guinness tour dublin ireland

The Guinness Storehouse In Dublin: Which Tour Is Best + The Story Of St. James’s Gate

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: August 13, 2024

Located at St James’s Gate, the Guinness Storehouse sits on the site where Arthur Guinness famously agreed a 9,000-year lease in 1759.

For many tourists spending one day in Dublin or a weekend in Dublin , a visit to the Guinness Factory is at the top of their to-do list, and for good reason.

Those who embark on a Guinness Brewery tour ( book it here ) are immersed in the brand’s history, the stout’s creation process, and, of course, enjoy a pint in the Gravity Bar.

Table of Contents

Some quick information about the Guinness Storehouse

Although the Guinness tour is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

Note: if you book a tour through a link below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Location

The Guinness factory is located slightly off Dublin’s south quays at St. Jame’s Gate. It’s a 15-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral , a 20-minute walk from Kilmainham Gaol and  very  short walk from some of the best whiskey distilleries in Dublin .

2. How to get there from Dublin City Centre

Getting around Dublin is handy once you know how. You have 5 options to get from the city centre to the Guinness Storehouse:

• Walk (40 minutes): From O’Connell St
• Public Bus (15 minutes): Get the 123 from Dame St or O’Connell St in direction of Walkinstown and get off at James’s Street
• Hop on/off Bus: If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, the hop on/off bus goes to the Storehouse
• LUAS (15 minutes): Take the Red Line in the direction of Tallaght
• Taxi/Uber (25 minutes):  A taxi or one of the ride share apps will cost around €15

3. Book online to avoid the queues

While you can buy tickets at the door, you’re better off buying online in advance. The reason for this is:

• The time slots may be full when you arrive
• You’ll avoid the often lengthy queues 

So, there’s some very limited free parking at the Guinness Storehouse on Crane Street, ( see it here  on Google Maps). There’s paid parking near the Four Courts here (15-minute walk away).

5. Part of the Dublin Pass

Exploring Dublin over 1 or 2 days? If you buy a Dublin Pass for €70 you can save from €23.50 to €62.50 on Dublin’s top attractions, like the EPIC Museum, the Guinness Storehouse, The GPO, the Jameson Distillery Bow St. and more.

Which Guinness tour is best?

Photos © Diageo via Ireland’s Content Pool

When it comes to booking the Guinness tour in Dublin, you’ll have several different choices, each of which has pros and cons.

I have done each of the tours below in recent years, so the opinions below are based on my personal experience.

1. Guinness Storehouse Experience

Photos by The Irish Road Trip

The 1.5-hour Guinness Factory tour is the most popular tour amongst those that visit this website and I’d argue it’s the one that  most  people should go for.

It’s a self-guided tour that allows you to explore at your own pace and soak up the sights and sounds of the factory and its exhibitions.

It finishes in the Gravity Bar where you can enjoy a pint with a view over Dublin.

2. The Stoutie

This variation is the exact same as the first except that, for an additional €8, you get a pint with your selfie on it.

It’s a hefty charge to pay to see your face on a pint, but it’s a nice novelty for those looking for a unique memento.

3. The Connoisseur Experience (€95)

Those that take the 1.5-hour Connoisseur Experience will embark on a guided tasting journey with a Guinness Connoisseur, exploring the flavours and stories of four popular Guinness variants.

You’ll enjoy a private bar experience, learn to craft your own pint, and explore all seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse.

If you’re looking for a guided tour with a difference, this is worth considering.

4. The Guinness Academy

The Guinness Academy Experience is a self-guided tour that includes a short lesson on how to pour the perfect pint, costing an additional €12.

While I personally don’t think that it’s worth the extra cost, it might be enjoyable for avid Guinness fans looking to enhance their visit.

5. The Jameson + Guinness factory tour combo

Courtesy Jameson Distillery Bow St, Dublin

Now, the final tour will suit those of you that plan on also visiting the Jameson Distillery on Bow St .

