The Guinness Harp
Learn about the history of the Guinness Harp, recognised as the emblem of Guinness worldwide.
1862
As Guinness began to spread its reach across the globe in the 18th century, the company realised it needed a way to identify Guinness as an Irish beer and serve as a mark of its quality. The harp device first featured on a Guinness bottle label in 1862 and has been synonymous with the brand ever since.
A Symbol Most Irish
Ireland was well-known overseas at the time for its rich culture and musical heritage. The harp was a significant emblem of this tradition and has been a heraldic symbol of Ireland from the 13th century. The Guinness Harp is based on the ‘Brian Boru Harp’, considered to be one of the finest surviving examples of the Gaelic harp, or cláirseach.
The mythology of the harp itself is that it once belonged to Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, who died at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. More recently, the harp has been dated to the 14th century but maintains its nominal association with Ireland’s legendary king. The original creator of the harp remains a mystery. The harp was donated to Trinity College Dublin in 1782, where it continues to be on display today.
1876
Guinness trademarked the harp in 1876, the first year of trademark registration in the United Kingdom. The harp appeared on the Guinness trademark label, which were printed for each bottler, publican, and distributor, that signed up to the trademark agreement. You may notice these bottles on display in traditional Guinness pubs across Ireland.
The Irish Free State chose the same Brian Boru harp as the official emblem on its founding in 1922 and it remains on the Republic of Ireland’s national coat of arms. It appears on the Presidential seal, as well as coins and passports. As Guinness had already trademarked the logo, the Irish State were required to ‘flip’ the image harp faces in the opposite direction – compare the logo on an Irish coin to your pint glass!
The Harp Through the Ages
The Guinness Harp has gone through several redesigns over the centuries and continues to evolve today. It remains front-and-centre of the Guinness brand, illuminated in the Guinness Hero Harp we see in bars and pubs today.
Design Innovation
The Guinness Hero Harp was designed to restore the visual impact of Guinness Draught at the bar. The fount illuminates the distinctive Guinness Harp emblem, giving it a new vibrancy and bringing light from darkness.
The Hero Harp was awarded Gold and the overall Grand Prix Award at the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards in 2020.