guinness tour dublin

Guinness Tour Dublin: 6 BEST Irish Stout Tours

Is a Guinness tour in Dublin worth doing? How long does it take to do the Guinness Tour in Dublin?

With hundreds of options and dozens of tour groups to consider, picking the right tour for your group can turn into a hassle real fast . Fortunately, I’ve created this simple list of the top-rated tours for the Guinness Storehouse and experience!

Now, you can find the right tour for you and book it all within a matter of minutes (with free cancellation, might I add) so, research and planning don’t have to eat up your entire day.

Don’t have time to read the whole post? No worries!

This Skip the Line Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour in Dublin is the ultimate Guinness tour you’ll find. With quick access to two major attractions as well as multiple free pints of the good stuff, this is the one Guinness tour Dublin you won’t want to miss!

The iconic Irish stout has been brewed in Dublin, Ireland since the 18th century and is now one of the most popular beers in the world. On these popular tours, not only will you get to explore the history and culture of Guinness, but you’ll also get a chance to sample some delicious beer straight from the source.

From learning about how it’s made to discovering its unique flavor profile, there’s something for everyone on these exciting tours. So come see why Guinness has become such an integral part of Irish culture by booking your tour today.

Yes, I actually mean today… tours for the Guinness Brewhouse book up months in advance, so be sure to secure your spot well in advance.

So, let’s jump into the best Guinness tour Dublin has to offer you!

6 Best Guinness Tours in Dublin

☘️1. skip the line guinness and jameson irish whiskey experience tour in dublin.

What’s Included? ⤵

• Led by an expert, local English speaking guide
• Dedicated time entry specifically for you and your group
• No waiting in line!
• 4 hours in duration
• 2 free drinks (1 pint of Guinness and 1 Jameson Whiskey beverage)
• Samples of Jameson Whiskey
• A pitstop at the oldest pub in Ireland

☘️ I typically don’t rank tours since many of them have pros and cons relative to each individual person, but in this case, this Dublin Guinness tour 100% deserves the #1 spot on this list! Offering two free drinks plus Jameson samples, as well as VIP treatment when it comes to skipping the line and getting ahead of thousands of other tourists, well… there really isn’t a better tour on this list. Not to mention, it’s affordable and offers free cancellation until 24 hours prior to your tour. Just be sure to book it soon because it fills up fast! Owing to its Badge of Excellence award on Viator, this tour alone gets a lot of recognition.

☘️2. Private Dublin Whiskey and Beer Tour: Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery

• Private guided tour to the Guinness Storehouse Dublin
• Additional shared tour at the Jameson Whiskey Distillery on Bow St.
• Travel in executive transport including bottled water
• 4.5 hours in duration
• A whiskey and beer specialist accompanies you throughout both tours
• Enjoy a free pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar Dublin
• A free Jameson cocktail along with 3 Jameson whiskey samples
• Self-guided Guinness Storehouse tour (host available for all inquiries and questions)

☘️ I lied… there really should be two #1 spots on this Guinness tour Dublin list. If you’re looking for a (practically) all-inclusive half-day tour of the Guinness academy and don’t want to have to worry about transportation or keeping your group together, then this is the tour for you! They accept up to 15 people in your group, so no matter how big your family or friends group is, it’s likely that you’ll be able to do this tour together. And don’t fret if you only have 10 people in your group, no strangers will join you – only your group participates in the tour! (Introverts rejoice.)

☘️3. Guinness Storehouse Ticket and Big Bus Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour

• Fast track entry to the Guinness Storehouse & Experience
• Free pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar in the brewery
• 90 minutes in duration
• UNLIMITED Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket (good for 1 or 2 days)
• Fully guided commentary while on board the bus
• Multi-lingual recordings for non-English-speaking passengers
• Flexible embarkation and disembarkation points

☘️ Did you know that most travelers heading to Dublin rarely spend more than 1-2 days in this iconic city? Well, if you’re like one of those travelers who are short on time (check out this post on The BEST 2 Days in Dublin Itinerary for 2024 ), this Guinness tour Dublin is by far the best way to combine your city sightseeing with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse! In just a short hour and a half, you’ll combine some of the city’s most iconic sites such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Temple Bar with one of the best breweries in town (and even the world for that matter!) Plus, with skip-the-line perks and the flexibility to get on and off the bus whenever you please, this is by far the most efficient (and affordable) method of sightseeing in Dublin!

