It takes two minutes to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. But in Ireland, due to our laid-back approach to life, you could easily add another two or three minutes on top. These are not idle or wasted moments; we use the time wisely. As the creamy pint gently tosses, swirls and then ebbs, turning from coffee brown to its famous ruby black, we make conversation, sow the seeds of friendship with the person pouring the pint or those sitting nearby, or settle into our seats for a night of traditional music.
Sometimes, if we happen upon it, we might begin to read an article, just like this one, timed to the pour of our pint.
A piece that unveils the story of Guinness and explores why 2025 is a great year to come and celebrate the famous stout in its home.
Where it all began
That home is, of course, DublinOpens in new window, where Arthur Guinness founded the brewery that bears his name at St James’s Gate in 1759. When he acquired the small property during a financial crisis, Arthur could hardly have imagined that, more than 250 years later, it would host one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, attracting 1.65 million visitors in 2024.
That attraction is the Guinness StorehouseOpens in new window, which this year celebrates its 25th birthday. So far, the Storehouse has celebrated in style, with concerts from CMAT, Fontaines D.C. and Lankum, as well as food and drink events. For now, they are keeping quiet on plans for the remaining months, but you can expect some big surprises, particularly around Arthur’s 300th birthday on 24 September. In the meantime, if you want to get the low–down on the famous stout that is sipped in every city from Washington to Wellington, this world-famous brewery experience is your number-one go-to.
Built to resemble the shape of a pint, the Storehouse takes visitors on the remarkable journey of a drink that has become as synonymous with Ireland as St Patrick and his shamrock. Across seven floors, you’ll get fascinating interactive insights into the magic of brewing and find out just how the barley, hops, water and yeast combine to make the perfect porter. You’ll discover how the “black stuff” was transported down the River Liffey to be sent out into the world in millions of wooden barrels made by hundreds of local coopers, craftsmen who were often celebrated in the poetry and songs of Dublin.
Before you know it, you’ll have worked up a thirst and made your way to the panoramic Gravity BarOpens in new window, where, as part of your tour, you can enjoy a pint and a view over the city that this brewery has done so much to shape.
A city shaped by Guinness
Arthur and his descendants’ impact on the capital goes well beyond the walls of St James’s Gate. The Guinness family was renowned for philanthropy, and in 1877, Arthur’s great-grandson, Arthur Edward, bought St Stephen’s Green – Dublin’s historic park and garden – and almost immediately handed it over to the people of the city. The family also built houses, baths and markets for their workers, many of which still stand today. In return, Dubliners have remained loyal – despite the influx of new brews and beers from abroad, Guinness remains as popular as ever. And globally, it has become one of the coolest brands around.
In the age of Instagram and other social media, it helps that celebrity culture is embracing the famous pint like never before. When she was spotted, some years ago now, enjoying a scoop at the renowned Long HallOpens in new window on George’s Street in Dublin, Rihanna kicked off something of a trend among the leading lights of the red carpet. Since then, Kim Kardashian, Olivia Rodrigo and Ed Sheeran have all been photographed enjoying a tipple.
Similarly, instead of get-togethers in swanky hangouts, visiting stars of screen and stage are now hosting their Dublin after-show parties in traditional pubs around the city, where they attempt to “split the G”. This involves patrons consuming enough Guinness in that all-important first gulp so the creamy head of the pint lands exactly in the middle of the G in the Guinness logo sitting on the side of the glass.
Pop queen Dua Lipa recently celebrated a five-night concert run in Dublin, “splitting the G” in O’Donoghue’sOpens in new window on Merrion Row. This pub is famed for its pint, and indeed its traditional music, but not every pub is made equal, and due to the fickle nature of the drink, some pints in Dublin are better than others.
Finding the perfect pint
Speak to Dubliners about Guinness and most will have a favourite pub that they believe serves the best pint around. But one way of guaranteeing a great Guinness is by joining The Perfect Pint TourOpens in new window. Started by childhood friends, Dave Beirne and Keith McGovern, this tasty three-hour expedition offers its guests a potted history of Dublin and visits some of its most beautiful, off-the-beaten-track pubs, including the historic Victorian jewel that is Ryan’s of Parkgate StOpens in new window. As well as teaching guests the skills required to pull a proper pint, the tour also visits John Kavanagh’s, otherwise known as “The Gravediggers”. This local favourite was named after the men who occupied its simple bar stools after a long day’s work in neighbouring Glasnevin CemeteryOpens in new window (also worth a visit, by the way). Back then, it was a refuge from a hard day’s work. Today, it’s the pints and the local coddle that pull in the crowds.
Some would argue that the best pints are found outside Dublin. Up the road in Belfast, White’s StoreOpens in new window has become something of a mecca for those in search of the perfect pint. Everything here is Guinness – even the cocktails, which include a Guinness Martini and a Guinness and Vanilla Margarita.
Away from the cities, the speed of life can sometimes slow to almost nought. Some say it’s that and the fresh country air that makes the Guinness taste better. Seasons have their influence, too. But whether it’s a summer’s day above the pier outside O’Dowd’sOpens in new window in Roundstone, County Galway, an autumnal lunchtime in the still surrounds of Blakes of the HollowOpens in new window in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, or a chilly winter evening nestled in the snug at Dick Mack’sOpens in new window in Dingle, County Kerry, the ritual, the colour, flavour and history of Guinness seems to slow you down and make time stand still.
Wherever you get it, be sure you take your time, savour it and take in everything that goes on around it. As they’d say themselves, “Good things come to those who wait”.
Your pint should be ready now. The next one is waiting for you here.
