Ireland (Dublin) Guinness Storehouse Tour – How to Reserve for Tasting Sessions
Hello there! Today I'm going to share some exciting information about the Guinness Storehouse Tour in Dublin, Ireland. Are you planning to visit this iconic attraction and wondering how to make the most of your experience? Let's discover how to reserve those amazing tasting sessions! 🍺
🏢 What is the Guinness Storehouse?
The Guinness Storehouse is one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions, located at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin. This amazing seven-story building has been transformed into an interactive museum that tells the story of Ireland's most famous beer.
The building itself is designed in the shape of a giant pint glass, and if it were filled with Guinness, it would hold approximately 14.3 million pints! That's quite impressive, isn't it?
When you visit, you'll learn about the brewing process, the history of Guinness, and the advertising campaigns that made this stout famous worldwide. The tour culminates at the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor, offering a 360-degree view of Dublin while you enjoy your complimentary pint.
Opening Hours | Location |
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM | St. James's Gate |
Last entry at 5:00 PM | Dublin 8, Ireland |
Open 7 days a week | 15 min from city center |
🎟️ Types of Tours and Tasting Experiences
The Guinness Storehouse offers several different tour options and tasting experiences. It's not just about drinking a pint at the end – there are specialized tastings that will deepen your appreciation of this iconic stout!
The Standard Admission Ticket includes access to all seven floors of the Storehouse and a complimentary pint at the Gravity Bar. But if you're looking for something more special, you might want to consider the premium experiences.
The Connoisseur Experience is a must for true Guinness fans! This intimate tasting session takes place in a private bar and is led by a Guinness expert who will guide you through tasting different varieties of Guinness while sharing secrets about the perfect pour. 🥂
There's also the Guinness Academy, where you can learn to pour your own perfect pint and receive a certificate afterward. This is a fun, hands-on experience that gives you bragging rights when you return home!
For those interested in food pairings, the Stoutie Experience lets you enjoy your stout with carefully selected food that enhances the flavor profile of the beer. And don't miss the Guinness STOUTie where they can print your selfie on the foam of your pint!
Tour Type | Duration | Price Range |
Standard Tour | 1.5-2 hours | €18-25 |
Connoisseur Experience | 1.5 hours | €55-65 |
Guinness Academy | 20 minutes | €5-10 (add-on) |
STOUTie Experience | 30 minutes | €8-12 (add-on) |
📅 How to Reserve Tasting Sessions
Reserving your tasting sessions at the Guinness Storehouse is quite simple, but it requires a bit of planning, especially during peak tourist seasons. The best approach is to book online in advance to secure your spot. 📱
The official Guinness Storehouse website is the most reliable place to make reservations. You can select your preferred date and time slot, and choose from the various experiences available. During busy periods like summer months or St. Patrick's Day, slots can fill up weeks in advance!
If you're specifically interested in the Connoisseur Experience, I recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks ahead as these sessions have limited capacity (usually around 16 people) and are very popular. 🗓️
Many visitors don't realize that you can also make reservations for the Gravity Bar separately. While your standard ticket includes access, having a reserved table guarantees you a seat with those amazing views over Dublin.
Another tip: consider booking a morning time slot. The Storehouse tends to get busier in the afternoon, so an earlier visit often means shorter queues and a more relaxed experience.
💡 Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
To truly enjoy your Guinness Storehouse experience, a little preparation goes a long way! First, wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking and standing quite a bit throughout the seven floors. 👟
If you're visiting during peak tourist season (June-August), try to arrive either right when they open at 9:30 AM or later in the afternoon around 3:00 PM when the morning crowds have dispersed. This strategy helps avoid the busiest times.
Don't rush through the exhibits! Many visitors hurry to get to the free pint at the top, but the interactive displays about the brewing process and history are fascinating and worth your time. The advertising exhibit is particularly entertaining!
For photography enthusiasts, the Gravity Bar offers spectacular panoramic views of Dublin. Visit on a clear day if possible, and try to time your visit around sunset for particularly stunning photos. 📸
If you're not a beer drinker, don't worry! There are non-alcoholic options available, including a delicious Guinness chocolate mousse that gives you the flavor experience without the alcohol.
🌐 Booking Platforms and Special Offers
While booking directly through the Guinness Storehouse website is recommended, there are other platforms that sometimes offer special deals or combination tickets. 💰
The Dublin Pass includes entry to the Guinness Storehouse along with many other Dublin attractions, potentially saving you money if you plan to visit multiple sites. Similarly, the Dublin City Card can offer discounts.
Third-party platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator occasionally have special offers, especially for combined experiences like "Guinness Storehouse + Jameson Distillery" tours. These can provide good value if you're interested in exploring Ireland's famous beverages. 🥃
For groups of 15 or more, there are special group rates available. If you're traveling with a large party, it's worth contacting their group bookings department directly for the best rates and to arrange private tastings.
And don't forget to check social media or sign up for the Guinness newsletter before your trip – they sometimes release promotional codes for special experiences or discounts!
Common Questions | Answers |
Do I need to print my ticket? | No, digital tickets on your phone are accepted |
Is the Storehouse accessible? | Yes, fully wheelchair accessible with elevators |
Can children visit? | Yes, but must be accompanied by adults. Non-alcoholic options available |
See you next time with another exciting travel topic! 🌍