This was the part of the trip that I had been waiting for. Our hotel was way out in Liexlip, a whole county over in Kildare, so we were up bright and early to catch the bus into Dublin. We got off just outside of Phoenix Park a few blocks away from the Wellington Monument. I had wanted to spend more time exploring the park, but we had a long day ahead of us. As it turns out, even showing up to Kilmainham Gaol prison only an hour after opening resulted in over a two hour queue to get in. We did not have that kind of time, so it was off to the Guinness Storehouse.
The Guinness Storehouse
I was like a kid in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The sheer amount of people and vastness of the brewery was overwhelming in the best way. I wanted to see, read, and do everything there was to do in this magnificent facility. I had bought tickets in advance just to guarantee entry and not have to worry about lines, so we were able to print them at a kiosk and make our way in with no trouble.
It was a glorious sight to behold. People from all over flock to this location to learn about and try a dark beer that has stood the test of time and has helped the economy and livelihood of Dublin. The most impressive piece, encased in the floor of the front lobby, was the signed 9,000 year lease for the establishment. Arthur Guinness had so much confidence in his idea and product that he made sure that this factory would be in his family name for centuries.
The first couple levels of the storehouse were the museum tour about the brewing process of Guinness. The tour was informative and engaging and we learned about the history and impact that the Guinness factory had within Dublin. By the 3rd floor, we were able to take look at the many characters and ideas behind Guinness in the World of Advertising. There was even a Whistling Oyster, a fish on a bicycle, and an immersive room showing beautifully made Guinness commercials.
The 4th floor was home to the Guinness Academy. Here, they instruct groups of people in the art of the perfect pour for this creamy, dark beer. After mastering this technique, I was awarded a certificate of achievement and then enjoyed my perfect pint of Guinness. A trek up a few flights of stairs led to the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor. With a bar in the center of a circular room and windows all the way around, this area gave a gorgeous, 360° view over-looking Dublin city.
The rest of the day almost pales in comparison to the storehouse for this beer enthusiast. I could’ve spent the whole day there and been quite happy, but we did see many other amazing sights in Dublin including the Book of Kells at Trinity College along with the Long Room, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and a few monuments and historical bridges along the River Liffey. Then we dined at an authentic Irish restaurant in the Temple Bar district, that was beautifully lit and alive with vibrant energy.
We topped off the day at Whelan’s Pub, a popular destination that was featured in P.S. I Love You. There was a band called the One Horse Pony that was setting up to play later that night and I partook in another Guinness while enjoying the mellow atmosphere. The following day would be my final, full day in Ireland, so with the remainder of Dublin left to explore, we headed back to the hotel.
Cheers!
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