☘️4. The Guinness Storehouse & Perfect Pint Tour Experience

• Self-guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse Dublin (all tours inside the Storehouse are self-guided)
• One pint at the iconic Gravity Bar Dublin
• THREE free pints of Guinness
• 3.5 hours in duration
• Traditional Irish music throughout the journey
• Visits to three additional local Irish pubs
• All transportation

☘️ All of the tours on this list are great choices, but if you’re trying to really get your drink on , then this tour is definitely the right pick for you. Inclusive of four pints of the good stuff along with visits to three additional Irish pubs following the Storehouse, you’ll be grateful you have a DD for the ride home. Especially if you plan on hitting the city streets with your friends and don’t want to have to worry about safety (though you should still read about safety in Dublin before you go) or where to go next, this is the ultimate drinking Guinness tour Dublin has to offer.

☘️5. Guinness Pint Tour in Dublin with Tasting

• Special visits to four local pubs with knowledgeable Irish guides
• Four pints of Guinness
• Traditional Irish Music
• Luxury bus transportation for the entire group

☘️ The Irish know how to drink, it’s as simple as that. If you’ve ever been to Ireland or plan on visiting (here’s a great 10-day Irish itinerary ) and you want to really get to drinking, then these expert guides are the perfect addition to your trip! Get ready to socialize and make some new friends because this Guinness tour in Dublin is all about getting you out to the best local bars in town (that none of the tourists know about) with some friendly Irish locals. If you want to truly experience Irish culture with a drink in your hand, then don’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime European experience !

☘️6. Private: Guinness Storehouse & The Working Distilleries of Dublin

• Private half-day whiskey and beer route
• Travel in style with executive transport between beverage stops
• A whiskey & beer specialist will accompany you all day
• Private city tour of Dublin with guided commentary
• Visit Teeling Whiskey Distillery & a private sampling
• Guided tour of Guinness Storehouse with one pint of Guinness
• Visit Pearse Lyons Distillery with a private tasting of three whiskeys and a gin

☘️Based on the above list of exceptional inclusions, it’s easy to see why this tour is one of the most popular on the list! Fully private, meaning only your group will participate , guests will enjoy numerous tastings of Guinness and a variety of whiskeys as well as get to visit the Guinness Storehouse in addition to two other whiskey distilleries. If you’re hoping to get the most bang for your buck, the Private: Guinness Storehouse & The Working Distilleries of Dublin is the perfect tour for you!

FAQ: Guinness Tours Dublin

When it comes to Ireland, a Guinness Brewery tour in Dublin is a must – especially if you’re hitting the capital city of Dublin . Cold pints of Guinness (with the perfect head, of course) have been quenching people’s thirst from around the world for over 250 years.

Needless to say, there is endless history to explore and plenty of opportunities to get your hands on a pint or two in Dublin.

Whether you’re looking for an in-depth look at the brewing process or a spot of traditional Irish music and dancing, finding the right Guinness tour Dublin can offer you requires having all of the information. So, let’s get started!

Is the Guinness Academy Tour Worth It?

It is absolutely worth taking a Guinness tour while you’re in Dublin! Taking a Guinness tour in Dublin is as much a rite of passage as it is an education in beer brewing and Irish history.

The tour not only provides you with a fascinating insight into the making of the iconic stout that has the world smitten, but you also get a birds-eye view of Dublin city from the Gravity Bar, with a complimentary pint in hand.

The journey from barley to beer is beautifully narrated and presented, making it an immersive cultural experience that shouldn’t be missed. It’s not just about the beer at the Guinness Storehouse, it’s about the stories, the history, the people, and the pride that’s poured into every pint!

How Long Does it Take to Do the Guinness Tour in Dublin?

