Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

When Ireland is mention, when does Guinness not come to mind?

Diageo describes Guinness Draught as “Swirling clouds tumble as the storm begins to calm, settle, breathe in the moment, then break through the smooth, light head to the bittersweet reward. Unmistakably Guinness beer, stout, or draught, from the first velvet sip to the last, lingering drop. And every deep-dark satisfying mouthful in between. Pure beauty. Pure Guinness.

On a visit to Ireland, Guinness was gracious enough to open the doors to Ace’s Place. We were greeted buy a welcoming team leader, Helen. She introduced us to our guide Stephen McGuinness. We began our tour with a delectable meal at Gilroy’s. Gilroy’s serves traditional Irish food in a bistro setting…of course with the main ingredient, Guinness. While dining, you can see the original advertisements of the Guinness Zookeeper.

Our tour continues through the atrium, the ground floor of a 7 story pint glass. Fun fact, if you were able to fill the building with Guinness, it would take 14.3 million pints. While in the atrium, feast your eyes on the 9000 year lease that Arthur Guinness signed on the St. James’s Gate Brewery. You get taken through a sensual journey on the craft of brewing. Learn how water, barley, hops, and yeast gets combined to make the ruby red deliciousness…another fun fact, Guinness is not black, hold it up to the light.

Continuing on, discover the history of cooperage and transportation. See how the cooper created the wooden barrels that transported the brew to all those around the world. We then saw the history in advertising. Old labels, bottles, and merchandising line cases throughout the floor. Get a chance to learn how the drink got a “World Record” book…find that fun fact out for yourself.

Your tour ends with two choices: Grab a drink at the world famous Gravity Bar or learn how to pour the perfect pint at the Guinness Academy. Get a 360 degree view from the highest point in Dublin at the Gravity Bar, great way to end your trip. If you choose the Guinness Academy, take a class in pouring and become a certified Perfect Pint pourer.

If time allows, check the computers to see if you had any relatives that worked at the factory. Guinness keeps an archive of all employees to ever work. Don’t forget the gift shop. Floor to ceiling gear for every Guinness enthusiast.

There is no way our review can do the Storehouse justice. This is venue is a must see to anyone traveling to Dublin. Come early and stay long. Come for the Guinness and stay for the hospitality. Don’t forget, Guinness is Good for You.