The Truth About Dublin’s #1 Attraction: Guinness Storehouse

ABBEY: If you ever find yourself in Dublin, a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse should definitely be on your itinerary. It’s more than just a brewery tour—it’s a deep dive into Ireland’s rich brewing history and one of the world’s most recognizable beers.

To make the most of your visit, it’s best to book your tickets online ahead of time. We were a few minutes late for our scheduled time slot, but the friendly staff welcomed us in without any hassle—a great start to the experience!

The tour begins on the ground floor with a look at the legendary 9,000-year lease signed by Arthur Guinness for the St. James’s Gate Brewery. From there, you ascend through several levels that take you on a journey through the brewing process—from the raw ingredients (barley, hops, water, and yeast) to roasting, fermentation, and finally, tasting.

One of the highlights? The tasting experience. You’ll be offered a sample of Guinness and taught the proper way to enjoy it—no small sips here! To truly experience the flavor, you’re encouraged to take a generous mouthful and savor the richness.

For a fun twist, we upgraded our tour with The Stoutie experience—where your selfie (or group photo) gets printed in foam right on top of a pint of Guinness. It’s a quirky souvenir and definitely Instagram-worthy!

Once you’ve explored the exhibits and had your first taste, head up to the Gravity Bar, the highest point of the Storehouse. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Dublin while sipping on more freshly poured Guinness. There’s also a restaurant if you’re in the mood to pair your pint with a hearty Irish meal.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by the Guinness Storehouse shop, where you’ll find everything from glassware and apparel to limited-edition collectibles—perfect for remembering your visit or picking up a gift for someone back home.

Enjoying a pint of Guinness inside the Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse

WILL: When you think of beer, it’s usually the golden-yellow kind that comes to mind. But in Dublin, Ireland, the most iconic beer isn’t gold—it’s black. Yes, we’re talking about the world-famous Guinness. And there’s no better place to understand its legacy than at the Guinness Storehouse, one of the top things to do in Dublin.

Did you know the Guinness Storehouse stands on a site with a 9,000-year lease? That alone shows how deeply rooted this brand is in Irish culture.

Inside, you’ll learn how Guinness is made—from its ingredients to the brewing process. But what stood out most to me was the interactive way they teach you how to properly drink a pint of Guinness. That tip alone was golden (even for someone like me who isn’t a beer fan).

Another section I really enjoyed was the cooperage display—watching videos of how they used to make barrels by hand. It’s an impressive skill that deserves appreciation!

Finally, the experience wraps up with a visit to the famous Gravity Bar, where guests enjoy 360° views of Dublin while sipping on their freshly poured pint. The vibe here is lively and infectious—full of laughter, music, and conversations.

So, is it worth visiting the Guinness Storehouse?

Absolutely yes. Even if you’re not a beer enthusiast, the Guinness Storehouse isn’t just about beer. It’s about Irish pride, history, craftsmanship, and culture—all poured into one unforgettable experience.

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!

Guinness Storehouse: 

Brewery experience telling the tale of Ireland's famous beer, with tastings and a rooftop bar.

(W) https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/home

Why We Skipped the Plane and Took LNER First Class to Edinburgh

ABBEY: If you’re planning a trip from London to Edinburgh, one of the best ways to travel is by train—and for a truly comfortable experience, we highly recommend booking first-class tickets.

We began our journey at the iconic King’s Cross Station in London. Before boarding, we had access to the First Class Lounge, which offers a lovely view of the trains arriving and departing. The lounge provides light refreshments, including chips, tea, and coffee. While I wasn’t a fan of the coffee’s taste (perhaps something to do with the water), the shortbread cookies were a delicious treat—definitely worth grabbing a few before the ride!

Boarding the train was smooth. We easily found a spot for our luggage and settled into our assigned seats, which were spacious, clean, and comfortable. Shortly after departure, staff came around to check our tickets and offered hot drinks. I’m glad to report that the coffee on board was much better, especially enjoyed with the scenic countryside viewsrolling by the large windows.

For our onboard meal, we were served a roast chicken brioche roll, a tasty option that hit the spot. The onboard toilet facilities, however, were a bit underwhelming and could use some updating—but that was a small drawback in an otherwise pleasant journey.

After nearly five hours, we arrived in Edinburgh, greeted by a light drizzle and chilly air—exactly the kind of weather we had anticipated in this historic and charming city.

If you’re considering train travel between London and Edinburgh, especially in first class, it’s a comfortable and scenic alternative to flying. Plus, it’s a great way to see more of the British countryside while traveling in style.

Why We Skipped the Plane and Took LNER First Class to Edinburgh

WILL: Another trip, another train ride — and yes, I’m still loving it! I don’t know when exactly I fell in love with long train journeys, but I do know that they’ve become one of my favourite ways to travel. Especially when Abbey and I are together.

This time, we needed to get from London to Edinburgh. Flying? Nope. We wanted to avoid the long airport lines, baggage hassles, and all the stress that comes with flying these days. So once again, we turned to the train — and not just any train, but LNER First Class.

There are a few ways to travel this route, but here’s why we picked LNER First Class:

🚫 Sleeper trains were out of the question for us. We’d read too many reviews saying the ride wasn’t comfortable, sleep was impossible, and the toilets — well, let’s not go there. 

🚫 Regular economy class didn’t appeal to us either — crowded carriages and stories of missing bags weren’t very reassuring.

✅ So we chose LNER First Class — and it was the right choice.

Before boarding, we hung out in the LNER lounge. It was a decent waiting space — quiet, clean, and had chips, tea, and coffee. Not exactly luxurious, but still better than standing around at a crowded platform.

Once we got on the train, though, it felt like First Class for real. The seats were spacious and comfortable, and our steward was genuinely cheerful, always walking by with more tea and snacks. There was a calm, relaxed vibe that you don’t usually get in crowded public transport. And yes — the toilet was clean the entire trip! That may seem like a small thing, but on long journeys, it really matters.

What I appreciated most was the peace of mind. I wasn’t worried about my belongings. I didn’t have to deal with overhead luggage bins or people bumping into me. We could just sit back, enjoy the views, sip on tea, and enjoy the ride together.

So, would we travel this way again? Absolutely. And if you’re someone who values comfort, quiet, and a smoother travel experience, I’d definitely recommend LNER First Class.

What about you — have you ever tried this train? Or would you still prefer to fly? Let me know in the comments!

***

LNER - London North Eastern Railway

(W) https://www.lner.co.uk/

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide.

Inside LNER First Class train from London to Edinburgh, showing spacious seats and calm travel atmosphere