Today, HM Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by HRH, The Duke of Edinburgh, visited the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, as part of their official State visit to Ireland. During their time at the ‘Home of Guinness’ the Royal couple were treated to a ‘windows tour of Dublin’ from the Gravity Bar, with its panoramic 360 degree views of the city. They were also shown the Guinness ‘Perfect Pour’ by Guinness Master Brewer, Fergal Murray, and had a rare opportunity to view the original and world famous St. James’s Gate lease signed by Arthur Guinness in 1759.
Today’s event was the first visit to St. James’s Gate brewery by a reigning British monarch. Managing Director of Diageo Ireland, John Kennedy and Managing Director of the Guinness Storehouse, Paul Carty greeted Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on arrival to the Guinness Storehouse and introduced them to the invited guests. These guests included the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Irish Government Ministers, a senior delegation from the Irish tourism industry, Diageo employees, recipients of the Arthur Guinness Fund and some local Dublin representatives.
Well known Irish media presenter, Ryan Tubridy, brought Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on a “windows tour of Dublin’ highlighting key Dublin landmarks such the Phoenix Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College and Croke Park.
During their visit, the Royal couple were introduced to Guinness Master Brewer, Fergal Murray, who demonstrated the Guinness perfect pour and discussed the beer’s tradition, craft and passion which has been passed down through generations for over 250 years. Guinness Archivist, Eibhlin Roche had the original St. James’s Gate lease, signed by Arthur Guinness in 1759, on display and talked about how from humble beginnings, Guinness has become an iconic Irish brand, enjoyed in over 150 countries around the world.
John Kennedy, Managing Director, Diageo Ireland commented “Diageo Ireland is delighted to have been asked to host a visit to the Guinness Storehouse as part of Queen Elizabeth II official state visit to Ireland. Today’s visit is a great legacy for Guinness and will be recorded in the annals of Guinness history for generations to come”.
Paul Carty, Managing Director, Guinness Storehouse stated “We were deeply honoured to host this morning’s historical visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. Britain is our closest neighbour and the number one source market at the Guinness Storehouse, making up about 20% of our visitors. The Queen’s state visit to Ireland will be great for tourism and has given us a fantastic opportunity to project a positive image of Ireland to a global audience”.
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For Media Enquiries/ request an interview with Fergal Murray, Guinness Master Brewer and Eibhlin Roche, Guinness Archivist, please contact:
Rhonda Evans, Diageo Corporate Relations 086 855 1849
Lisa Fitzsimons, Guinness Storehouse 086 3837344
Note to Editors:
Since opening its doors in 2000, the Guinness Storehouse has welcomed over 8.5 million visitors from around the world and is Ireland’s number one international visitor attraction. The building, a former fermentation plant in the legendary St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, holds a seven storey Guinness experience which allows visitors to gain an understanding of why Guinness has become one of the world’s most iconic and best loved brands. The highlight for many is the Gravity Bar, where visitors can enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of Dublin City – views that are all the better with a complimentary pint in hand!
