Dublin, Guinness, the Warehouse, the Gravity Bar, it seems, one leads to the other and predetermines the route of many tourists through the Irish capital. So let’s first leave the most important question: is the Guinness Warehouse worth visiting?
And here is or consider the answer: Yes, but …
While the Guinness Storehouse has remained at the top of the list of Irish visitor attractions for what seems like an era, we have two opinions about this very popular ‘must see’. Because is it really a must see? And hold the hype? Let us find out.
What is the Guinness store?
Part of the sprawling complex that used to be a humble brewery on St. James’s Gate in 1759, the Guinness Storehouse is the public face of Dublin’s stout that took the world by storm. It is the closest that the general public will be able to visit the Guinness Brewery. And it’s a sanctuary for the beer that Arthur Guinness began to craft, as well as an educational insight into both the overall process of turning some basic ingredients into a nutritious (and intoxicating) drink, and an insight into the history and current status of the Guinness brand. .
It is a museum, a fan shop, an entertainment venue and offers one of the best views of Dublin’s rooftops.
What it is not is a place where you casually stroll. Even the (massive) store is off-limits unless you pay an entrance fee (which is in contrast to the Old Jameson Distillery on the other side of Liffey). And it is certainly not, although you often hear this, a place where you get a free pint of Guinness. True, a pint of Guinness is included, but this would already be paid for with your entrance fee.
Having said all that… the Guinness Warehouse doesn’t even appear to be that welcoming at first glance. Visitors walk down the stairs and find themselves in a dark waiting area, more than likely joining a long line of people wanting to pay the entrance fee. And here’s our first tip: book a ticket if you can! It will make your stay in this dungeon much shorter. And it will save you money too, as the internet price is lower than what is charged at the door.
Once you’ve been through this test, however …
What will you experience at the Guinness warehouse?
As you enter the sacred halls of the Guinness Storehouse, you get a free audio guide (if your native language isn’t English, that is). And you are invited to look at a document set in a glass floor, the original lease that Arthur Guinness signed for the brewery, the term of which still lasts a few thousand years. Then your gaze drifts upward, and you find yourself in an architect’s attempt to recreate a giant Guinness glass. And while a retail store is on the left, a visit to this one may be better for last.
The Guinness Storehouse attraction occupies seven floors. Here’s a quick summary:
- Ground Floor – The two-level ground floor introduces you to the ingredients used in the brewing process in a fun way. Especially the indoor waterfall is spectacular (if a bit deafening), and the “magic” yeast resides in a safe. It exits the flat through the Arthur Guinness Gallery, which isn’t as stuffy as it sounds, he promised.
- 1st Floor – The next floor actually takes you through the brewing process, with the brewing process explained (life-size sample helps), the cooperage (keg making) next, and then transporting the final product by rounding it. Little Guinness locomotives and models of Guinness ships and barges are part of this, and the aptly named Cooperage Café is ready to power you. In fact, we stopped here for a bite to eat and we can wholeheartedly recommend Guinness bread with brie cheese or alternatively salmon. Also, don’t forget to visit the “Overdone” monument, there are many details to discover.
- 2nd Floor – This floor was, to be honest, a bit of a disappointment (aside from a cheeky ostrich that a lot of people won’t notice I guess), dedicated to corporate entertainment suites it seems. There is, however, the «Tasting Experience». After queuing for a bit, you will be taken to a room where the scents of the ingredients float, then you will be handed a miniature glass of the good stuff, and finally you will be introduced to tasting Guinness like a pro. Nice, but not very convincing in general.
- 3rd floor: higher up, the real fun begins (and a part of reality). The third floor is primarily devoted to Guinness advertising, with larger-than-life three-dimensional recreations of some iconic advertisements, large-screen advertisements, interactive advertising files, an oyster singing, a laser harp that you can play (techno-geeks love love). this, and some people really pull off a decent tune). A bit of a contrast is the Drink IQ section, which gently reminds us that not all the effects of alcohol are actually beneficial.
- 4th Floor – One floor higher becomes even more practical and interactive, if you like. Here you will find the Guinness Academy, where you can learn how to pour the perfect pint (and earn an official diploma to prove it). Or the connoisseur’s experience, where you can taste varieties of Guinness under the teaching of a teacher. Or just visit the Infographic Wall, where you can spread the word about your visit on social media.
- 5th Floor: The 5th Floor is dedicated to sitting and enjoying some food, whether at the ‘traditional Irish pub experience’ that Arthur’s Bar promises, or at the Brewer’s Dining Hall (self service, comfort food, relaxed) or 1837 Bar and Brasserie.
- Gravity Bar: And now, supreme glory on the seventh floor (yes, the sixth skips on the road), your “free” pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar, high on the rooftops of Dublin. Unless you are a minor or not partial to Guinness, then it is a soft drink. What surprised us here was the friendliness of the bar staff despite the crowds. And the views, of course. Which are spelled out in the glass walls, but you’ll only get the best if you know Dublin a little bit (I even had trouble identifying Trinity College, which just seemed to disappear).
Is the Guinness store for everyone?
Honestly, no, it’s a fan and grown-up thing. We would not recommend it with young children, although teenagers can have fun here.
If you’re not that keen on Guinness, or are on a very tight budget, you can skip the Warehouse.
Guinness Warehouse Essential Information
Location – St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
Phone – 01-4084800
Opening hours
Seven days a week from 9.30 a.m. M. At 5 p. M. (Last admission).
July and August extended hours with last admission is at 6pm
Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and San Esteban.
Entrance fee (Adult)
General € 25 at the door; From € 18.50 pre-booked online.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer received a free entry for review purposes. While you have not influenced this review, TripSavvy believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.
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