Guinness Five breathes gastronomic life into the old Dublin 8 site

The fifth floor of our most popular tourist attraction has been given a foodie makeover, and a €2 million facelift.

The famous St James' Gate Guinness brewery site is firmly steeped in Irish tradition. Since it's foundation in 1759, by the now famour Arthur Guinness, a rising smoke in the area, a steady stream of shift workers and an earthy smell has always signified the brewing process in full swing. The site was brought into the modern ages in 2000, with the opening of a modern, seven floor high visitor centre, which serves as an homage to the black liquid that Ireland is so closely linked with. And now, in 2011, comes a new dawn of sorts for the Storehouse, with the launch of a new attraction, entitled "Five. Guinness and Food Experience

Based around the idea of marrying the distinct flavours of Guinness with some delicious Irish food, "Five" has seen the refurbishment of the fifth floor, which now houses an authentic Irish Bar called Arthur's Bar, an 18th Century inspired Brewers Dining Hall, as well as a bright, modern restaurant named Gilroy's (inspired by the iconic Guinness adverts by John Gilroy).

The Guinness team has carefully selected a number of key local suppliers to work with and their produce can be seen on the menus at "Five". These include Ardsallagh goat's cheese, Irish mussels from Carlingford and MD Bakery in Waterford who supply the traditional Waterford snack of the Blaa!

It's hoped that the new concept will see foodies and Guinness drinkers alike flock to the site. Menu options range from delicious seafood, to Guinness soaked burgers, and of course delicious dark desserts. Executive Chef for the floor, Justin O' Connor, mentions that the famous Beef & Guinness stew dish is also central to the experience, and is recreated using "Hereford beef from Nenagh in Co Tipperary, which is marinated for 24 hours in Guinness and then slow cooked for succulence and taste"

You can even sup a pint in the specially designed hidden "snug" at Arthur's Bar, while enjoying this unique Guinness gastronomic experience driven entirely by the Irish tradition of wholesome, local produce. If you're suitably impressed, and wish to bring the experience home with you, there are Guinness cookbooks and special ingredients available to purchase. This writer would personally recommend the "Red Meat Marinade"!

For more information, the Guinness site also has a new area to browse, including loads of delicious recipes.

Five facts about Guinness Five:

• The Guinness Storehouse has welcomed over 9 million visitors since opening its doors in 2000
• The building is 125 feet high, 170 feet long and 151 feet wide.
• It would take 14.3 million pints of Guinness to fill the giant glass atrium in the centre of the Storehouse building.
• Over 1.6 million visitors have tasted Guinness for their first time since 2000.
• Over 400,000 visitors have learned how to pour a pint of Guinness.
• Gravity Bar is the highest bar in Dublin, located 46 metres off the ground, if you fancy a pint with a view!