The self-guided Guinness tour at the Dublin Storehouse is 2 hours long, however, brewmasters recommend spending a minimum of 90 minutes drinking in the historic past of this iconic beer, while sipping away on a cold pint yourself throughout the tour.

Of the tours I mentioned above that include visits to the Storehouse itself, all of them include guided portions as well as self-guided portions as you make your way through the Gravity Bar. You can spend as little or as long as you want, but the self-guided tour typically lasts between 1-2 hours.

Is There a Dress Code for Guinness Storehouse?

Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toed shoes are the required dress code for the Guinness Factory tour .

Regardless of which Guinness tour Dublin piques your interest, tourists who fail to properly dress for the occasion may be denied entry into certain areas of the tour.

What Does the Guinness Storehouse Tour Include?

During The Guinness Storehouse Tour, visitors will be treated to an interactive journey across seven floors, surrounding the central glass atrium shaped like a pint of Guinness.

The tour includes an introduction to the ingredients used in brewing and the process itself, a guided tasting session, and the opportunity to learn and practice pouring the perfect pint. Your ticket also grants you access to the Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Dublin while savoring a complimentary pint of Guinness.

Filled with interactive exhibits and enriched by the company of experienced guides, the tour encapsulates the essence of the Guinness brand and its storied history.

Is Guinness in Dublin Different from Elsewhere in the World?

Coming from someone who drank a lot of Guinness in Ireland as well as other parts of the world, Guinness is definitely different in the country as a whole when compared globally.

It’s lighter, more refreshing, and it simply tastes better. Makes sense, right? I mean, anything that’s brewed right in front of you is likely going to have a cleaner, and overall better taste!

Is Guinness Good in Dublin?

Yes, Guinness is delicious in Dublin! You don’t have to go on a Guinness tour to prove that either. Simply stop into any local pub and order a few rounds to give it a go and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

How Much Does a Pint of Guinness Cost in Dublin?

The average pint of Guinness will run you about €5.50 – €6.50 across most Dublin pubs and bars, while the price for a pint in the Guinness Storehouse is slightly more expensive at around €7.

However, when you compare this to other cities such as London or Paris where you’d pay upwards of €8-€9 for the same pint, it’s still a great deal. Sláinte!

Where is the Best Pint of Guinness in Ireland?

While Guinness across the country as a whole is unrivaled throughout the world, most locals will tell you that the best pint of Guinness in Ireland can be found at Gravediggers Pub (John Kavanagh’s) in Glasnevin !

How to Order a Guinness in Dublin

To order a Guinness in Dublin, you can simply say “I’ll have a pint” or something similar. It’s the most ordered beverage country-wide, so the bartender will likely know to what you are referring.

↪️ Pro Tip: Just be sure to order all of your stouts first so they have time to settle. Otherwise, the bartender may give you an earful if you order 6 Bulmers and a Guinness at the end.

Guinness Storehouse Dublin Ticket Prices

If you decide to skip the Guinness tour altogether and just pay for entry to the Storehouse on your own, here is the ticket cost breakdown:

Guinness Storehouse Experience – €22

Guinness Academy Experience – €34

STOUTie Experience – €30

Connoisseur Experience – €95

Each of these different “experiences” offers unique tastings and inclusions (like your selfie printed on the head – also known as the foam on top of the Guinness – during the STOUTie Experience), but none rival the adventures that accompany the tour groups guided by the local Irishmen.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Irish culture, be surrounded by traditional Irish music, and share the experience with some friendly locals, then don’t consider skipping one of the tours I mentioned above.

Can You Go to the Guinness Gravity Bar without a Tour?

Unfortunately, anyone not on the premises for a Guinness Storehouse tour will not be allowed to enter the Gravity Bar.

Owing to the nature of the storefront and the operations that take place to keep guests moving efficiently while enjoying all there is to see, allowing anyone not on a tour to hang out at the bar for hours on end would disrupt the flow of guests and take away from the overall in-house experience.

Fortunately, if you simply want to sit back and enjoy a few rounds of Guinness, there are literally hundreds of nearby pubs that will allow you to do just that! But, if you want to enter the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse, you’ll be required to enter via a guided tour.

