A man and a woman smile while holding pints of Guinness beer after pouring a perfect pint at the Guinness Academy. They stand in front of a display of bottled beers at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. The backdrop features a large illuminated Guinness harp logo and shelves lined with bottles.

Dublin Highlight: Is the Guinness Storehouse Tour Worth It?

ByJulie Millan Updated on

Yes! A visit to the Guinness Storehouse Tour is definitely worth it, especially if it’s your first time visiting Dublin.

For our first trip to Ireland, we stayed in Dublin and, of course, booked tickets to this must-visit attraction. We did both the regular tour and the Guinness Academy, where we learned to pull our own pints. In total, we spent about three hours inside the storehouse.

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Despite my initial reservations—this tour was my husband’s choice—I found the experience to be excellent and highly interactive, offering a wealth of information about the story of Guinness and the brewing process.

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A woman enjoying a pint of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. She smiles at the camera while holding the glass of dark stout in a bright and airy restaurant setting, with white-tiled walls and exposed metal beams. The scene captures the cheerful atmosphere of the iconic brewery tour experience.
Enjoying a pint at one of the restaurants inside the storehouse.

Even if you are not a fan of Guinness (like me!), I highly recommend the tour and encourage you to at least give it a taste, even if it’s only for a photo opportunity!

For those looking to decide if a visit to the Guinness Storehouse is worth it, keep reading for my in-depth review of our experience.

Visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

A man and a woman stand in front of a large black gate with the Guinness logo and the text "Guinness St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland" prominently displayed. The iconic harp logo and established date of 1759 are also featured, highlighting the historic entrance to the Guinness Storehouse.
St. James’s Gate

St. James’s Gate Brewery was founded in 1759 in Dublin, Ireland, by Arthur Guinness and is now the location of both the Guinness Brewery and Storehouse, also known as the Home of Guinness.

The Guinness Storehouse opened as a tourist attraction in 2000 and was named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2023 at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

This self-guided tour of the Guinness storehouse spans seven floors, culminating at the Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy a free pint of Guinness while taking in panoramic 360° views of Dublin.

Booking Tickets to the Guinness Storehouse

An intricate view of the interior of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, showcasing large brewing vats, pipes, and barrels. Visitors can be seen exploring multiple levels of the industrial-style building, with various exhibits and historical displays highlighting the brewing process and the rich history of Guinness.
Interior of the Guinness Storehouse

I wouldn’t show up without tickets, as this is one of Dublin’s most popular sites. And if you plan to visit Dublin to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, tickets to the storehouse experience will sell out all weekend long.

There were lots of disappointed tourists who were hoping to purchase tickets at the storehouse when they arrived, only to find they were not available.

When you do buy advance tickets, they will be for a specific date and time slot, so planning ahead is essential. 

Bookings can be changed up to 24 hours before arrival at no charge, and I found them to be flexible with the entry time if you arrive slightly ahead or after your scheduled time.

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What Does the Standard Tour Experience Include?

Every standard experience includes:

  • Self-Guided Tour
  • Entry to Guinness Tasting Rooms
  • Entry to Gravity Bar and a pint of Guinness or a non-alcoholic drink

Guinness Storehouse Tour Explained

A group of visitors gather around a tour guide inside the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. The backdrop features large blue structural beams and illuminated signs, including one that reads "The Store."
Entrance to the Guinness Storehouse Experience

The Guinness Storehouse is a six-floor museum with the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor. The tour is self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

I found the audio guide to be worth listening to, as it augments the tour by providing additional history and information.

You can spend as much time as you like at the museum, which is perfect for taking in all the details that interest you most.

I really enjoyed moving at my own pace through the exhibits. For example, I loved the section on Guinness advertising, while my husband preferred learning about the brewing process. The interactive displays, featuring artefacts, information, and history, are visually appealing and highly engaging.

Additionally, you have the option to purchase ticket upgrades for extra experiences if you want to enhance your visit even more.

