Is the Guinness Tour worth doing? I have heard both yes and no. The bar overlooking the city looks interesting, but don't know if rest of tour is worth it. Can you just go to the bar without going on the tour.
Thanks

A friend (an Aussie, naturally as you will see) did the tour with his friend and thought it was no biggie except for the end -- he got a fresh free pint better than any other Guinness. The tickets came with coupons that you detached and handed to the bartender, and he made a sign at the end of the bar that said "place unused drink tickets here". He then accumulated the unused tix with his friend and kept the drinks flowing. Soon the bartenders caught on and kicked him out.

Not sure if they still have detachable coupons anymore.

Both my boyfriend and I enjoyed the tour but then of course we are huge fans of their product! I don't know if you can do the bar without the tour but I will tell you that you will not find a better view in Dublin.

Quite frankly, I found the tour a waste of time. It's not like actually touring a brewery (I'm from Milwaukee--I ought to know!), it's like a museum tour where you see walls of stuff showing history, etc., but no actual parts of the brewery. I was bored to tears. But that's me. The view is great as other posts mention, and if you can do that without the tour, though I doubt it, that would be great. Plus I believe the tour is about $18 US apiece, which is a ripoff I think. Your call, but go to another high place and later go have a Guiness. Also, the lines are hugely long and the wait is hideous. And that was in March--low tourist season. I recall saying to my friends, imagine these lines in summer! My opinion--skip it unless you have lots of time to waste.

Thanks for the input. I think that we will just go somewhere with a view and have a few Guinness. Seems like a better option for the price. We don't want to spend time in line. Could go to Disney World for that. Thanks again!

I think your decision is sound--you could use that time to see lots of other places. Have a wonderful time--and a few pints!

Audie,

Contrary to some previous posts, I think a trip to the Guinness Brewery, or Storehouse, can make for an enjoyable - though highly touristy and commercial - diversion. Indeed, given that Guinness is synonymous with Dublin, not making the trip to the Storehouse might be akin to visiting Boston and passing on a visit to Fenway Park.

Guinness enthusiasts might be better equipped to cope with the Storehouse's drawbacks (throngs of tourists and in-your-face marketing of everything from Guinness keychains to boxers), as there is ample information on the history of the stout, as well as many displays of Guinness' highly creative advertising campaigns ("My Goodness, My Guinness" and "Guinness is Good for You&quot - the same advertising you'll see throughout Ireland, prominently featured on the exterior of pubs. Lastly, enjoy a Guinness from the stylish "Gravity Bar", where you can savor the taste of your drink and the splendid views, as well consider your next tourist attraction, the nearby Kilmainham Gaol, a must-see on any visit to Ireland's capital.

Best of luck.

Does anyone know if there are discounts available for the tour tickets? Or coupons in the local tourist magazines? This is my husband's favorite beer (he even named our dog Guinness) but the tour seems rather expensive.

Speaking of Guinness, what is the cost of a pint in a local pub in the small villages and towns? I'll be there next week.

Topping, just curious. The cost of Guinness will not reflect on the amount of money my wife gets to spend on shopping, but may reflect on the amount I get to spend on Guinness.

Reminds me of this joke. The priest went to this lady's home to let her know that her husband had passed away -- he fell into a vat of Guinness. She asked the priest -- Did he go quickly? He responded -- No, he got out 3 times to go to the bathroom.

a pint of Guinness will probably set you back an average of about €3.80 depending on where you are. Some places in Dublin charge up to €5.30 a pint!!

Yes the tour is pricey but I thought it was good and most people who come to visit me want to go and love the view from the bar at the end. There really is not other place for a drink with a view in Dublin....not any skyscrapers here yet.

I did the tour and I found it worth. Nice to see how Guiness advertising campaigns changed through the 20th century, reflecting the atmosphere of each decade.

After the Guiness tour, I did the John Powers (whisky) tour. It's equally interesting, each one in it's own way.

Sláinte!

We enjoyed the tour and found it worth while as well--we were there late Aug/early Sept and did not experience long lines. Would also recommend the on-site cafe which has a nice view if you get a window seat and the food was quite good. Given the opportunity, I would go back!