It is an offence to leave Ireland without having tasted their Guinness. So we went to see the brewery, and a free pint was included. Most of it was devoted to the history and explanation and we saw the new stainless steel version through the window.
there was info on all the special stuff that goes into making Guinness.
First the barley. Lots of it.
And yeast. Apparently they have been using same yeast for all these years. A reserve supply is kept in a safe in the boss's office in case anything happens and they have to get another lot going. I bet they have more than one!
And the water is also special.
Water display.
The Guinness harp. Apparently Guinness was the first to use this symbol. When Ireland wanted to use the same symbol, they took the mirror image of the harp use by Guinness.
We did have a taste. Not as bitter as some of the other beers I have had. I have never been a lover of beer (despite trying) and this one was more interesting - but as for a whole pint??!!
And lunch time. BL found the chocolate mousse, no doubt with Guinness, so we shared one.
An interesting display we spent several hours there, including at the shop, which sells fudge with Guinness in it. It must be a massive tourist earner for Dublin and Ireland. A well run museum.
