25 Years of the Guinness Storehouse: "The Guinness Storehouse has consistently aligned itself with some of the world’s most era-defining talent through these special shows"

Ever wondered what Kylie Minogue, Conan O’Brien, and Tom Cruise have in common?

Well, aside from varying degrees of Irish heritage, these famous faces are among the 25 million people (and counting!) to have visited The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin since its grand opening 25 years ago – each deeming it an essential stop-off point on state visits, world tours, and last-minute days-out alike.

But it’s not just visitors from overseas who have given The Guinness Storehouse the seal of approval. As an attraction and a landmark, it’s also being embraced more than ever by the people of Dublin and Ireland, as a brilliant celebration of a local business that became a global powerhouse – as well as of the city and community from which the brand emerged.

As a result, The Guinness Storehouse is now not only considered this country’s very top ‘thing-to-do’, but has also been acclaimed as one of the finest attractions on the planet – winning World’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the 2023 World Travel Awards. From the interactive exhibitions spread across seven floors, to the unparalleled panoramic views of Dublin that await in the famous Gravity Bar, it’s little wonder that The Guinness Storehouse continues to win hearts and minds, particularly as it evolves and grows, with an ongoing focus on heritage, innovation and community.

Now, The Guinness Storehouse is carrying that vibrant spirit into ‘Alive In 25’ – a major, year-long 25th birthday celebration, featuring special cultural events, community initiatives and performances from some of the biggest names in Irish music.

But before we get too caught up in the excitement of 2025, we’re taking a step back in time – to explore the remarkable story of Guinness, the special area of Dublin known as the Liberties, and of course, The Guinness Storehouse…

NO GUINNESS WITHOUT DUBLIN

The Guinness Storehouse may be 25 years old, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the history of the black stuff stretches far beyond that. Way back in 1759, Arthur Guinness altered the course of Dublin history forever, by signing his famous 9,000-year lease for a then-disused brewery at St, James’s Gate, in the heart of the Liberties. The community was soon flooded with jobs and opportunities, bringing a serious boost not just to the local economy but to the country at large.

Less than 75 years later, the St. James’s Gate Brewery had grown to become the largest brewery in Ireland. Within another 50 years or so, it would be the largest in the world.
Over the subsequent decades, the famous harp logo, as well as the iconic advertising campaigns, transformed Guinness into the brand known and loved right across the planet today – as the world’s most popular stout, it is sold in over 150 countries.

Deciding that a little celebration and commemoration was in order, Guinness opened its original Brewery Museum in 1966, followed by a new, even more popular visitor centre in 1988.

However, the space was simply too small to keep up with the demand from visitors – and so, it was decided that a former fermentation plant on Market Street, originally built around 1902, would be dramatically renovated, and transformed into a world-class visitor attraction. The resulting spectacle was The Guinness Storehouse – which threw open its doors to the public in the millennial year of 2000, with the stunning Gravity Bar, situated on the seventh floor, as its crowning jewel. 20 years later, The Guinness Storehouse responded to the phenomenal popularity of the iconic bar by doubling its capacity, as part of a major expansion.

Of course, as the view from the Gravity Bar reminds each and every visitor, there would be no Guinness without Dublin – and Dublin would look very different indeed without Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse is a crucial part of the Dublin 8 community, and plays a key role in highlighting and celebrating the area’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

For locals and international visitors alike, a trip to The Guinness Storehouse provides the perfect excuse to explore the Liberties – and take in the fascinating attractions, world-renowned pubs, boundary-pushing restaurants, and bustling local businesses in what is an increasingly well-loved and welcoming part of the city.

But, as anyone who has spent time in the neighbourhood will tell you, it’s the local people that make the area truly special – something Guinness recognised early on. As well as employing countless residents of the area over the years, and leading the way in Ireland in terms of employee welfare, a history of philanthropy has also been a crucial part of the Guinness story. From donating St Stephen’s Green to the City, so the previously private park could be enjoyed by all, to supporting families through the construction of exceptionally well-built flats, Guinness’s contributions to Dublin have been immense, with the impact continuing to be felt to this day.

MUSIC AND CREATIVITY

Over the years, Guinness has carved out a unique space in the popular culture of the world, too. After all, what other brand could you imagine getting mentioned in songs by artists as varied as Dolly Parton, Kendrick Lamar, David Gray, Eminem and The Script?

Embracing these ties to music and creativity, on these shores and far beyond – and as a unique way of welcoming people inside the Home of Guinness – The Guinness Storehouse has played host to a thrilling array of acts over the years.

From homegrown heroes like Dermot Kennedy, BICEP, Lyra and Biig Piig, to international artists such as Kelis, Disclosure, Armand Van Helden and Joy Anonymous – as well as Culture Night and Other Voices events with the likes of The Mary Wallopers, Annie Mac and The Streets – The Guinness Storehouse has consistently aligned itself with some of the world’s most era-defining talent through these special shows.

But The Guinness Storehouse is turning things up more than a few notches for its ‘Alive In 25’ celebrations – having rung in 2025 with a high-octane performance from The Scratch on New Year’s Eve.
Carrying that energy through, the month of May saw the marvellously star-studded Lovely Days Live at the Home of Guinness – a fantastic three-day event of music, food and friends, featuring performances from some of the biggest names on the Irish and international scene, including Fontaines D.C., Lankum, CMAT, Barry Can’t Swim, BIIRD, Morgana, Jyoty, Tara Kumar and Chalk. The surrounding area was once again platformed and celebrated through Lovely Days Live at the Home of Guinness, with all proceeds from ticket sales going towards The Guinness Dublin 8 Community Fund.

Fontaines D.C. at the Guinness Storehouse. Credit: Curtis DeSmith.

“This is a very special year for The Guinness Storehouse, as we mark our 25th anniversary with a series of unforgettable cultural events through Alive in 25,” remarks Catherine Toolan, Managing Director of Diageo Irish Brand Homes. “As part of these celebrations, Lovely Days Live at the Home of Guinness has demonstrated The Guinness Storehouse’s commitment to curating premium experiences with world class artists and exciting Irish talent, as well as celebrating with the community surrounding The Guinness Storehouse.”

Over the summer, Guinness is also bringing Lovely Days to some of the country’s most popular festivals and events, including Forbidden Fruit, Live at the Marquee, and All Together Now. The ‘Lovely Days Stage’ is also set to make its triumphant return to All Together Now this year – so be sure to enjoy a creamy pint at the Guinness 1759 Bar in between sets!

With a whole new generation of creatives, trend-setters and music fans connecting with Guinness, there’s never been a better time for Irish people, and fans of music, to visit The Guinness Storehouse – whether it’s your first time, or you’re ready to relive the magic all over again. Consider this your invitation to discover what goes into making each pint; delve into the incredible, centuries-spanning history of the brand; and embark on a tasting experience that’s truly out of this world.

Clearly, since opening in 2000, The Guinness Storehouse has grown and developed into something more than just a brewery tour. It is a national treasure that Irish people can enjoy any time of the year. Whether you’re sipping a beautiful pint while overlooking the city in the Gravity Bar, or immersing yourself in the vibrant exhibits, you’ll find yourself not only gaining new insights into the story of Guinness, but into the remarkable history and culture of Ireland – where tradition and innovation come hand-in-hand.

• To plan your visit, head to guinness-storehouse.com

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