This is a combo, skip-the-line ticket that includes both attractions. It costs around €112 , and it includes the best of both tours.

The History of the Guinness Brewery in Dublin

Photos in the Public Domain

When you visit the Guinness Brewery in Dublin, you’re treading on hallowed ground! It was the original site where Arthur Guinness began his brewery business in 1759.

Planning for the future, he signed a 9,000-year lease at £45 per annum and started brewing his dark porter-style ales.

He used dark malt to create his stout, which was instantly a favourite with river and street porters, among other local workers.

Then things escalated

10 years later, he decided to begin exporting, shipping a modest 6.5 barrels to England, and the rest, as they say, is history.

By 1886, Guinness sales reached 1.13 million barrels a year, and the company was floated on the stock market.

That was in spite of the fact that Guinness owned no bars or pubs and refused to advertise (this changed drastically over time). The product spoke for itself.

The decline and joining up with Diageo

In the 1970s, Guinness sales had declined, so the owners had to relaunch it and introduce pale malt.

The company merged with Diageo in 1997 but retained the Guinness brand’s rights and trademarked the Irish harp logo.

Now, in 2024, Guinness is a roaring success both at home and overseas, with the factory firmly establishing itself as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland .

However, not all pints are equal – see my guide to finding the best Guinness in Dublin for more.

Things you’ll see on the Guinness Factory tour

Courtesy Diageo Ireland Brand Homes via Ireland’s Content Pool

There’s plenty to see on the Guinness tour in Dublin, regardless of which tour you take.

Behind those sturdy black gates, the Guinness Storehouse offers a memorable and educational experience that any ale drinker or Guinness aficionado will remember for years to come.

1. The brewing process

Stroll through the historic Guinness Brewery, see the hops and learn about the specialist strains of yeast used in this unique brewing process.

See the rushing waters that are a vital part of the Guinness brewing process.

2. Fittings from the original brewery

Photo via the Guinness Storehouse

You’ll often see the Guinness Factory mentioned in guides to the best museums in Dublin . This puzzles some, but it is a museum of sorts.

The Storehouse is home to fixtures from the Guinness Brewery’s original days. Interestingly enough, some of these are from over 250 years ago.

3. Old-school Guinness ads

Photo by The Irish Road Trip

Immerse yourself in 80 years of Guinness advertising – you’ll be surprised at some of the memories it brings back!

Interact with the ads and take photos that put you in your very own Guinness ad.

4. The journey to greatness

Track the four key ingredients that go into every pint of Guinness in Ireland’s #1 tourist attraction.

Once the brew is completed, learn about the coopers and the epic sea voyages that led to Guinness becoming an international brand in 150 countries.

Things to do near the Guinness Storehouse

There are endless things to do near the Guinness Storehouse – in fact, many of the best things to do in Dublin are a short walk away!

Here are some of my go-tos:

• Whiskey distilleries (3 to 6-minute walk): Some of the top whiskey distilleries in Ireland are a short walk away. Roe and Co (6-minutes), Pearse Lyons (5-minutes) and the Teeling distillery (15-minutes)
• Dublin’s Oldest pub (10-minute walk): The reigning champion of ancient pubs in Dublin is the Brazen Head which dates to 1198. See my guide to the oldest pubs in Dublin for more
• Phoenix Park (15-minute walk): Dominated by the 200ft tall Wellington Monument, the Phoenix Park is one of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe
• Kilmainham Gaol (20-minute walk): Infamous for being the site of incarceration for many Nationalist leaders, Kilmainham Gaol is one of the city’s top attractions

I’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is it worth the money?’ to ‘How long is it?’.

In the section below, I’ve popped in the most FAQs. If you have a question that I haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Can you buy Guinness Storehouse tickets at the door?

Yes, you can. However, it’s strongly recommended that you buy tickets in advance online. This way, you can 1, reserve a time slot, 2, avoid disappointment if the time slots are full, and 3, skip the queues at the door.

