The prestigious accolade was bestowed upon the iconic home of Guinness at the World Travel Awards held in Batumi, Georgia, on Friday, September 29.

Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse has clinched the title of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction for 2023. They triumphed over illustrious competitors such as Buckingham Palace and the Eiffel Tower. It last held this title in 2015.

In addition, the Guinness Storehouse secured the Europe’s Leading Beer Tour Visitor Experience Award for the second consecutive year. Notably, it was the sole Irish nominee in this category. The category also featured contenders like Fuller’s Brewery in England, The Heineken Experience in the Netherlands, and The Budweiser Budvar Brewery in the Czech Republic.

Catherine Toolan, Managing Director of Diageo Irish Brand Homes, expressed her delight, stating, “We are absolutely delighted to accept both of these prestigious awards on behalf of the whole team at The Guinness Storehouse. We are honoured to be in the same company as such renowned tourist attractions from across Europe. This is fantastic recognition for Irish tourism. And for everyone at Home of Guinness, who create a world-class visitor experience and a warm Irish welcome for the thousands of people each day.”

Now in its thirtieth year, the World Travel Awards, often dubbed the “Tourism Oscars,” stand as the most prestigious and sought-after awards program in the global travel and tourism industry. These awards serve as a global hallmark of industry excellence, acknowledging and celebrating outstanding contributions.

Toolan highlighted, “In the past 12 months, we have welcomed 1.4 million visitors to the Guinness Storehouse from 165 countries, who come through our famous black gates to experience the best of modern Irish culture, to learn more about our 264 years of history in the heart of Dublin, and get to taste of a beautiful pint of Guinness or Guinness 0.0.”

Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, also extended his congratulations, emphasizing the Guinness Storehouse’s crucial role in Dublin’s tourism offering. He said, “This award is excellent recognition for the quality of the visitor experience at the Guinness Storehouse and is particularly special as these awards are voted for by the public. The Guinness Storehouse is an important part of the tourism offering in Dublin and offers a unique and world-class visitor experience for anyone visiting Ireland, as well as for visitors to Europe from around the world.”

Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive Designate of Tourism Ireland, praised the Guinness Storehouse’s well-deserved accolades, saying, “These are truly well-deserved accolades and testament to the hard work of the staff. Overseas visitors regularly tell us that their holiday in Ireland has surpassed their expectations and a visit to Guinness Storehouse is certainly a ‘must-see’ now on everyone’s itinerary.”

The Guinness Storehouse provides enthusiasts of the famous brew with an opportunity to explore the history, craftsmanship, and heritage of Ireland’s most iconic beer. Visitors can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the art of brewing the perfect pint of Guinness, an immersive exhibition and cinema room experience dedicated to Guinness advertising history, and the chance to savour a pint in the Gravity Bar while taking in Dublin’s breathtaking vistas. Additionally, guests can learn about Guinness’s future and its latest innovations, including Guinness Nitro Surge, Guinness Microdraught, and Guinness 0.0.

For those interested in experiencing Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction, booking details are available at www.guinnessstorehouse.com.