Dublin Sunday

We woke up feeling a little less perky than we had done the morning before but luckily the weather was on our side, meaning an alfresco brunch was on the cards. Also just around the corner from our hotel was L’Gueuleton, the quaintest little French restaurant.
We grabbed a table outside and immediately ordered pots of tea. Brits to the core.Feeling much better in no timeBreakfast was our usual delicate affair and far more delicious than they were beautifulSpinach, Sweet Corn & Spring Onion Potato Cakes with Fried Green Tomatoes, Feta Cheese & Red Pepper Hummus for meFried Potato Hash with Shredded Ham Hock, Confit Onion, Fried Eggs, Relish & Salad for Sarah.Thoroughly sated we headed off in search of the Guinness Storehouse“Arthur Guinness started brewing ales in 1759 at the St. James’s Gate Brewery, Dublin. On 31 December 1759, he signed a 9,000 year lease at £45 per annum for the unused brewery. Ten years later, on 19 May 1769, Guinness first exported his ale: he shipped six-and-a-half barrels to Great Britain.”

I’d imagine it’s probably a few more than that now.Converse/ Jeans/ Cosy Jumper (similar)/ Jacket (similar)(similar)The building is shaped like a giant pint glass and over the course of the tour you learn all about the history and production of Guinness.I can guess what you’re thinking. Probably something along the lines of “I’m not sure I’m that interested in it to be honest Elise”. Well I didn’t think I would be either but it’s so cleverly done. Guinness have clearly thrown the big bucks at this and it shows.The bubble display was one of the most relaxing things I’ve ever seen. I’d like one in my bedroom please.Hundreds of bubble lights flicker and glow, lulling you half to sleep.Of course you can’t do the visit justice without trying some Guinness yourself.Inside the tasting room you’ll find 4 basins, each with a different aroma floating out so you can identify the 4 main characteristics.You then grab yourself the cutest little glass and get ready to taste.For the record, the correct way to taste it is as follows:

Breathe in, take a drink, hold in your mouth for a couple of seconds, swallow, breathe out through your mouth.

This apparently lets you taste all the flavours individually. In can you’re worried that’s all you’re going to get, fear not. You can either go straight up to the bar for it or you can opt to pour your own. We obviously went for the latter.Now that’s  pretty good looking GuinessSatisfied with our efforts we took our pints up to the top floor bar, which is also the highest pub in Ireland, to sip them overlooking the city.I’m not really a big beer drinker but I have to say, it really was rather good! Maybe it’s just my excellent pouring skills.On our walk back we passed a pub with a live band and couldn’t resist popping in for one last one before heading home (that’s our new pal Joe). Such a fun weekend, don’t you worry Dublin, we’ll be back.