When is the Guinness Storehouse Open?

Monday through Friday the Guinness Storehouse opening hours are from 10AM to 5PM and Saturdays and Sundays the Storehouse is open from 9:30AM to 5PM.

It’s also important to note that the last admission to the Storehouse occurs at 5PM on the dot.

Where is the Guinness Factory in Ireland?

Fortunately for travelers, the Guinness Factory is located in Dublin, Ireland just a mere 30-minute car ride from the country’s main international airport!

How Far is the Guinness Storehouse from Dublin?

Depending on which route you take, the Guinness Storehouse is between 10-15 miles from the airport which takes about 25-40 minutes to get to during high traffic times.

If you’re coming from the Dublin Airport (DUB), then there are actually a few different routes you can take to get to the Guinness Storehouse.

Assuming you have a rental vehicle, you can stay on the main freeways (M50, R148, and R810) and go around the city which is actually usually about 10-15 minutes faster than following the most direct path through Dublin’s city center. Thanks to the one million pedestrians and heavy car traffic you’ll find in the city, you’ll want to avoid that route if possible.

The journey around the city is a bit farther in distance (about 15 miles/24km compared to 10 miles/16km) than the route that cuts right through the city, but you’ll be avoiding lots of one-way streets, heavy pedestrian and car traffic, and all of the lights and stop signs.

What is the History Behind the Guinness Factory?

While you’re certainly going to learn a lot more about the history behind the Guinness Factory during your guided tour, here’s an exceptional video you can check out that will give you a really impressive rundown in just a few short minutes before you depart.

How do I Pour the Perfect Pint of Guinness?

While no one can deny my skills at drinking the perfect pint of Guinness, I am absolutely no master at pouring one.

Therefore, here’s a great video from Alan who works at the Gravity Bar in Dublin who is going to explain exactly how to pour your very own perfect pint of Guinness when you arrive!

Guinness Storehouse Discount Tickets and Groupons

If you’re like me and you are always looking for a discount code or hoping to save some euros here or there, I totally get it.

Unfortunately, as far as the Guinness tour Dublin comes up with as the perfect fit for you and your trip, it’s pretty unlikely you’re going to find any discount codes.

I have found some in the past, but they ended up being for tour operators that I haven’t listed in this post for good reason . Do yourself a favor and look to save money elsewhere on your trip to Ireland.

Your experience is going to be directly impacted by the amount that you spend in this case, so it’s worth budgeting for the extra money here.

The Ultimate Packing List for Ireland ☘

Other helpful ireland resources.

☘️ 9 Top-Rated Giant’s Causeway Tours in Ireland ☘️ 12 Amazing Family Hotels in Limerick, Ireland ☘️ 16 Best Places to Stay in Cork Ireland: Unique Stays for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers ☘️ 27 BEST Souvenirs from Ireland: What to Buy in Ireland 2024 ☘️ 23+ Ireland Packing List Items: What to Pack for Ireland ☘️ Does it Snow in Ireland: The Ultimate Guide to Winter in Ireland ☘️ Is Donegal in Northern or Southern Ireland? Everything You Need to Know ☘️ How to Easily Format your Ireland Address with Examples ☘️ Is Dublin in the UK? EU or Northern Ireland? ☘️ Aldi in Northern Ireland: Plans for 2024 ☘️ 7 BEST Blarney Castle Tours from Cork & Dublin 2024 ☘️ Dublin Postal Codes & Zip Codes in 2024 (Map & Diagram!) ☘️ 11 BEST Dingle Boat Tours in Ireland for 2024

Skip to the bottom of the post? No worries!

Whether you’re planning on spending a few weeks traveling from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher or Galway to the Dingle Peninsula , a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and Experience is essential.

Finding the right Guinness tour Dublin has to offer you can be tricky, but with this short and simple list of the best of the best, you’ll be wiping this off your to-do list in no time!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

The Ultimate Guinness Storehouse Tour Guide – Everything You Need to Know!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 17, 2023

Categories DUBLIN , IRELAND

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

When I paid a visit to Dublin, I knew there was one thing I wanted to do more than anything. A Guinness Storehouse tour!

