Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Guinness in Dublin

 Guinness Behind The Gates Tour

Sláinte! The Friendliest Place in the World

It was a damp and cool day but the air was full of energy. I shivered as the wind whipped around the corner but I was too busy trying to take in all of the sights to be bothered by the weather. Yours truly was among the many international visitors who descended on Dublin, Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The hub for revelry would be at Ireland’s number 1 international visitor attraction, the Guinness Storehouse. This year, the Storehouse was declared the friendliest place in the world and celebrated record visitor numbers on St. Patrick’s Day since opening 12 years ago.

 

The Storehouse is located in the heart of the St. James Gate Brewery and is intimidatingly large for an industrial steel framed building. Yet the entrance of the Storehouse calls upon a scene from the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the one from the 70s) and you fully expect Gene Wilder to pop out and escort you in. But enough about chocolate, back to the beer!

 

Once inside, I realized taking a guided tour was the best way to learn fun facts about Guinness and this massive seven-story building. I’m not sure if I would have guessed that the Storehouse, a former fermentation plant, has been remodeled into the shape of a giant pint of Guinness. As we made our way along the tour I picked up many more quirky tidbits. I learned that Arthur Guinness and his wife, Olivia Whitmore, had 21 children, only 10 of whom lived to adulthood. Also, the ancient Irish Harp symbol was firstly used as a symbol for Guinness and only later adopted by the Irish Government as the official Government symbol.

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Tour aside, there was so much happening in the Storehouse. As the global hub of all St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, there was an exciting line-up of Irish-infused entertainment and festivities throughout the building. I enjoyed listening to the mix of local Irish talent and entertainment, including well known bands such as Brass Roots, Tupelo, Donal Kirk, Four Men & A Dog, The Swing Cats, The New Free and Eclectic Spree. When there was an impromptu performance by Irish singer, Jerry Fish, and a colorful Céilí dance by the Ellen DeGeneres on-air reporter, Andy Zenor, I knew the party was just getting started. DJs spun festive Irish music adding to the party atmosphere as stout pint sippers enjoyed panoramic 360 degree views in the Gravity Bar, the highest viewpoint throughout Dublin. I met a few Patrick’s, Patricia’s and a Tischa, who told me they got VIP treatment and free admission that weekend, so I guess all variants of the name qualify. I later learned that on St. Patrick’s Day, hundreds of Patricks availed of the special VIP Patrick Pass at the Guinness Storehouse. Anyone with the first name of Patrick, Patricia, Trish, Paddy, and Patricio or indeed any variant of the name, were granted complimentary access to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities at the Storehouse.

 

As part of the visit, there are tasting and pouring experiences. I had the pleasure of learning how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. First, you can’t rush it. It takes 119.5 seconds to pour and serve the perfect pint of Guinness draught. You start with a cool, clean, dry, Guinness branded glass and hold the glass firmly at 45 degrees under the Guinness tap. Next, pull the handle fully forward towards you. Slowly straighten the glass as it fills and stop when the glass is full. It seems pretty obvious but sometimes when there's been a lot of Guinness ‘tasting’ it's worth mentioning. Now, leave the surge to settle allowing the creamy head to form. I was instructed that the head should be 10-15mm high. Oh, and never put the tap spout into the Guinness. Next, top up the glass by pushing the tap handle away from you and stop when the head is just proud of the rim. Do not let the Guinness overflow, and never use a spatula to level the head! Mission accomplished. Present the perfect pint to the recipient. Sláinte!