If you are heading to Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse Experience is likely at the top of your list. I went in expecting a high-energy, immersive brand journey, but the reality is a bit more museum-vibe. It’s a massive, seven-storey tribute to the “Black Stuff,” housed in a building shaped like a giant pint glass. While it’s a major landmark, my honest take as a traveller is that it feels more like a traditional gallery of exhibits rather than a modern, interactive attraction.
Is the Guinness Storehouse Experience Interactive?
I’d read reviews that it’s just a collection of dead exhibits. After walking through, I have to say I agree to an extent. If you’ve been to the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam and liked that fun energy—don’t expect the same thing here. The Guinness Storehouse Experience feels quite static. You spend a lot of time looking at old machinery and reading plaques.
- The Layout: It’s spread over seven floors, but the navigation feels a bit messy. Even with the map, the flow doesn’t always make sense.
- The Exhibits: They have “Scent Pillars” and a waterfall, which are okay for a photo, but most floors just feel like a standard museum. It is definitely less of an “experience” and more of a history lesson.
- The Scripted Feel: When I got to the Tasting Room, the staff member sounded like he was just reciting a memorised script. He even tried to crack a few jokes, but his face was totally emotionless. It felt a bit robotic, which killed the mood a little.
What you get with a Standard Experience Ticket
When you arrive, you get your tickets for drink redemption right at the entry. The standard Guinness Storehouse Experience is almost entirely self-guided.
- Self-Guided Tour: You explore the floors at your own pace. This is good if you want to speed-run the historical bits that don’t grab your interest.
- The Tasting Room: You enter a room with vapour chimneys to smell the ingredients before you get a sample of the stout.
- The Gravity Bar: This is where you trade your voucher for a fresh pint of Guinness, a Guinness 0.0 (18+), or a soft drink.
The iconic Guinness Toucan—an unmistakable symbol of the brand.
This is where we got to sample a small glass of Guinness, right at the source.
Guinness tasting complete 🍺
Planning Your Visit: Booking and Costs
Whatever you do, don’t just show up at the gate expecting to walk in. The Guinness Storehouse Experience is a massive tourist magnet and sells out fast.
- Book in Advance: You should book your tickets on their official website to ensure availability.
- Pricing: Adult tickets start from €22. The price changes depending on the date and time you visit, so it’s worth checking the site to see if a mid-week morning slot is cheaper.
Make your way to the 7th floor to reach Gravity Bar.
The bar was very busy, and with all the daylight, it didn’t quite have the usual bar atmosphere.
Busy behind the bar—Guinness being poured non-stop.
Smooth, rich and creamy on top—classic Guinness perfection.
Before leaving, be sure to check out the store for Guinness merchandise and souvenirs.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth the Hype?
To be honest, the Guinness Storehouse Experience isn’t exactly what I’d call exciting. However, it is meaningful because Guinness originated here in Dublin. How can you come to Ireland without finding out the story behind the brand? It is a quintessential part of the local history, even if the delivery is a bit dry.
- The Gravity Bar Reality: I expected a sleek, moody bar. Instead, the 7th floor felt more like a busy canteen. It is bright, loud, and very functional.
- The View: Everyone talks about the 360-degree view, but I didn’t find it particularly “wow.” It’s a decent look at the city rooftops, but nothing mind-blowing.
- Time Needed: You need at most 90 minutes for the standard experience. It really depends on how much you enjoy reading every single display or how long you want to hang out at the bar.
If you’re a superfan who wants more than just exhibits, they do offer premium experiences like the Connoisseur tasting, which you can read about on their website. It’s polished and professional, but if you’re looking for a gritty, high-energy tour, this might feel a bit like a school excursion.