I think it would almost be criminal to visit Ireland without trying it.

Before I visited Ireland, I couldn’t stand Guinness. Whenever we went out for St. Paddy’s day I’d opt for one pint to celebrate and only end up drinking a little bit as I found it too starchy.

A sacrificial waste of a precious pint I know. I’d then start on the Baileys while wearing my typical leprechaun hat and four-leaf clover glasses.

“It’s bread in a cup” I’d say and if we’re being perfectly honest, it quite literally is.

That was until I flew to Dublin earlier this year and stepped inside its famous Guinness Factory.

A Guinness Storehouse tour is a must when in Dublin

I always thought that the factory must be a bit of a tourist trap.

Sure, it’s number 1 on TripAdvisor but surely, it can’t be all that great. Add on the nice little 16 Euro price tag which includes one pint and I was sure it was going to be ripped off.

But, I am pleased to say I was pleasantly surprised and agree, it really is the best attraction to visit in Dublin.

Plus, you get free beer which you can sip overlooking the city – what’s better than that?

How to reach the Guinness Storehouse tour in Dublin

The building itself is huge and shaped like a massive Guinness pint so you really can’t miss it when you make your way there!

The Guinness Storehouse address is St James’s Gate, Dublin 8, Ireland.

I loved walking around the grounds and seeing the old-fashioned cobbled streets with factory gates.

It really set the scene for how it used to be years ago.

Getting Guinness Storehouse tour tickets

Tours of the Guinness Storehouse are self-led unless you choose to go on a more organised tour.

So, all you need to do is purchase a ticket, try and avoid the massive souvenir store as you reach the top of the stairs.

In the lobby, there is a guide who announces a warm welcome and tells you a little bit about what you’ll be doing!

Don’t miss it, it’s actually really informative. But if you do skip it, not to worry – there are signposts everywhere to make your way around.

You can buy tickets online via their website or at the ticket office inside.

What you can expect to see on a Guinness Storehouse Tour

The brewing process at the guinness storehouse.

Even though the process of making the ale can seem a bit dry, I was amazed at how they brought it to life to you at every step of the way.

The exhibitions were really interactive and actually, I learned quite a lot about what goes on before my ale is served to me in a pint glass.

I won’t give too much away so you can take it in when you’re there but don’t skip any of it – it’s quite an extensive and interesting process.

Barrel Making at the Guinness Storehouse

I loved seeing old videos of the factory and the art of barrel making.

It’s a trade that is pretty rare these days with skilled barrel makers seeking out people for apprenticeships.

It was quite ingenious what the guys did here with the Barrels in the factory.

It almost seemed like works of art that you walked through and could see through old videos the process in barrelling up the black stuff.

Guinness adverts throughout time

My favourite part of the whole visit was the advertising floor!

In England, I’ve seen old Guinness ads placed around vintage railway stations since I was a child. So, to find out the history and story behind them was a really lovely touch and made my visit there.

They also played a lot of TV ads, some interactive displays to get involved in, and retro penny arcade films which are always fun!

Make sure you spend a good time here, the theatres provided play some creative cinema and really go through their advertising through the ages.

It’s amazing, to see the timeline play out and how it’s made Guinness popular and successful to this day.

Tasting session at the Guinness Storehouse

Another feature as you make your way up the beer glass is the optional tasting session – which I would highly recommend you make essential to your visit.

Held in a private tasting room bar, as you make your way through with your group you will get to smell and feel the different hops and the different aromas they produce.

Your host will then take you through to the Velvet Chamber for a tasting session with a barbie-sized pint and guide you through the official way to taste the ale.

I will leave this a secret, but I can tell you it should be drunk in a way that with every sip, you can taste its ruby red flavour resonating through.

Get qualified to pour your own pint on the Guinness Storehouse tour

One of the highlights of the Guinness factory is the fact you can pour your own pint in the Guinness Academy.

What’s more, you get a certificate to show for it!

Your trusted bartender will take you through pouring the perfect pint and then you follow.