How long is the Guinness Storehouse tour?

This will depend on the type of tour you take. Allow at least 1.5 hours for the self-guided tour and 2 if you take the premium Guinness tour in Dublin.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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What is the Guinness Storehouse?

If you want to learn what exactly goes into a pint of the "black stuff" and the story of how this famous stout went from humble beginnings to being sold all around the world, then the Guinness Storehouse, the home of Guinness in St James’s Gate in Dublin and winner of the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2023, is the place to start

St James's Gate, Dublin

The story of Guinness goes back more than 250 years, when Arthur Guinness, from Celbridge in County Kildare, decided to set up a brewery. In 1759, he signed a 9,000-year lease at a site at St James’s Gate in Dublin city centre . He built the Guinness brewery up slowly, and ten years later, started exporting barrels of stout by ship to England.

By 1868, St James’s Gate was like a mini city, with a cooperage, barley maltings and even its own railway and fire brigade. The company built its own barges to transport barrels of stout along Ireland’s waterways and hired scientists to perfect the stout.

When you arrive at the Guinness Storehouse and walk among the brewery buildings, the cobbled streets and tram tracks, and arrive at the famous black gates, the story starts to come to life. This is the largest stout brewery in the world and during a visit, you will take a journey through the life and story of this iconic beer.

Barley pit at Guinness Storehouse

At the Guinness Storehouse visitor attraction, the self-guided tour starts with the basics of how Guinness is brewed. You will learn about the four ingredients that go into making the perfect beer – water, barley (which is mashed and roasted), hops and yeast – while you go along walkways of different levels, with waterfalls, hops growing behind glass and industrial pipes and fittings giving some of the sounds, aromas and atmosphere of a brewery.

Along the way, through audio-visual displays, you will learn about Arthur Guinness and his family , before visiting the roasting area to learn how the barley is milled, mashed, separated and roasted at 232°C for the perfect flavour, aroma and colour.

The storehouse building itself was built between 1902 and 1904 and was used as a fermentation house. During your visit you will see pipes, machinery and huge vats preserved from those times.

The fermentation area shows the final stage of the brewing process, when the yeast is added to the mix of barley, water and hops. A cooperage area tells the story of the skills of the barrelmakers.

Past Guinness adverts

In 1929 Guinness started producing its famous colourful ads and pub signs , with the slogans "Guinness is good for you" and "My Goodness, My Guinness", featuring zoo animals including sea lions, penguins and of course the famous toucan. This exhibition is one of the most popular areas for visitors.

Clever advertising helped spread the story around the world, and in 2009, when Guinness celebrated its 250th anniversary, 50 million people around the world raised a glass to toast Arthur’s Day.

Today, Guinness is the world’s best loved stout. It is brewed in 50 countries and sold in more than 120 countries. It is estimated that 10 million glasses of Guinness are enjoyed every day around the world.

Gravity Bar, Guinness Storehouse

There are three tour options to try at the Guinness Storehouse:

• A basic self-guided Storehouse experience, which includes a drink at the Gravity Bar .
• You can also add on a "Stoutie" option, a second pint with your selfie on the head, or visit the Guinness Academy , to learn how to pour the perfect pint.
• A Connoisseur ticket gives you an exclusive tasting in the Connoisseur bar and a pint-pouring session.

Your visit will end at the top floor Gravity Bar, which has floor to ceiling windows with 360-degree views of Dublin city. The vista stretches as far south as the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, across Dublin Bay, and north to Howth peninsula, taking in landmarks such as St Patrick’s Cathedral and the iconic Poolbeg chimneys.

Before you raise your beer glass to sip your creamy pint of Guinness, you will see how it is poured and allowed to settle halfway through. Experts have worked out that the necessary time for this "perfect pour" is 119.53 seconds.

