Lovely day at Guinness Storehouse

Do you know where is our next stop ? Yes, you are correct ! It is the famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Wee ~ Guinness Storehouse was a Fermentation Plant from 1904 to 1988. Today, it has 7 storey visitor experience dedicated to the history and making of this world famous beer. We discovered what goes into the making of each and every pint, and learnt about the incredible brand history for over 250 years. One word, "awesome" !

Look at the souvenirs that you can get. Drooling* I heard that some of the souvenirs are limited edition and only available at this place. Is that a good reason for you to come ? Hehe... Winked*

Did you know that this building is designed in the shape of a giant pint of Guinness which can hold up to 14.3 million pints ? OMG !!! I did not know that even though I was there. Haha... Silly me. Anyway, I like the environment here. Very interactive learning experience. Thumbs up*

Our journey started with an introduction to the "Home of Guinness". Here, we discovered the 4 natural ingredients that make the magic drink, Guinness. Abracadabra~ 

Next, we learnt about step by step through the brewing process. If I am not mistaken, barley is malted, roasted, milled, mixed with hot water and mashed. Then, the liquid is filtered off and boiled with hops. 

Later on, yeast is added and fermentation begins. The beer is clarified, matured and prepared for packaging. I hope I am not giving you all the incorrect information. LoL

This is one of my favorite place to see and learn. I find the making of cask very fascinating. After I watched the video, I felt like the craftsmen are geniuses. During that time, there were no machines and all of the casks were made by hands. I cannot imagine how much time and efforts they have given to do this. Salute* 

Can you spot the twins ? 

We also discovered various transport methods used by Guinness. Very interesting indeed. 

This is 100% handcrafted piece of art. It is designed by talented young people from Ireland (I think). It is made of a bit of everything such as wood, aluminium, cloth, clay and etc. It tells the story of Guinness from beginning till today.

These are one of the world's most iconic brands in the history. From the first official Guinness advert that shown in the national British press in 1929, to its current advertising from around world. There is room where you can watch their best TV adverts over the decades. The sound surroundings were amazing. You really need to see this for yourself. Hehe !

I find this oyster funny because it can whistle. Haha ! So cute... It reminds me of Little Mermaid movie from Disneyland. I wish I can bring it home. Giggle*

We went to the Guinness Academy where we learnt to pour our first Guinness. Yeah ! I think mine is on the right, second glass. And guess what ? I have passed the test and got myself a certificate. Haha !

With a final touch, we went to the highest floor to see the 360 degree views of Dublin with our freshly brewed Guinness. Ended our trip with style. Overall, I enjoyed this visit and it is highly recommend to anyone who wish to know more about Guinness or just come here for a drink. Watching the views of Dublin city with a pint of Guinness is a whole new experience that you need to have. I hope you can enjoy it when you are there. Cheers to Guinness ! 

Our trip are not over yet. Stay tuned for the next one... Winked*

With Love,

J & C

Hidden Castle in Dublin

Hey there, guess what ? Mr. Sun is back and it is time for me to go travel again. Yeah ! If you are staying in Ireland, you probably will know why I have said that. In Ireland, you really cannot predict the weather, at least for me. When I predict this, it will always turns out that. Murphy's Law ? What else can I do ? I pray. I always pray for good weather and this time, it really does come true! Haha... Thank you Mr. Weather Maker ! Muax ~

My friend, Clio is here with me and she is from France. Bonjour ! We met 4 years ago in our college time and our friendship is still going strong. We love to travel and take a lot of photos. I mean A LOT of photos. You would not believe how many photos that I have taken for 5 days trip. Hehe... Our first stop is in Dublin and we found something good that is, the Dublin Castle.

My first impression of it was like "Is this a castle ? Looks like the State Apartments to me". The history said that there was a severe fire damage in 1684. Therefore, we only can see the remaining of the castle. Dublin Castle is now used for important State receptions and Presidential Inaugurations. In short, it is now use for politic purposes. 

We went on a guided tour which takes us to 3 parts of the area. The first one is about the Dublin Castle, then about the Chapel Royal and end with the State Apartments. I was pretty impressed with the tour. If you like history, go for it. Winked*

The remaining parts of the Dublin Castle 

The Chapel Royal insider

I love the design of it. Pretty impressive. My favorite part of this chapel is the pipe organ. Thumbs up* I wonder how the craftsmen created it. hmm...

Step into the State Apartments

On your left side is King George the III and his wife, Queen Charlotte. Did they really have fair skin as shown in the paintings ? If yes, I will be super jelly on them.LoL...

I am in love with the chandeliers. Look at them, aren't they pretty ? Hehe... I sound like a bug looking for light. Bzzz ~~~

This room is called the State Drawing Room. During the 18th and 19th centuries, extravagant balls, parties and dinners were held in this room. Artwork of interest in this room include the portraits of a young Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert.

Next, the Throne Room also known as the Presence Chamber. This room is situated at the heart of the State Apartments. According to history, the large throne was made for King George IV's visit to Ireland in 1821. What I know is that King George IV is a very tall men. You will need to see how huge is the chair for yourself. 

Apart from the Throne Room, there is a room called the Portrait Gallery. Last time, it is used as a supper room where banquets were held often comprising of 16 to 30 courses, served on a long table extending the entire length of the room. WoW ! They really know how to "Live to eat" concept. LoL... Today, it is a home to a collection of portraits of former Viceroys (royalties) of Ireland.

Welcome to the St. Patrick's Hall which is one of the oldest rooms of the State Apartments. Also, it consists one of the most important decorative interiors in the Castle. When I entered this room, my first word is, WOW ~~~ It has the most significant painted ceiling in Ireland. Double WOWs ~~~

Now, St. Patrick's Hall is the most important ceremonial room in the country. It is used for important state events such as state banquets for visiting dignitaries and the inauguration of Ireland's President, which takes place every 7 years. Below is an up side down photo. Hope you can see the paintings well. Hehe...

Last but not least the Gothic Round Room. It is known as the Bermingham Tower and was one of the original medieval towers of Dublin Castle. Another pretty chandelier... I think there are more than 20 chandeliers in this building.  Drooling*

Overall, we had a great time here in Dublin Castle. Thanks to good weather and great companion. We did learn some history about Ireland. I was never a fan of history but this one is really good. Feel free to visit this place if you are in Dublin. Trust me, you will know why I named this post the Hidden Castle in Dublin. Au Revoir !

Stay tuned for our next stop in Dublin. Winked*

With Love,

J & C