Having spent nine years in the United States Army, I have had the pleasure of visiting many countries and experiencing events and places. One of the places that stuck out the most for me is the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. Not only was it interactive and full of history, but it also has good food, good beer, and an unbelievable view at good prices. It is a popular tourist attraction that singles, couples and even families can enjoy. The environment is family friendly, fun, and welcoming.
The Guinness beer history started in 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease agreement at St. James Gate, Dublin for about 45 pounds a month (which is about $70 dollars a month today). Here is where he began the brewery for Guinness beer. Ten years later, the first shipment of Guinness (6.5 barrels) left Dublin to make its way to England. By 1815, Guinness beer was making a name for itself on the continent, finally becoming worldwide by 1824. In 1929, running with the slogan “Guinness is Good for You” (pretty awesome slogan right?), 2 million pints of Guinness are sold daily. As of 2008, 10 million glasses are enjoyed worldwide (“Guinness storehouse, home,” 2013).
Enough about the man behind the beer, let’s explore the actual factory. Remodeled like a giant pint glass, it has seven floors that engulfed me in the history behind the beer. Bottles line the walls of many floors showing the metamorphosis of the Guinness bottle look. It adds to the wonderful environment of history and growth. Located in the factory as well are barrels that represent beer ready for shipment. They are located throughout the factory, especially in sections about brewing. While my friends and I were there, we saw children running and playing around the barrels pretending to be brewers and salesman. What adds to the look is the smell (yes the smell!). Since the beer is actually brewed at this location, you can smell it all over the factory. It smelled bitter, yet intoxicating. As you go through and learn how this beer is brewed and how it is poured. Yes there is a perfect pour and they teach it on the 5th floor. We went to the 5th floor for a firsthand look at the famous Guinness beer pour. First, we had to choose the right glass (wide mouthed, tulip shaped), then we were taught to pour it half way to let the beer settle. After waiting a few minutes, we then were taught to hold the glass level, and pour the rest from the tap. Then, we waited again for it to settle (Esquire, 2007). What an interesting way to pour a beer. At first, my friends and I were skeptical, but it truly made a difference in how the beer looks afterwards. It actually was fun to learn how a bartender feels pouring a Guinness. That is just a taste of the interactive activities at the Storehouse.
I eventually end up at the top floor, also known as the Gravity Bar. This was definitely my favorite part of the entire factory. The view of Dublin is amazing. On the day I visited, it was rainy and cloudy, but even then the view was breathtaking. The bar offers a panoramic view of parts of Dublin. The Gravity Bar is a great place to relax after this fun yet long tour (there are 7 floors). They even offer a complimentary pint of Guinness! I am not a true beer drinker and although I find Guinness to be an acquired taste, I did enjoy tasting a free glass. Children are able to roam free while parents, and other adults, take on the scenery and meet new people. If the gravity bar is not enough for you, you can visit the Brewers Diner Hall on the 5th floor, where dishes are made by using Guinness beer in many of their delicious recipes. Some dishes include wholesome food choices such as cold plates, luxury salads, home baked quiches and pies and signature dishes such as Beef & Guinness stew. After interviewing a friend of mine, she insisted everyone should try the beef and Guinness stew, “it is rich, savory, and absolutely delicious!” (Hillenburg, 2013).
The Guinness factory is a very affordable tourist attraction. Prices range from 14.85 pounds per adult (about $23), 6.50 pounds (about $10) per child, to 40 pounds (about $63) for a family of 6 (two adults, four children). These prices are competitive with other family attractions such as Atlanta Aquarium ($35 for adults, $29 for kids) and San Diego Zoo ($44). As of 2010, the Guinness Factory saw over a million visitors (“Guinness storehouse, home,” 2013). It is definitely a popular attraction.
I visited on St. Patrick’s Day so it was very crowded. But even with the large volume of people, we enjoyed ourselves and never felt overwhelmed and overcrowded. We saw families, couples (of all ages), even singles walking around just enjoying some good old fashion sightseeing. Children can run around the many barrels, play with different set ups (such and brewery equipment that is displayed around the Storehouse and even buying Guinness label toys, cards, and other collectibles.
I really enjoyed my time at the Guinness Storefront; it helped me make new and fun memories with my friends, taught me a piece of Irish history, and opened my eyes to the makings of the popular beer. Set in the beautiful country of Ireland, known for friendly people and green and lush landscape, the Guinness Storefront is definitely a place to visit for all.
References
Esquire. (2007, March 12). How to pour the perfect guinness. Retrieved from http://www.esquire.com/the-side/opinion/guinness031207
Guinness storehouse, home of guinness, dublin. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/Index.aspx
Hillenburg, C. (2013, Jun 08). Interview by E Walters. Good times at guinness storefront.
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