Why You Should Visit the Guinness Storehouse Even If You Hate Guinness
Posted on 06. Jan, 2012 by Marie-Eve Vallieres in Destinations, Europe Travel, Ireland
When I planned my first trip to Ireland, I had a few things in mind that I wanted to explore, especially in Dublin. The colorful doors of Merrion Square. The Ha’Penny Bridge. St.Stephen’s Green. All that drill.
Visiting the Guinness Storehouse, however, was way down on my list of priorities.
Guinness Storehouse entrance
You see, I am not a big fan of beer in general, and stout in particular. It’s just something about the smell that reminds me of molasses cookies (and you know I would much rather eat cookies than drink beer). But then, my husband got all puss-in-boots eyes at me and I couldn’t say no to him. Marriage is compromise, right?
So I ended up booking my tickets to the Guinness Storehouse anyway, despite my best efforts.
The factory is located a little bit outside the main attractions of the city, but it does make for a nice walk along the Liffey River, so that wasn’t so bad – plus you can find great deals at the Clarion hotel Liffey Valley, making it even easier to visit.
Guinness Storehouse Museum
I was kind of surprised with the modern feel of the building, with lots of steel and glass touches – not that I was expecting an Irish castle, but anyway. Right at the entrance, you can see the many different bottles used throughout the years to distribute the stout, along with the famous 9,000 year lease on the grounds, signed by Arthur Guinness himself. Talk about forward thinking!
The visit innovative approach explains all the different ingredients and steps used to produce the tasty brew, including a waterfall and giant copper barrell. The overall visit is very interactive, and I have to admit – I found myself being absolutely captivated by the museum. The short explanatory films, the impressive numbers and the interaction throughout the visit was way above my expectations.
The many Guinness stickers
My favorite part, however, was pouring my own Guinness, on the fourth floor. You get a few tips on how to pour the get pint of Guinness and then it’s your turn to try. Much easier than it sounds! Crafting the perfect pint requires attention and an eye for detail – you don’t want to screw up that perfect frothy foam head! If you succeed, you get a certificate that proudly state you have crafted the perfect pint of Guinness, which is kind of cute.
And then comes the worst. For me, anyway. The tasting part. Argh. No matter how bad I wanted it to taste good, it simply didn’t. Not then, not now and probably not ever. I think for this part, pictures speak louder than words.
No, I do NOT like Guinness!
I did enjoy, however, the relaxing gin and tonic (sinner, I know!) I sipped at the Gravity Bar, after the visit. It offers smashing views over Dublin on clear days and it was the perfect way to end my time at the storehouse (not before I picked out a few items at the gift shop, of course!).
Have you been to the Guinness Storehouse? Or any other famous brewery? Are you a fan of beer tasting while traveling?
17 Responses to “Why You Should Visit the Guinness Storehouse Even If You Hate Guinness”
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
-
-
July 7, 2012
[...] tell me I’m a filthy pagan, and put the pint back on the table.That’s just how it is. I hate Guinness.But it’s not because I highly despise its taste that I can’t appreciate its [...]
-
-
January 18, 2013
[...] reminded me of my experience at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin – I only went in to humor my husband, but I ended up having a really great time while [...]
Leave a Reply
Get all the updates!
Who am I?
Hi there! I'm Marie, a 20-something Canadian who moved to Europe to follow her dreams (and handsome husband). Tag along to follow my adventures through the Old Continent and get inspired to travel too!
My photostream
Sponsors
As Seen On
Emily S.
06. Jan, 2012
I would so love to go there.. because I LOVE Guinness! I don’t think many women do, but I might be wrong. It’s actually the only beer I really, really enjoy
Marie
06. Jan, 2012
Double the fun, then!
Abby
07. Jan, 2012
Was just about to type that my friend loves Guiness and was drinking it with me last night — and there she beat me to a comment! The pictures of you trying it are hilarious!!
Laurence
07. Jan, 2012
The best thing is to go with people who don’t like Guinness. Then you get their pint too!
Angela
07. Jan, 2012
I don’t like Guinness nor any kind of beer, but Guinness Storehouse is an absolute must-see in Dublin. I too went without any expectation and I loved it. Very interesting and well organized.
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
People keep saying this, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one to enjoy it! It shows just how great this place is.
Chiara
08. Jan, 2012
I don’t like beer or Guinness too, but I really loved my visit to the Storehouse. I’ve found brilliant the capsule entry ticket, really nice! =)
Amanda
09. Jan, 2012
I visited when I was in Dublin! I don’t drink at all, though, so a friend got my free pint.
But I agree that the museum is great, and I would definitely go again, despite my aversion to beer!
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
Same here! I was completely surprised by how interesting the museum was – not to mention the huuuuge gift shop!
Anthony
10. Jan, 2012
Pahaha, good sport for drinking it even though you despise it, poor lass!
My friend and I never made it to the top, because people kept giving us theirs and we got so drunk that we almost missed the plane
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
Haha I guess you had your money’s worth in the end
Stephanie - The Travel Chica
11. Jan, 2012
I love good beer, and I especially love sampling the beer when I travel. I am not a fan of Guinness, but this would definitely be at the top of my list of things to do in Ireland. Everyone says it tastes so much better when you get it there.
Jade - OurOyster.com
15. Jan, 2012
I didn’t like Guiness either when I went for a visit a few years back… but it has grown on me now
Marie
25. Jan, 2012
I still have to like Guinness, but I’m definitely glad I visited the factory – it was really interesting!
casacaudill
15. Mar, 2012
I’m a huge fan of beer – the darker the better – and I adored our day at the Guinness Storehouse. So much valuable information that I didn’t expect!