Guinness and Jameson ... Tours and Tastings

We took buses to the Guinness Storehouse so we could check out what has changed since we last visited in 2006. Celebration of their 250th birthday was in December 2009, so they added a special display featuring dated information about the history of Guinness. 

Beginning in 1779, they have managed to distribute Guinness to most countries of the world.  We've had the availability of this wonderful brew since 1833. The taste of Guinness just isn't the same as what we had at the Storehouse. I drank the complete pint. Smooth and delicious.When they fill the glass, it comes out as beige brown and, after sitting for two minutes, the gases separate out and the color changes to ruby black. They add more to it to top off the foam. As you finish drinking it, there's foam in the bottom that finishes off the taste.

The views from the Gravity Bar, at the top of the building, are amazing. We were lucky to have such a beautiful sunny day.

 The advertising signs say it all...

We walked to Jameson Distillery, across the River Liffey by way of the bridge. It was a beautiful afternoon, almost 60, so the walk was pleasant and, fortunately, not too long. Dublin is a great walking city with so much to see.  We followed the signs to the entrance to the Brewery.

Took out the Dublin Cards and were told our tour would leave in about 15 minutes. Enough time to check out the gift shop and visit the toilets. The tour began with a film about Jameson. The tour guide showed us the process of making the whiskey. At the end of the tour, we were each given authentic Jameson whiskey to taste. Some people were selected to conduct a tasting, comparing Jameson to Scottish and American whiskeys. Steve had the opportunity to do this. After completion, he received a certificate as an  "official taster."  The girl sitting next to me asked where I was from in NY. When I answered "Ellenville, in the Hudson Valley" she told me she was a junior at SUNY New Paltz. She's starting a semester (through Geneseo) at Trinity College (in Dublin), studying literature. She was at the Brewery with her boyfriend, who attends a New Jersey college. Coincidence to be in same place at same time... and someone who is inquisitive or would never have talked to each other.

Walked across the Carlisle Bridge (O'Connell Bridge) so I could check out some things I wanted to buy in a store in the area. Today was Daffodil Day so there were many people selling them. Maybe this man sold more with his special outfit. We had eaten an apple and 2 cheese wedges for an afternoon snack, so started looking for a place to have dinner. There are many eateries but sometimes they don't have many choices for us. We tried a Marks & Spencer on Henry Street, where we had found salads and sandwiches before, but being late in the day, the shelves were nearly empty. We exited out onto a street we've never been on before. Just as I was telling Steve about Govindas, a vegetarian place I read about, of which there are only three in Dublin, Steve said, "You mean like that one there?" Coincidence again?
Delicious, filling, healthy food.

Back to hotel so we can get rest before a busy day tomorrow. Weather is supposed to be very nice so we're considering taking the bus to Phoenix Park and going to the zoo.