’s Bar and 1837 Bar & Brasserie are both located on floor six, offering a range of delightful food options, to accompany your delicious pint of Guinness.
1837 Bar.
Gravity Bar.
You can book a spot at 1837 Bar & Brasserie well in advance if you want to secure your place, however Arthur’s Bar is walk up only.
The bangers & mash option in Arthur’s bar is thoroughly recommended, offering the perfect comfort food with a traditional feel to it. (ideal for winter trips).
All dishes perfectly compliment the range of Guinness beers on offer.
On floor seven, the Gravity Bar offers amazing panoramic views of Dublin and a lovely laid back vibe. You can cash your free drink in at the bar of any of these three.
Arthur’s Bar.
The popular bangers and mash in Arthur’s BAR.
In Dublin, you have to visit the Temple Bar pub!
While you are in the Irish capital, you need to make sure you visit the famous Temple Bar pub!
You can enjoy live entertainment, beautiful food, and many Guinnesses.
If you visit around Christmas time, you will find the atmosphere has gone up a notch or two!
Book your accommodation now for nearby the Guinness Storehouse.
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