Allow at least 1.5 hours for a visit to the Storehouse – but you can stay longer as there is a lot to take in, and there are cafés and bars on different levels if you need a break, and a gift shop of all things Guinness on the first floor.

Roe & Co whiskey distillery, Dublin city

The Guinness Storehouse is in the historic Liberties area of Dublin, which was once home to many of the city’s whiskey distilleries.

For things to do nearby, you might like to visit Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, or the Roe & Co or Pearse Lyons and Co , distilleries are both within walking distance. On the tours, you’ll learn about whiskey distilling and the area’s famous " Golden Triangle " of distilleries.

Within 20 minutes’ walk of the Storehouse, you will find two of Dublin's most historic buildings – St Patrick’s Cathedral , founded in 1191 and Christ Church Cathedral , which dates back to the year 1030.

Need to know

You're advised to book tickets in advance, but you can buy tickets when you arrive (expect queues at busy times).

Tours are self-guided and the Self-guided and Gravity Bar ticket includes a voucher for a pint of Guinness, another beer or a soft drink at Gravity Bar.

Children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The Guiness Storehouse is open seven days a week, from Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm (last entry 5pm), and Friday and Saturday, 10am to 8pm (last entry 6pm).

To arrive by bus , take the 13, 40 or 123. The nearest Luas (tram) stop is St James’s Hospital.

There is free parking in the visitor’s car park on Crane Street, but spaces are limited.

The building is fully accessible and has lifts throughout.

Exterior of Guinness Storehouse

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Guinness Storehouse in Dublin – The Ultimate Tasting Tour

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: March 10, 2023

There’s a reason the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is Ireland’s most famous visitor attraction. Not only is the home of Guinness ; the world’s most famous stout, the tour itself is fun and fascinating. Plus, you get to taste a lot of Guinness, so it’s a win-win!

Table of Contents

History of Guinness

Started by Arthur Guinness in 1759, Guinness has been a staple of Ireland ever since. Located in the heart of Dublin at St. James’s Gate Brewery, Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease to operate his brewery on the premises.

Great Guinness Storehouse Tours

A Guinness Brewery tour should be put to the top of anyone’s travel itinerary. We used Get Your Guide when booking city tours. Guided tours offer skip the line tickets to the visitor experience , and free cancellation within 24 hours for most tours.

• Read more at Facts About St. Patrick’s Day
• Skip the line Tickets with Pint: Buy tickets here
• Guinness Signature Ticket – book here.

About The Guinness Tour

The tour begins at the “Seal of Guinness” where Arthur Guinness signed his famous 9,000-year lease. Guides take you through the multilevel storehouse showing how the Guinness Stout is made from the barrel house to the fermentation plant. It all ends with a frosty pint at the bar.

Water from the Wicklow Mountains

Once you learn about the early beginnings, you are lead to a blue waterfall where the freshwater from the Wicklow Mountains is pumped into the brewery.

Dave and I have always said that Guinness definitely tastes better in Ireland and something tells me it’s because of the Wicklow water. The tour showcases the natural ingredients of Guinness in detail. Barley plants are actually growing on the walls!

Guinness Casks – Firkins

Your Guinness Storehouse Tour then takes you to the Cooperage and Transport floor to learn of how casks are made and transported.

Have you ever heard of the word Firkin? In Toronto, we have Firkin pubs all over the city and I never knew what it meant. The word Firkin is the size of a cask. It’s like a keg only smaller.

Tasting Tour of Guinness

The factory tour is fun, but let’s face it, we are all here to drink Guinness. The tasting room is the best brewery tour setting on the planet with dry ice and neon lights adding to the mood. The hallway leads to a stark white tasting room with smoke billowing out of slender containers.

The containers aren’t just for show, each container is filled with the aromas of Guinness. The smell of barley, malt, hops, and yeast fills the air. It’s as delicious as you ever could have expected.

Once you are finished in the white room, it’s on to the next room that feels more like the inside of a grand ship than a beer tour. That’s because it is modeled after the ships that transported Guinness to the mainland. You can even ring the bell from the ship Lady Miranda Guinness that used to transport Guinness from Dublin to Liverpool.

