March 2026


www.nitravelnews.com


THE CREAMY AND FAMOUS


Dublin’s Black-gated Brewery


BY SARAH PICKERING sarah@nitravelnews.com


AHH - the home of the black stuff. Home of the infamous Christmas advert. Home of the most drunk stout across the world. Home of the original brewery. Yes, this is the Guinness Storehouse. Nestled neatly in its traditional stone front, the Guinness Storehouse trans- ports visitors back in time. Those instantly-recognised black gates stand tall with its bold, gold writ- ing. Horse and carriages await out- side the storehouse. Step back in time to the 19th century and feel the realness of the world’s argua- bly most famous family-run busi- ness. The empire that is Guinness. After a seamless transaction online and a


quick scan of a ticket, we eagerly awaited our venture through the storehouse. The per- fect juxtaposition of new and old greets us as the sights and sounds of the busy storehouse fills our ears. ‘Welcome to the storehouse’ announced our gracious host. ‘Here we stand in the world’s tallest pint glass’; a diz- zy look above highlights the rounding floors which hover about the bustling entrance hall and giftstore. Here, you’ll find a copy of the 9,000 year lease for the storehouse, signed by the original Arthur Guinness himself. Of course, the world-renowned family has once again made its history known through the recent triumph of the popular Netflix show ‘House of Guinness’. The telling tale of the


snap with photo opportunities at every turn. You’ll find here quite a busy spot for just that. One of the newest editions to the


Dublin family has brought travellers from near and far to the home of the black stuff, just to catch a glimpse of what all the fuss is about. Of course, we too have had to indulge in the intrigue - and it doesn’t disappoint. Building spanned across two years with


the storehouse once standing proud as the brewery’s fermentation house. It remained in use up until 1988 before opening in 2000 as the storehouse visitor centre we now know. For just £45 per annum, Arthur Guinness signed a lease


for an


unused site of St. James Gate Brewery for 9,000 years from 1759 - the same site in which the visitor centre sits within today. And with this, centuries of passion, love and pride has grown in abundance in a global brand based in the heart of Ireland. The tour, which you can choose to be self


guided or audio-guided, involves exploration of its 7 floors, topped off with a pint with a creamy head at the very end. Step forward and through the doors and your journey through the house begins The process is


explained yet interactively,


informally with


features dancing through the crowds and sounds heightening senses. We hear of


the ingredient


sources - how the barley is harvested; how water makes up 95% of each pint; how air bubbles help achieve that nostalgic taste. After taking our time to read each plaque and enjoy the many displays on show, it was onto the next floor to indulge in the taste and smell of the product.


A small queue adds to


the excitement as this is your first chance to get a taste of the black stuff -


for many, their first taste ever so this may be


we highly recommend participating in a little post of people watching. Again, be greeted by Guinness’ fantastic staff as they lead you to this somewhat angelic room. Take in the smells which staff experience daily within the brewery and feel that little bit closer to the creation process. Find a new found admiration for the craft that goes into creating the perfect pint. Small pints of baby guinness (not how you may imagine) await you, and into the next room it is to learn how to throw back and thoroughly enjoy the taste experience. A quick ‘Slàinte’ and its down the hatch. Within the storehouse you are sure


to work up an appetite. You’ll find two eateries and multiple bars throughout the experience, showcasing local cuisine and giving visitors the chance to enjoy uniquely crafted dishes infused with Guinness itself. There’s even a cafe for those needing a quick pick-me-up. Ideal for those on the earlier morning or later evening visiting timeslots - why not make a whole day of it! A


personal


favourite feature of the experience for me has to be the marketing history of the brand.


Fish on


a bike, tortoise carrying a pint, the downhill harp (crafted in my neighbouring town now known as Draperstown!). This nod to its heritage


and


the legacy it’s constantly leaving behind, I find fascinating. It’s also the perfect place for that insta-worthy


Storehouse is its ‘Stoutie’ feature. I mean, who doesn’t want a selfie or group picture on your pint!? Upgrade your visiting ticket and be whisked away to a nearby bar where you will get a professional photograph taken by the team which is then swiftly printed on your freshly brewed pint within the Ripples machine. The machine uses edible ‘ink’ to print the picture on the foamy top - another great selfie opportunity. Also, another great way to squeeze in another pint at the Storehouse. The novelty of this product and the quirkiness has intrigued many visitors, so much so the Storehouse has created a make-shift Irish Bar right outside the main bar to accommodate for the overflow of Stoutie enthusiasts. And now for the main event - The Gravity


Bar. The rooftop 360 degree bar gives the ultimate view of Dublin City. Chairs line the glass where onlookers take in the sights and read the many facts scattered across its panes. Spot Phoenix Park, Dublin Castle and get the perfect glimpse into the current working brewery below. Its tall cylinders protrude from this now modern building and give visitors a quick look at where Guinness truly lives now. The view is great-yes ,but on another note, this is the very spot where many will sip their first full pint of Guinness. The simplistic


circular bar showcases


Guinness products, including its selection of bottled beer and Guinness on tap. Included in your ticket price, visitors can choose their pint of soft drink to enjoy whilst mulling over their day of exploring and enjoying the beautiful view - you just have to hope Dublin allows for the sun to make an appearance. There is nothing quite like a blue sky over the Emerald Isles. Alas this ended our day at the Storehouse. With three hours having quietly sailed by, a pitstop at the giftshop seemed a must. Find bar signs, coasters, memorabilia


shirts, hats, keyrings… you


name it - they have it right here! We now too have it as three girls let loose in a shop is a recipe for a spending spree on all accounts. Back out on the now dark streets of Dublin, a walk past those famous black and golden gates once more and it bid a fond farewell to our day adventure. To Arthur!


THE LOCAL TOURIST | 49


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