I have to admit, I was a little shaky but the ultimate draft should take a full minute to pour.

You need to tilt your glass at a 45-degree angle where it meets the logo of the harp, pour three-quarters of the way up. Then, leave it to settle and pour the rest on top at half pressure.

I am pleased to say I passed and if I can do it, so can you.

Top Tip: They will ask you to choose whether you want to pour your own pint or get a pint at the gravity bar but you can do both. Just opt to pour your own pint in the academy and then take your beer up the elevator to the Gravity bar – simple!

Enjoy the views in the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse

Once you’ve covered all that the factory tour has to offer, you will be greeted with the most beautiful views of Dublin in their Gravity bar.

It does get busy, so you may have to wait for a seat but the views are really spectacular.

You can see it all and on a clear day, it stretches for miles. I loved visiting when it got to sunset, as Dublin lights up before your eyes.

Guinness Storehouse shop

I’ve never seen so many Guinness gifts in one place!

They have an extensive collection of souvenirs so if you are looking for a nice gift for loved ones back home, this is the place to get them.

I also found their prices weren’t too different from the souvenir shops in the city so it’s better to ensure you get official merchandise.

Guinness Storehouse Tour Tips

What’s the Guinness Storehouse address? St. James’ gate, Dublin 8

What are the Guinness Storehouse opening times? 7 days a week 9.30 am-7 pm

How much are Guinness Storehouse tickets? 18.50 Euros per adult. See more on their website.

Is there Guinness Storehouse parking?  There is a car park, on Crane Street. There is also a free car park around the corner next to the old Hopstore.

Guinness Storehouse tour length? You go at your own pace as tours are self-led, but I’d leave around 2 hours for the whole experience. You’re free to stay in the Gravity bar for as long as you like.

Don’t miss a Guinness Storehouse tour in Dublin

I used to hate Guinness. But now, I know that if ever I go back to Dublin it will be my go-to drink.

I’m not sure why it tastes so much better in Ireland than it does here in the UK, but either way – I’m a big fan.

One of my favourite advertising campaigns was geared at women with the slogan ‘Black goes with everything.

Anyone that knows me knows that if there was a darker colour than black I would be wearing it, so I was delighted to see some gifts which support that statement.  

Looking for a place to stay in Dublin?

If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in central Dublin, then look no further than the Generator Hostel Dublin .

It was clean and friendly, but luggage storage will cost you money if you want to look around while leaving your bags there.

Save time and book a tour!

Book tours & tickets for Ireland!

• From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains Tour
• Guinness Storehouse Entry Ticket
• From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher Day Tour
• From Dublin: Giants Causeway & Dark Hedges

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Visit the Guinness Storehouse

Dublin's Guinness Storehouse: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto 

Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is officially the most popular attraction in Dublin. The old brewery started as a spot for humble beer-making in 1759, and has since been transformed into an educational museum. The Guinness Storehouse now offers seven floors of exhibits dedicated to the 250 years of history of the world’s most famous stout. The beer-centric exhibit is one of the top things to do in Dublin , but this complete guide to the Guinness Storehouse will prepare you to make the most of the experience.

When Arthur Guinness first began brewing ales, he based his operations in County Kildare. However, in 1759, he decided to expand and move the brewery to Dublin. The Guinness founder received an amazing deal on the St. James's Gate property: He agreed to pay a mere £45 (about $26) annually for the four acres of real estate, and he signed a 9,000-year lease.

Within 10 years, the beer maker was exporting his stout in small quantities, and the demand for Guinness soared from there. As exports grew, the Guinness family continued to expand the brewery; they eventually came to own 64 acres of land in Dublin city, where they built offices, staff houses, and all things needed for beer making, including vats and grain silos.

The building that houses the Guinness Storehouse itself was once the area where yeast was added to the brew in order to start fermentation. The building was constructed in 1904, and was converted into a museum and tasting experience in 2000.

How to Get There

The Guinness Storehouse is located at St. James's Gate, Dublin. Most people arrive on foot because it's located near the city center. 

