Who says you can’t bring a baby to a brewery?!?! A stop at the Guinness Storehouse is an absolute must when visiting Dublin. You know, they say Guinness tastes better in Ireland? Studies have scientifically proven that Guinness does not travel well, also in Ireland Guinness is extremely popular meaning the taps have been flowing all day so you’re guaranteed a fresh brew! Also, the Irish are experts on how to pour the perfect pint of the dark brown deliciousness. Even if you’re not a Guinness fan you must get a Guinness in Ireland.
The Guinness Storehouse is located in Dublin proper. Plenty of public transportation options stop there and any hop on hop off bus tour will have a Guinness Storehouse stop. The cost is €25 per adult and includes access to the entire self -guided 7 story brewery tour and a pint of Guinness a the Gravity Bar up top. You can join a tour group or simply wander around the factory yourself – you always learn more with a tour guide but if traveling with kiddos going at your own pace is usually preferred. Children under 12 are free!
In 1759 Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease (that my friends is peak confidence.) You can see the lease on display near the entrance. The storehouse tour starts with the brewing process. You walk through an interactive installment which includes the barley, hops, yeast and water! After that you can see the old machines that were used in the roasting process and then the barrels that the beer was stored in!
After the beer is produced someone has to sell it! A few rooms are dedicated to the various advertising campaigns over the years. I love all things retro so the advertisements from the 50’s and 60’s were some of my favorites! Davis obviously loved the Guinness turtle. While there you can also check out “Guinness Academy” where you can learn how to pour the perfect pour (hint-it has to do with the classic tulip shaped Guinness pint glass) 
The tour ends on the top floor or Gravity Bar. With panoramic views, this is one of the best vantage points in Dublin! Even if you don’t love Guinness – go for the views! Here you can turn in your ticket for a free pint. After testing the theory I must say the Guinness is better in Ireland – it really is creamier and smoother than the Guinness i’ve had at home!
The Guinness Storehouse Tour is incredibly interactive, very visually stimulating and more educational than you may think. It’s an immersive experience well worth the €25 admission price. If traveling with kids don’t hesitate to go – we saw plenty of small children there! This was my 2nd stop at the Guinness Storehouse and if I ever go back to Dublin I will definitely return for a 3rd!
Britt Heller 
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