Pint of History: My Day at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse
If you’re a fan of Ireland’s most iconic stout, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a pilgrimage worth making.
From its immersive exhibits to its panoramic views, this seven-floor marvel blends history, art, and a perfectly poured pint into one unforgettable experience. Here’s how my visit unfolded—with plenty of surprises along the way.
The Brewing Process: Where Science Meets Art
The journey begins on the ground floor, where a towering glass atrium shaped like a pint glass sets the scene. The first floor dives into the brewing process, with interactive displays explaining how water, barley, hops, and yeast combine to create that distinctive Guinness flavour.
Fun fact: the barley is roasted at exactly 232°C—any hotter and it catches fire36! The exhibit’s charred wood and amber lighting even mimic the heat of the roasting process.
Advertising & Art: A Nostalgic Trip
The fourth floor is a love letter to Guinness’s creative legacy. Here, you’ll find iconic ads by John Gilroy, the artistic genius behind the toucan and zookeeper campaigns that dominated mid-20th-century advertising.
His whimsical illustrations, like the 1935 “My Goodness, My Guinness” poster, feel timeless—proof that great design never goes out of style.
But it’s not all vintage charm.
The Storehouse also collaborates with modern artists. During my visit, a kinetic light installation by GRIF (Shane Griffin) and sound designer Charles Quinn pulsed through the atrium, merging brewing history with cutting-edge digital art.
Meanwhile, street artist Aches left his mark on the Gravity Bar with vibrant, pixelated murals celebrating Dublin’s spirit.
The Gravity Bar: Sip with a View
No visit is complete without a pint at the Gravity Bar, perched 46 metres above Dublin.
The 360° views stretch from the Wicklow Mountains to Howth Head—best enjoyed with a creamy Guinness in hand (included in your ticket!)
Pro tip: if it’s crowded, head to the fifth-floor bar for a quieter sip.
Fun fact: The bar’s design mirrors the head of a pint glass, and its 2020 expansion doubled its capacity—though it still feels intimate.
As I sipped my stout, I spotted Aches’ bold “Together Stronger” artwork on the gates below, a nod to Dublin’s unity.
Standout Exhibits
• The Cooperage: Watch coopers craft barrels using century-old techniques—a nod to Guinness’s maritime history.
• Tasting Rooms: Designed by James Wignall, this multisensory space lets you taste the beer’s roasted notes while surrounded by vintage brewing tools.
• STOUTie Experience: My face printed on a pint’s foam? Yikes
Final Thoughts
The Guinness Storehouse isn’t just a museum—it’s a celebration of Irish creativity. Whether you’re geeking out over brewing science, marvelling at Gilroy’s ads, or toasting Dublin from the Gravity Bar, every floor tells a story.
And that first sip of Guinness? It really does taste better here.
“Here's to a Bright future, Rooted in our Rich Past! JJ 🧔🏻♂️
Sláinte!
#GuinnessStorehouse #DublinDiaries #IrishAdventures #HistoryInAPint #GravityBarViews #TravelIreland
