Things you need to know before visiting Guinness Storehouse
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Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
When visiting Ireland you’re likely on the hunt for the best Guinness in Dublin. Everyone says the Guinness in Ireland tastes different. (It really is true!) But, since you’re a curious person, you want to visit Ireland and the mecca of Guinness to either agree or disagree. Read on to hear more about visiting the Guinness Storehouse and things to know in advance. I’ve visited twice with two different ticket types so I have first hand experience and recommendations.
Tips for Visiting Guinness Storehouse in Dublin:
Buy your tickets in advance!
Since the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is one of the top attractions to visit definitely buy your tickets in advance online. It’s a self guided tour, but you choose the time of entry for your ticket. Especially if you’re visiting during a busy time of year or there is a large event in town it will be a lot busier. Don’t just assume you can buy them when you get there!
All experiences are not the same
What is most important to you when visiting the Guinness Storehouse? That will help to determine which ticket is right for you.
When purchasing your tickets you’ll notice that there are many different types of tickets with different activities included. I’ve experienced both the very basic ticket and the VIP Connoisseur experience.
All tickets will include the “museum” or learning about Guinness history and making beer through an interactive experience as well as a pint of beer to drink at the Gravity Bar.
The Academy experience includes another pint of Guinness and learning how to pour the perfect pint. A newer experience includes a beer with your picture on it. This is called a stoutie. With this ticket you get a second pint of beer with a fancy photo in the foam (much like fancy latte art at coffee shops.) A great photo op for the ‘gram! (P.S. Lets be friends! Follow me on the gram for all of my (beer) adventures in Ireland and beyond.) WanderLust in Real Life Instagram
The most all inclusive experience includes the museum and learning about Guinness origins, learning how to pour the perfect pint as well as a more intimate experience trying some more rare Guinness beers in a back lit bar with a small group. When we did the connoisseur experience in 2017 we also were given some bottles of our favorite beer to take with us. It was our honeymoon so they essentially gave them bottles of all of them when everyone else had to select 1-2 favorites. If you love craft beer, definitely splurge for this ticket! If you plan ahead, you could bring beer in your checked luggage home.
Visit the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar for a great view over Dublin
Included in every ticket is a pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar. They have expanded the Gravity Bar in 2020 to accommodate more people. It’s located on floor 7 of the Guinness Storehouse facility and has glass windows all the way around so you can see out over Dublin for a panoramic view.
There is luggage storage onsite
I wasn’t aware of this until my most recent visit, but they do have a luggage drop service here. So, if you’re looking for something to do in between when you have to head to the airport or immediately when you arrive but can’t yet check into your accommodation, why not check out the Guinness Storehouse for your first or last pint of the best Guinness in Dublin?
Length of time to visit
Be sure to allow yourself at least 2-3 hours to visit to take your time. There’s a lot to see, and plus you’re going to want to relax with a pint or two while you’re there. The first time I visited when I did the Connoisseur Experience I we spent more than that there. I think it was around 4 hours. There’s a lot to see and definitely don’t rush through it depending on what ticket you decided to purchase. If you’re planning on grabbing a bite to eat while there you may want to allow yourself additional time. But above all, don’t rush! You’ll be surprised how much time you can spend at the Storehouse drinking the best Guinness in Dublin.
Beyond the best Guinness in Dublin, food at Guinness Storehouse
If you’re planning to grab a bite onsite either before or after your Guinness Tour in Dublin at the Storehouse you can actually make reservations in advance at the 1837 Bar & Brasserie. Other options include the Brewer’s dining hall and the Cooperage Cafe. The Cafe is located on the first floor and is a quick bites more of a coffee shop with coffee, drinks & snacks. No matter what you fancy to eat, there are options at the Storehouse or there are many historic pubs all over Dublin. Read more about Dublin Things to do.
When to visit
Since the Guinness Storehouse experience is indoors you truly can visit rain or shine! Enjoying the Guinness Storehouse is not dependent on a gorgeous day. Even though my day feels a lot more sunny after a Guinness tour in Dublin with a pint in my hand.
It’s true!
The best Guinness is in fact at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. You should definitely be sure to do a Guinness tour in Dublin while you’re visiting Ireland. Below you’ll find more information about beer travel in Europe & a detailed 7 day Ireland travel itinerary with inspiration for your next Irish Adventure.
More Ireland Travel & Europe Beer Experiences:
The Best Beer Experiences in Europe