What is There to See on the Guinness Tour?

Visitors explore the roasting section of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, where the brewing process is explained. The area features vibrant orange and red lighting with a prominent neon sign displaying "232°C," highlighting the temperature at which the barley is roasted to achieve the unique flavor, aroma, and color of Guinness.

The tour offers a deep dive into the brewing process, where you can learn all the details about its manufacture, production, and tasting methods. I was fascinated by the overview of how Guinness is made, from the selection of ingredients to the final pour.

You’ll also get to learn about the rich history of Guinness in Ireland, with exhibits showcasing the drink’s evolution and includes displays of various artefacts.

A sculpture of a seal balancing a pint of Guinness on its nose is displayed at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. The exhibit includes vintage-style signs with slogans like "My Goodness, My Guinness," paying homage to the iconic advertising campaigns of the brand. The playful display captures the whimsical spirit of Guinness marketing.

One of the highlights for me was the advertising section, which is filled with fun photo opportunities and fascinating advertising memorabilia. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and I even discovered some old ads I had never seen before.

However, it’s important to note that you do not get to see any part of the factory or actual brewery in the standard. While I was initially a bit disappointed, the interactive displays and the wealth of information more than made up for it. 

A display of stacked Guinness barrels forms a tunnel at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. The barrels are labeled with words such as "Raw," "Power," "Heat," "Smells," and "Roar," illustrating various elements of the brewing process. Visitors walk through the barrel tunnel, engaging with the interactive and educational exhibit.

The Tasting Rooms

Your ticket includes access to the Tasting Rooms located on the fourth floor. About 30 people are brought into the tasting room at one time. 

The guide here was excellent, describing the various tastes and aromas that each sample offered. I really enjoyed this tasting experience and the isolation of the aromas, which allowed us to fully appreciate the complexity of Guinness. 

Gravity Bar

A panoramic view of Dublin, Ireland, seen from the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse. The scene includes rooftops, historic buildings, and landmarks, with reflections of the bar's glass windows creating a layered visual effect. Visitors at the bar enjoy the scenic overlook while experiencing the highest point of the Storehouse tour.
Gravity Bar located on the top floor of the Guinness Storehouse

The tour culminates at the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor, where you can enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness. Entry to the Gravity Bar is exclusive to those participating in the Guinness Storehouse tour.

From the bar, you get 360-degree panoramic views of Dublin, which is a unique way to see the city. It was a fun experience overall, though I did find it a bit crowded and the seating was limited. 

The views were interesting, providing a nice perspective of Dublin. I have to admit, sipping a perfectly poured Guinness while overlooking the city was a memorable way to end the tour.

Guinness Storehouse Gift Shop

A bustling Guinness Storehouse gift shop in Dublin, Ireland, filled with merchandise including shirts, glassware, and other souvenirs. Shoppers explore the variety of items.
Guinness Storehouse Gift Shop

The Guinness Storehouse features a huge gift shop on the first floor, housing the largest collection of Guinness merchandise in the world. With lots of unique gifts, it’s a great place to buy some souvenirs to remember your visit. 

From clothing and glassware to more quirky items, there’s something for every Guinness fan. 

However, it’s important to note that you need a ticket to the Storehouse to access the gift shop. Visitors cannot enter the flagship store without purchasing an experience ticket. So, if there is something you want, don’t expect to return at another time to pick up a gift – you’ll want to grab it before you leave the tour.

Ticket Upgrades

In addition to the standard experience, visitors have the option to purchase some premium experiences for an additional fee.

Guinness Academy Experience

A man pouring a pint of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. He is using a tap to fill a branded glass, surrounded by a backdrop of teal walls and shelves lined with Guinness bottles. The scene captures the interactive experience of learning to pour the perfect pint during the Guinness brewery tour.
Pouring the perfect pint at the Guinness Academy

Learn how to pull your own pint of Guinness from one of the stout-pouring specialists. This upgrade includes a pint of Guinness and a certificate to prove you poured a perfect pint of Guinness. I have to warn you, though; it’s harder than you think!

