Guinness Storehouse beats Grand Canyon and Taj Mahal to become ‘world’s leading tourist attraction’

The win was announced last night at a glittering World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

“We pride ourselves on bringing the story of Guinness past, present and future to life, while showcasing the very best of Irish culture through local collaborations and partnerships spanning music, art, design, food and so much more,” said Catherine Toolan of Diageo Irish Brand Homes.

"We could not achieve any of this without our incredibly talented team who welcome millions of visitors every year, from all corners of the world, and provide the famous ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’...

"It means the world to our team to be recognised on a global stage and to bring these awards home to Dublin and The Liberties.”

The Guinness Storehouse, which welcomed over a million visitors last year, beat a who’s-who of global tourist attractions to its award – including Niagara Falls, the Las Vegas Strip and the Acropolis of Athens.

For the second year in a row, it was also named ‘World’s Leading Beer Tour Visitor Experience’.

"Compelling things to see and do give overseas visitors more reasons to holiday on the island of Ireland,” said Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive Designate of Tourism Ireland, of the win.

“The Guinness Storehouse offers a unique experience to visitors, celebrating an iconic story of Irish craft, heritage and industry in fresh, modern ways.”

Sometimes dubbed the tourism ‘Oscars’, the World Travel Awards include dozens of categories for brands, destinations, hotels, airports and more on country, regional (e.g. European) and global levels.

Entrants can be previous winners, self-nominated or WTA recommendations, with votes coming from “qualified executives working within travel and tourism and the consumer travel buyer”, it says.

Ireland has form in the awards.

In 2016, Titanic Belfast was crowned ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’, while this year saw Luttrellstown Castle win ‘Europe’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort’, Jameson Distillery Bow St win ‘Europe’s Leading Whiskey Distillery Tour’, and the Convention Centre Dublin win ‘Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’.

The Guinness Storehouse win comes as the popular attraction enters Christmas mode, with ritzy installations including an 8.5m Christmas tree and state-of-the-art cinema experience.

Tickets to the attraction cost €24pp for adults, including entry to the Gravity Bar and a pint of Guinness or non-alcoholic drink, and €10pp for children.

Read about a look inside the Guinness Archives in Dublin.