Guinness in Advertising

One of my favourite exhibits in the Guinness Storehouse was the display of advertising campaigns over the years. Guinness has always been quite creative when it comes to advertising their beer. From a whistling oyster to a bicycle-riding fish, there have been some very unique commercials out there.

Guinness is Good for You!

What I loved hearing was that Guinness is actually good for you. Once upon a time, people drank a pint of Guinness after giving blood in Dublin to replenish their electrolytes. That is certainly one way to entice people to do a good deed. Did you know, Guinness is also considered a light beer? Even though it is dark in colour, it is light in taste. It has fewer calories than most beers and less sugar. So drink on people! Read more: 16 Fun Facts About Ireland To Prepare For Your Next Journey Abroad

The Guinness Harp

Did you know that the emblem of Ireland is a harp? When Guinness developed their label, they too used the harp but flipped it backward so that they could trademark it. When you visit the book of Kells at Trinity College you will see the real Irish harp on display.  The harp was greatly revered in history and often played at courts.

How to Pour a Pint of Guinness

When visiting the Guinness Storehouse, you can either take the regular tour through the brewery or you can add a premium tasting experience. The Connoisseur Tour takes you to the Guinness Academy brings you into a private room where you learn how to pour a pint of Guinness.

• You can book your Connoisseur Tour directly at the Guinness Storehouse Website.

You’ll master the art of the six-step process of pouring the perfect pint of Guinness that takes 119.5 seconds to perfect. The harp plays an important role in making the pour perfect.

• When filling the pint, the bartender pulls the tap fully until the beer reaches the harp emblem on the Guinness pint.
• Once it touches the top of the harp, they stop pouring and let it sit until the cascade has settled to a nice dark pint.
• They then continue to pour the rest of the head.

Once you are finished you receive a diploma and a fresh pint of Guinness to enjoy on your own.

Gravity Bar at Guinness

The Guinness Storehouse Tour doesn’t end like other brewery tours. This one takes you to the 7th-floor of the factory to the Gravity Bar. Enjoy the sunset in this chic bar as you sip on a complimentary pint of Guinness. It has some of the best views of Dublin. Once you are done, you make your way down the escalator to the exit where you can pick up your complimentary checked coats and bags before heading off to explore more of Dublin.

And there you have it, your Guinness Storehouse Tour is complete. Have you taken a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin? Did you enjoy it?

Explore more things to do in Ireland with these handy travel guides:

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Guinness Storehouse Fast Facts

Taxis wait outside the storehouse so transportation is easy. The Storehouse is only a 20-minute walk from the city center should you prefer to go on foot.

Guinness Storehouse is open 7 Days a week 9:30 – 7pm (last entrance is 5pm).

Cost of entry is €19-€25 and includes a pint of Guinness plus a tasting in the white tasting room. You can book at the brewery or advance for skip the line tickets. The Connoisseur and Perfect Pour Experiences are Extra

We loved our experience and the Connoisseur tour is worth the extra cost. You get another pint of beer and get to pour your own pint in a private tasting room.

Our tour of Dublin was in partnership with the Lonely Planet as part of their Lonely Planet Pathfinders. Stay tuned for our video of Dublin on YouTube

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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6 thoughts on “Guinness Storehouse in Dublin – The Ultimate Tasting Tour”

Thank’s for the great article. Everyone who visits this city should do the Guinness Storehouse Tour. My favorite exhibit is also the one with all the commercials and advertisement campaigns of Guinness over the years. Particularly the Bicycle riding fish, very appropriate considering that one of the best ways to get to know Dublin is by bicycle.

Great article, been thinking about going to the Guinness Storehouse with ages!

I’ve been dreaming of going to the Guiness storehouse for ages ! Thanks for the great article that made me book a ticket to Dublin for this summer.

