Wednesday, April 29:

Today was a free day in Dublin for some. Most folks took the optional excursion to the Guinness Storehouse. The storehouse was a fermentation plant from 1904 to 1988. Now, it is a 7-story visitor experience dedicated to the history and making of the world's famous beer - Guinness. We discovered what goes into the making of each and every pint, and learn about the incredible brand history stretching over 250 years. 


On the ground floor was a copy of the famous lease Arthur Guinness signed on December 31, 1759. The 9,000 year lease was for an annual rent of £40 to take over the St. Jame’s Gate Brewery, which had been vacant for almost ten years. Guinness is a black beer, known as “stout,” renowned for its distinctive malty flavor and smooth creamy head. It is the largest brewery in Europe and exports beer to more than 120 countries throughout the world – about 1.8 billion pints. A few discovered how to pour the perfect Guinness. Others made their way to the Gravity Bar which allowed them the opportunity to have a pint and view the sites of Dublin - a lovely view! A great vantage point to begin a tour to Dublin if it is your first visit!


Following our tour, we went to The Brazen Head for lunch. The Brazen Head is Ireland's Oldest Inn/Pub. It was established in 1198. Here, several enjoyed a choice of Irish stew, Bangers 'n' Mash, or Fish 'n' chips and even another pint of Irish brew!! For dessert - an apple crumble! 




By the time we got back to the hotel, we had a few hours to get bags together for the journey home, take a nap, or get ready for the night ahead. At 5:30 p.m. we departed for our farewell Irish night at The Merry Ploughboy - a traditional Irish pub that offered dinner and entertainment. There was singing of Irish songs and Irish dancing. It was a fun evening! We bid farewell to fellow travelers we met. After dinner and entertainment, it was back to the hotel. On the way back Banner Smith entertained us on the harmonica. We sang together "You Are My Sunshine!" Back at the hotel - folks got their stuff together for a morning departure to the airport.