A Guide on How to Drink Guinness in Ireland

If you’ve ever heard someone say “split the G” and wondered what on earth they meant, you’re in the right place…

There’s nothing quite like a pint of Guinness poured in Ireland. Sipping this world-famous stout is a bit of a tradition, and like any good Irish tradition, there’s a right way to do it!

Here in Ireland, we don’t just drink Guinness, we respect it. From the pour to the final sip, every pint has its own little ceremony. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to drink Guinness like a real local, including the best way to pour it, what splitting the G means, some fun variations, and how to enjoy your pint to the fullest. 

How to Pour a Pint of Guinness

Pouring a proper pint of Guinness is an art, and it starts with the perfect glass! Always served in a branded tulip-shaped pint glass, Guinness is poured in two parts.

First, the bartender holds the glass at a 45-degree angle under the tap and fills it to about three-quarters full. Then comes the wait (around 119.5 seconds to be exact!) while the iconic surge and settle happens. That’s when the bubbles in the pint of Guinness cascade and rise into that smooth, creamy head. Once it’s settled, the bartender will top up the rest of the pint with a straight pour to create the perfect dome of foam.

It might sound like a bit of fuss, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. At The Temple Bar Pub, our bartenders have mastered this ritual down to the second, because when you’re serving hundreds of pints a day, every pour matters!

What Does “Splitting the G” Mean?

You might hear someone at the bar challenge their friend to “split the G.” It’s not a drinking game, per se, it’s more of a bit of Guinness-loving pride. On every Guinness pint glass, you’ll see the logo with the word “Guinness” printed on the front. The goal of splitting the G? Take your first sip so the foam line lands right through the middle of the “G”.

It’s harder than it sounds! Too eager and you’ll miss it, too cautious and you’ll come up short. But if you hit it? You’ve earned yourself some bragging rights in the pub.

“Splitting the G” is one of those fun, unofficial traditions that brings a bit of playfulness to drinking a pint. Next time you’re in the pub, give it a go, and if you manage to get it just right, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us!

Does Guinness Taste Different in Ireland?

If you’ve ever had Guinness abroad and weren’t too impressed, don’t worry, you are not alone. There’s a common saying: “Guinness just tastes better in Ireland.” And it’s true.

That smooth, creamy pint you get here? It’s down to freshness, technique, and attention to detail. Guinness brewed at St. James’s Gate in Dublin travels just a short distance to pubs around the city. At The Temple Bar Pub, we take huge pride in serving a great pint of Guinness, storing and serving it correctly, cleaning the lines regularly, and our staff know exactly how to pour it.

Different Ways to Drink Guinness in Ireland

Now, purists might raise an eyebrow at this part, but in Ireland, it’s not unusual to see someone order their Guinness with a dash of blackcurrant. Known simply as a Guinness and Black, this combo adds a sweet, fruity hit to balance the bitterness of the stout. It’s particularly popular with those who are easing into the taste of Guinness for the first time. There are other ways to mix things up too. Ever heard of a Black Velvet? It’s a bold blend of Guinness and Champagne. Some even mix Guinness with lager or cider to create drinks like a Half and Half or Snakebite!

We won’t tell you how to enjoy your pint, but if you’re curious, give one of these twists a try. Just don’t forget to taste it in its pure form first… there’s nothing quite like it.

When and Where to Enjoy a Guinness

In Ireland, there’s no wrong time for a pint of Guinness, but some moments make it all the more special.

Try it by a roaring fire on a rainy day, in the sun outside a bustling pub, or with live traditional music filling the room, like you’ll find here at The Temple Bar Pub every single day. Guinness is more than just a drink, it’s really a part of the atmosphere, a nod to Irish heritage, and a way to soak up the rhythm of Dublin life.

And trust us, it tastes even better when shared with good company.

Tips for First-Time Guinness Drinkers

Never had Guinness before? Don’t worry – here’s what to keep in mind:

• Take your time, Guinness is a pint to savour. Sip slowly and let the flavours build.
• Try not to judge it too quickly. The first few sips are often different from the last, as it settles, so does the taste.
• Always let it settle before drinking. No sipping halfway through the pour, patience pays off – trust us!
• Don’t be shy to chat with the bartender and ask questions! We love sharing a bit of Guinness knowledge (and maybe even some local tips!).

And of course, if you’re enjoying your first ever pint of Guinness at The Temple Bar Pub, you’re in safe hands. We’ll make sure it’s a pint to remember.

Thank you for reading our blog ‘A Guide on How to Drink Guinness in Ireland’. We hope to see you at The Temple Bar Pub soon.