A great synopsis of the Guinness Storehouse! And yes you are correct Guinness does taste best in Ireland!

Dave and Dev – I read 100% of the blogs through a feed reader except yours because of the wonderful photos and videos you have in each post 🙂 As always, this post also had yummy videos and photos ! Enjoyed them a lot!

Hi Vivek, thanks so much for the kind words. We really are loving making videos and are glad that you enjoy them too!

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Guinness Storehouse

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Make your way through the Guinness Storehouse gates located in the heart of St James’s Gate, in Dublin City. Explore seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse building, which was once the fermentation plant of the brewery. Discover more about the ingredients, history and culture that tell the Guinness story before taking in the 360 degree views of Dublin City from one of Dublin's highest vantage points, at the Gravity Bar. To your right, you will see the Wicklow Mountains, where Guinness sources its fresh Irish water for brewing. To the left, you will see the Phoenix Park and the Wellington Monument.

Visitors to the Guinness Storehouse can also experience the Guinness STOUTie, a pint of Guinness with your own selfie printed onto the head. Visit the Guinness Academy where you will learn how to pour your own pint of Guinness. Follow the legendary six step ritual, counting the 119.5 seconds it takes to pour a perfect pint of Guinness. Witness the surge and eventual settle and take home a certificate to show you were here.

If you would like a more private tour, the Connoisseur Experience is a journey through the tastes, smells and the story of Guinness. Here you will sample four of the most popular beers that have ever been brewed at Guinness while your guide talks you through all there is to know about each beer. Discover the origins of famous Guinness beers and gain an understanding into the craft and connection behind one of the most iconic brands in the world.

The Guinness Storehouse is also home to Arthur’s Bar and 1837 Bar & Brasserie, both offering delicious food options to perfectly pair with your pint of Guinness. From oysters to Guinness stew or a classic beef burger, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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Dublin's Guinness Storehouse: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto 

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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Guinness Storehouse Ticket Options

No visit to dublin is complete without a visit to the guinness storehouse - voted europe's leading tourist attraction 2023.

It's one of those attractions that you could spend all day in, there's so much to see and do. Europe's top attraction is also ideal for families and there's plenty to keep kids entertained throughout your visit.

Whether you're a seasoned Guinness enthusiast or simply curious about the magic behind the pint, the Guinness Storehouse promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the spirit of Dublin. Come, raise a glass, and discover the story behind the perfect pint. Sláinte!

Please choose from the options below for either individual tickets to visit the Storehouse or combo tickets which save you money by combining your Guinness Storehouse tickets with either a 24 hour or 48 hour hop-on hop-off tour. Don't forget the DoDublin Hop-on hop-off tour stops right outside the home of the black stuff!

Guinness Storehouse Tickets

Purchase individual tickets for Ireland's No.1 tourist attraction. Adult and Child tickets available. It is recommended to purchase your Guinness Storehouse tickets in advance of arriving at the attraction.

Combo Deal - Guinness + 24 hour City Tour

Save €5 when you purchase our great value combo deal which includes entry to the Guinness Storehouse as well as a 24 hour ticket for Dublin's No1. Hop-on hop-off tour to bring you right to the door of Guinness.

Combo Deal - Guinness + 48 hour City Tour

Save €5 - With this option you get 48 hours on the city tour plus entry to the Guinness Storehouse. Enjoy an extra day on the world No.1 ranked hop-on hop-off tour featuring the world famous DoDublin tour Guides!

Welcome to the heart of Dublin's rich brewing heritage, where tradition meets innovation in a celebration of Ireland's most iconic export. Nestled in the heart of the old part of Dublin city, the Guinness Storehouse invites you on a captivating journey through the history, craftsmanship, and culture of one of the world's most famous beverages. As you step inside this seven-story temple of beer, you'll embark on a sensory adventure that pays homage to the legendary black stout, showcasing its place in Ireland's heritage and the global fascination it has garnered for centuries.