You can then drink the pint you poured. I thought this was really fun, and my husband in particular loved it. If you are going to do any upgrades, I would recommend considering this one.

A large illuminated clock at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, displays the words "Guinness Tasting Time" along with a message that reads, "Every day at 10 am, a small team of expert taste testers here at St. James's Gate check each and every brew of Guinness for quality consistency. Someone’s got to do it!" The clock is set against a backdrop of rustic brick walls, emphasizing the historic atmosphere.

Guinness Connoisseur Experience

While we did not do this, we heard it was a great experience if you have the time and if you like beer. This intimate experience takes place in a private room where you get to try different types of beers and Guinness, and even pour your own pint.

However, I think you would really have to enjoy beer, and Guinness in particular, to get the most out of this ticket upgrade.

Guinness Brewery Tour

Another option is to upgrade to the Guinness Brewery Tour, which takes you into the tunnels underground and on a tour of one of the Brewhouses.

We considered this, but found the cost to be prohibitive (starting from €350 per person), so we ruled out this upgrade pretty quickly. It certainly does sound interesting though!

Guinness Storehouse Restaurant and Bars

A pint of Guinness sits on a wooden table near a window, with a view of Dublin, Ireland in the background. The iconic dark stout with its creamy head is prominently displayed, capturing the essence of enjoying a fresh Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse.

Throughout the tour, there are various places to buy food, including a café and coffee shop with snacks for a quick purchase. There is lots of seating available too.

We chose to make dinner reservations at Arthur’s Bar at the end of the tour, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. The food was good, and we enjoyed great views of the city while dining. 

Personally, I found Arthur’s Bar to be more relaxed and enjoyable than the Gravity Bar. It offered a cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after the tour.

The Guinness Open Gate Brewery is a taproom and beer garden located just outside the brewery gates. Here you can sample experimental beers you won’t find anywhere else!

This location just reopened in May, 2024 and we will definitely be adding this stop to our itinerary on our return. You can book a table at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery without visiting the storehouse tour.

An art installation at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, featuring several illuminated clocks with the words "Tick" and "Followed" displayed on their faces. The clocks are suspended from the ceiling against a backdrop of blue steel beams, emphasizing the theme of time and patience in the brewing process. The exhibit highlights the brand's motto, "Good things come to those who wait."

How Long is the Guinness Tour?

You can spend as little or as long as you like on the tour. The average time spent is around 90 minutes, but if you add on any additional upgrades, stop for a bite to eat, or if it’s crowded, it’s easy to spend more time.

In our case, we spent at least 2.5 hours exploring the museum and another hour at the restaurant. This flexibility allows you to tailor your visit to your interests and pace, ensuring you get the most out of your experience.

Getting to the Guinness Storehouse Experience

The Guinness Storehouse is conveniently located in the historic area of The Liberties at St. James’s Gate in the heart of Dublin. Here are several ways to get there:

  • Walking: It’s a short walk from the city centre, about a 20-minute walk from College Green.
  • Public Buses: Dublin Bus is quick, easy, and frequent. It’s about a 10-minute bus ride from O’Connell Street.
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour: The Guinness Storehouse is a stop on this popular tour, making it easy to include in your sightseeing itinerary.
  • Taxi: Taking a taxi is another straightforward option.
  • Parking: There is some limited free parking close to the Storehouse for those who prefer to drive.
Tourists enjoying a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Dublin, Ireland, with a focus on the Guinness Storehouse. A man wearing a green "Ireland" hoodie smiles as another tourist takes his picture, capturing the festive spirit of the tour. The backdrop features a vintage Guinness advertisement with colorful toucans, set against the historic brick walls of the brewery. The scene reflects the fun and engaging experience of exploring Dublin's famous landmarks.
View of the Guinness Storehouse from the top of the Hop On, Hop Off Bus

Whether you prefer to walk, take public transport, or drive, getting to the Guinness Storehouse is simple and convenient.

