DK Travel : Dublin : Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse

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Ask the majority of people what they most associate with Ireland, and the likelihood is the answer will be Guinness. Together with whiskey, it is the national drink, famous for its malty flavour and smooth, creamy head. Arthur Guinness founded this immensely successful business in 1759 from relatively humble beginnings but, nearly 250 years on, Guinness is the largest brewery in Europe. The site at St James’s Gate covers 64 acres and was unique for having its own water and electricity supply. From here, Guinness exports beer to more than 150 countries worldwide. This extraordinary exhibition covers all aspects of the production, with excellent displays and explanations, before a welcome free pint in one of the bars at the top of the building.

Top 10 Exhibits

1. Ingredients

The tour logically begins with an interactive display about the process of selecting the right ingredients. Barley, hops and yeast are displayed in huge barrels and there is a magnified area to see the ingredients close-up, accompanied by a pungent aroma.
2. Brewing Process

It takes a full ten days to brew the perfect pint of guinness. The roaster, kieve kettle, skimmer and maturation vessel are brought to life for visitors using 3D animated graphics.
3. Arthur Guinness’s Study

Pictures of the chosen few (below) who have the palette of a master brewer are on display in this Guiness Hall of Fame, from Arthur himself to today’s expert, Fergar Mure
4. History of Cooperage

Cooperage is the process of making and storing casks. Films show how the coopers made the old wooden containers – metal casks have been used since the 1950s.
5. Transport Gallery

This display explains all methods of transporting Guinness to suppliers, from the old horse and cart to the sophisticated systems now operating worldwide.
6. Advertising

Here TV and film advertising campaigns run on multi-split screens with the accompanying music, together with a display of all Guinness-associated products and posters.
7. Audiovisual

The legendary Irish craíc – amusing tall stories told over a pint of the black stuff – is enjoyably illustrated in this feel-good audiovisual exhibit.
8. Guinness Abroad

Figures are given that 10,000 glasses of Guinness are drunk in 151 countries every day, and a huge glass panel shows what a good time everybody is having.
9. Guinness at Home

In this interactive exhibit visitors are encouraged to write messages about their love of Guinness.
10. Tasting

Now is the time most visitors wait for – the free pint. There is a choice of three bars; the Gravity Bar has magnificent views over the city.

Practical Information

The bars on the fifth level sell food as well as Guinness. Hold on to your perspex drop of Guinness given to you at the entrance – it doubles up as your ticket and a means to claim your free pint at the end. The area around the Guinness Storehouse is quite isolated, so the Drop-on-Drop-Off bus is a good option for getting there and back. St James’s Gate, Dublin 8 Bus Nos. 51b, 78a, 123 01-408 4800 www.guinnessstorehouse.com Open 9:30am–5pm, daily; Jul–Aug: 9:30am–8pm Dis. access Adm €14.00 (students €9.50, family of four €30.00)