Guinness Storehouse is set to emerge as the most visited attraction in Ireland in 2024, with the Cliffs of Moher finishing second, ahead of Dublin Zoo for the third successive year.
Guinness Storehouse has been Ireland’s most visited attraction since overtaking Dublin Zoo in 2010. The Cliffs of Moher were previously in second place 2014 to 20-19.
Higher attendances are likely to emerge for the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre (estimated 2.1m) and Kildare Village shopping facility (estimated 1.6m) and a top ten place for the National Aquatic Centre (estimated 1.2m) which are not included in the tables.
In a survey by the visitor attractions body, AVEA, 97pc of respondents anticipate increased visitor numbers in 2024 with slightly more (99pc) expecting increased revenue. These proportions are similar to those projected for 2023 in last year’s survey. The average scale of increase expected is 9.5pc for visitors and 11.5pc for revenue. If demand in 2023 was 6pc below the 2019 peak, as indicated by the comparison of performance across both years at some 55 sites, the anticipated growth in 2024 should see many sites exceeding that peak.
The Guinness Storehouse is celebrating its 25th anniversary on January 1 2025 and, according to a written press release, welcomed its 25mth visitor in 2024 and saw a significant increase in annual visitor numbers.
The attraction served over 1.5m pints, certified 102,000 pint pouring experts, and witnessed numerous heartwarming moments, including marriage proposals and unique guest experiences.
Cultural events and innovative exhibits are key to enhancing the visitor experience, with seasonal highlights and new immersive floors contributing to its appeal for both domestic and international audiences.
Looking forward, the “Alive in 25” campaign aims to showcase the rich history of Guinness while continuing to connect visitors with Irish culture and community initiatives throughout 2025.
- The Guinness Storehouse officially opened on 27 November 2000 with An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, as guest of honour.
- Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton were the first high profile visitors on 12 December 2000
- The Guinness Storehouse was confirmed as Ireland’s number one tourist attraction in its first year of operation, welcoming 570,000 visitors
- The Guinness Storehouse welcomed 1.65m visitors in 2024
- Including over 5,000 visitors from New Zealand, the furthest point from Dublin at over 18,000km away
- The Guinness Storehouse served over 1.5m pints of Guinness and Guinness 0.0
- Printed 184,000 STOUTies (selfies on a stout) on top of creamy pints of Guinness
- 40,000 individually hand tied bunches of barley to create the new Ingredients Floor Experience which launched in 2024
- 39,000 Oysters shucked; 58,000 slice of Guinness brown bread served; 32,000 Guinness & beef stews sold
- 18,000 visitors played the bodhran live in the Home of Guinness
- 12 marriage proposals were made in the Guinness Storehouse, all accepted
Storehouse MD Catherine Toolan shared: “In the last 12 months, the Guinness Storehouse saw a 10pc increase in total visitor numbers, welcoming 1.65m visitors to Dublin from across the world. 1.5m pints of Guinness and Guinness 0.0 were served, an impressive 102,000 new pint pouring experts were certified by the Guinness Academy. Romance was in the air as The Gravity Bar witnessed 12 proposals (they all said yes) as well as welcoming its most senior guest at 98 years young. This year, we were incredibly proud to have welcomed 25m visitors since opening in 2000, which is testament to the world-class experience, innovation, and enduring appeal of the Guinness Storehouse, as well as the power of Irish hospitality,” said Catherine Toolan, Managing Director, Diageo Irish Brand Homes. Toolan added: “Since opening our doors, the Guinness Storehouse has captivatedms with its rich history, engaging storytelling and innovative exhibits that underscore the growing demand for experiences that connect domestic and international visitors with local culture and the heart and soul of Guinness. Guinness Storehouse Alive in 25 is our way to create a year of magic that will reflect the vibrancy and dynamism of our customers, community and culture, at the Home of Guinness.”