A view of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, showcasing its historic brick facade topped with the modern, circular Gravity Bar. The structure combines industrial heritage with contemporary design, offering panoramic views of the city from the bar. The Guinness gates are visible at the base of the building, marking the entrance to this iconic site.
Gravity Bar at the top of the Guinness Storehouse

Is the Tour Good for Kids?

The Guinness Storehouse is a kid-friendly museum. Strollers are welcome, and children will receive a soft drink instead of Guinness. Family tickets are also available for purchase.

While some additional experiences are for 18+ only, the Guinness museum itself has plenty of interactive parts to keep children engaged and entertained, allowing parents to fully enjoy a tour of the storehouse.

Is the Guinness Tour Worth It If You Don’t Drink Alcohol?

Absolutely! Even if you don’t drink alcohol, the Guinness Storehouse Tour offers plenty to enjoy.

If you’re interested in the brewing process, company history, and the overall system of how it all works, the tour is still incredibly worthwhile.

The tour provides an engaging look at how the brewery became an integral part of Dublin, influencing commerce and culture in significant ways. It’s fascinating to see the impact of Guinness on the city and its residents.

Additionally, you can exchange your token for a soft drink at the bar, so there’s no pressure to have a pint. However, Guinness 0.0 is also available, and it tastes exactly the same as the original, and it’s delicious!

A multimedia display at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, featuring multiple screens showing images and text about the quality control process. The text highlights that every brew of Guinness is taste-tested 23 times and analyzed a further 251 times by a team of scientists and brewers, emphasizing the meticulous standards maintained in the brewing process.

Know Before You Go: Some Tips

  • Pre-Book Your Tickets: This tour does sell out, especially on special occasions such as St. Patrick’s Day, so it’s wise to book in advance.
  • Plan Your Dublin Itinerary: Since the tour will require a bus ride or some travel time, make sure to plan out your days in Dublin carefully to fit it in.
  • Avoiding Crowds: If you don’t like crowds, consider visiting mid-week or earlier in the day.
  • Drink Options: If you’re not a fan of Guinness, don’t worry—you can get other drinks in the bar.
  • Enjoy Your Pint Anywhere: You can enjoy your free pint at several locations in the storehouse, not just at the Gravity Bar at the top.
  • Gravity Bar and Gift Shop: Remember, you cannot visit the Gravity Bar or the Gift Store without a Guinness Storehouse Experience ticket.
  • Guinness Storehouse Opening Hours: The last entry into the storehouse 5 p.m. with the tour closing at 7 p.m.

These tips will help you make the most of your visit to the Guinness Storehouse and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

So is the Guinness Storehouse Tour Worth it?

A display of vintage Guinness bottles is showcased behind glass at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. The exhibit features rows of bottles in various shapes and sizes, with text on the glass explaining the significance of the archive and the history it represents.
Guinness bottles on display

In conclusion, the Guinness Storehouse is a must-visit attraction that should definitely be part of your Dublin itinerary. From the rich history and interactive exhibits to the unforgettable tasting experiences and views at the Gravity Bar, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We definitely think the Guinness Storehouse Tour is worth it.

Whether you’re a Guinness enthusiast or just curious about one of Ireland’s most iconic brands, the tour offers an engaging experience and a fascinating history of the Guinness family in Ireland.

Pre-book your tickets, plan your visit wisely, and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Guinness and learn about one of the most famous beers in the world. Cheers to an unforgettable adventure in Dublin!

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Learn More About Dublin

Ready to dive deeper into your Dublin adventure? Check out our insider tips and experiences! Discover our ideal three-day Dublin itinerary, find out how to spend an unforgettable day in Belfast, and read our review of three amazing day tours from Dublin.

Click on the links to explore more and make the most of your trip to Ireland!

Julie is a travel blogger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She loves to travel and has learned so much from other travel bloggers that she now wants to share her travel knowledge with others.

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