"What should we know before we go? The headquarters of Ireland's most famous beer adds a bit of culture and history to your vacation drinking—giving you some depth beyond throwing back a pint in a pub (not that there's anything wrong with that). Three bars, three restaurants (all with bars), classes, and tastings are on offer here, and although the public can't tour the brewery itself, this is the closest Guinness enthusiasts can get to the makings of the dark beer. How's the collection? A thoroughly contemporary renovation of this turn-of-the-century building allows for engaging, well-curated, and relevant exhibitions, including the main draw: a history of Guinness beer that starts by detailing the life of founder Arthur Guinness. What did you make of the crowd? Most Dubliners venture to pubs for their pint fix, leaving The Guinness Storehouse to visitors from other parts of Ireland and around the world. On the practical tip, how were facilities? Elevators and escalators punctuate the large space. There's plenty of seating for those who want to rest their feet with a foamy pint in-hand. Any guided tours worth trying? Nearly every experience, from the history exhibition to the tastings, require a ticket and trained guide. Book FastTrack admission in advance, which you can do online, to skip the line. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? If you're looking for imbibe-able souvenirs, The Guinness Retail Store has all the swag you'll ever need, plus some stuff you don't (but will want anyway). Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? The Storehouse's restaurants serve fresh food designed to pair with Guinness. And although you wouldn't come here specifically to eat, once you've downed a pint or two, you'll be glad to have options. Also, advance tickets come with a complimentary pint in the Gravity Bar when you complete your tour. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Hour-long tastings and classes offer Guinness insights and beer trivia in a compact 60 minutes." - Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