In terms of public transportation, it’s easiest to take the red line on the LUAS to the James’s stop.

From O’Connell street, you can also take the 13, 40, or 123 bus. Exit at the James’s St. stop and look for the brewery signs. 

If you are driving, there is parking available on Crane Street—but keep in mind that driving in Dublin comes with its own challenges. Taxis are very familiar with the Guinness Storehouse and can be found at official ranks throughout the city. They will drop you directly at the entrance. 

What to See and Do

While there is still an experimental brewery on site, the small amount of beer produced here is not the main draw. The Guinness Storehouse is really a museum dedicated to the world-famous Irish stout. The museum is divided across seven floors, culminating in a rooftop bar that overlooks the city. The price of an adult ticket includes a beer token, which you can trade in for a free pint of Guinness at the end of your visit.

On the ground floor: You’ll find a huge waterfall and the Arthur Guinness Gallery. The museum overlooks an atrium that is designed to look like a pint of Guinness. If it were a real glass, it would hold 14.3 million pints of beer. This is where you will find a copy of the 9,000-year lease that Arthur Guinness signed to build his brewery here.

On the first floor: Head here to learn about the beer-making process. The exhibit covers everything from how casks (containers for storing beer) are made through to the transportation of the final product.

On the second floor: Here, you'll find the Tasting Experience, where you can learn to identify the aromas in Guinness and sample a very small taste of the beer.

On the third floor: This is one of the most popular floors because it is dedicated to creative Guinness advertisements that have been promoted over the years.

On the fourth floor: While you can absolutely enjoy the perfect pint served by a skilled barman in the bar on the top floor, one of the best things to do at the Storehouse is to learn how to pull your own pint at the Guinness Academy on the fourth floor. There’s an art to pouring a pint of Guinness, so cash in your beer token here to take a try at the supervised taps. An instructor will lead you through the steps, and you can then carry your beer to the bar.

On the top floor: There are no exhibits in the top-floor Gravity Bar, but it quickly becomes everyone’s favorite room. This is where you can drink your free pint (and purchase extra drinks as desired)—but the best thing to do is snag a seat by the window for 360-degree views of the city. The Guinness Storehouse is one of the tallest buildings in Dublin, which means that the bar offers a stunning vantage point from which to admire the Irish capital. Information on the glass windows will help you identify which part of the city you are looking at.

There are plenty of choices for food at the Guinness Storehouse, as well. The Brewer’s Dining Hall serves a traditional Irish menu, while the Cooperage Café has lighter fare like coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. No reservations are required to eat inside, but you must have purchased Storehouse tickets to reach the various restaurants and bars. 

The experimental Guinness taproom at St. James's Gate is closed to the public most days. However, you can visit on Thursday and Friday afternoons (starting at 4:30 p.m.), or after 2 p.m. on Saturday. Visits and tastings require you to first purchase tickets to the Storehouse and then make your way to the taproom. These events are only open to guests over the age of 18.

Special events are sometimes organized to celebrate the founder (Arthur Guinness in September) or to support emerging Irish artists. For a full calendar of events open to the public, check the online calendar.

Tips for Visiting

• The former brewery receives around a million visitors a year, so it is always a good idea to book your tickets online in order to skip the line. Another reason to buy tickets in advance? The price of the Storehouse visit is discounted up to 25 percent when you purchase through the website. 
• If you want to get away from the general crowd, you can book a Connoisseur Experience and be guided through tastings at a private bar.
• The museum experience is child-friendly, but those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The price of a child’s ticket includes a free soft drink.
• Don't arrive too late in the afternoon. The Storehouse closes at 7 p.m., but the last entry is at 5 p.m.. You’ll want to be there by 4:30 p.m. to ensure you get through the doors in time. During July and August, you have a bit more time because the last entrance is extended to 7 p.m., with the Storehouse closing at 9 p.m.
• Guinness is still brewed onsite at St. James’s Gate, but you won’t actually see the beer being made. However, the informative and entertaining exhibits walk you through every step of the brewing process.
• Visiting the Guinness Storehouse is a self-guided experience. Plan to be there for about an hour and a half.

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