The famed Guinness pint is still a favorite, especially with Gen Z in the UK, but it seems that Dublin’s Temple Bar area is seeing some serious sticker shock lately.
The iconic Irish stout, long associated with the Irish capital, has drawn tourists and locals alike to its pubs for years.
But recently, visitors have been expressing frustration over the growing price of a pint, with some fearing that soon they might pay as much as €10 (£8.30) for just one.
Tourists and Locals Stunned by Guinness Prices in Dublin’s Temple Bar
For decades, Dublin’s Temple Bar neighborhood has been a mecca for tourists, offering everything from traditional Irish food and live music to the experience of sipping on the city’s signature stout.
However, as prices soar, even regulars are starting to voice concerns.
Many are comparing current charges to the pricey costs often seen in London’s expensive central areas.
With the national average for a pint sitting at €5.64 (£4.68), prices in Temple Bar have been far above what visitors expect to pay.
The Temple Bar Pub Draws Criticism for High Guinness Prices
One of the most notorious spots for overpriced Guinness in the area is The Temple Bar Pub, a historic location established in 1840.
Although it’s a popular spot that has welcomed celebrities like David Beckham and his son Cruz, the pub recently faced backlash when a customer shared a receipt showing they paid nearly €50 (£41.91) for five pints of Guinness.
That breaks down to €9.95 (£8.34) per pint, significantly higher than the average. Adding to the frustration, the customer also ordered a few other drinks, and their total bill came to a whopping €85.95 (£72.05).
Oliver St. John Gogartys Faces Backlash Over Guinness Price Tag
Another Dublin hotspot, Oliver St. John Gogartys, also located in the bustling Temple Bar area, has come under fire for similar pricing.
A customer posted a receipt online after being charged €39.80 (£32.98) for four pints of Guinness, with each one costing €9.95 (£8.34).
Many online comments have branded the pub’s prices as unjustifiable, especially given that visitors can find more affordable options just a few blocks away.
Prices in Temple Bar Expected to Rise Even Further
Despite the outcry, the owner of Oliver St. John Gogartys, Martin Keane, has warned that prices will continue to rise.
Speaking to Newstalk this month, he admitted that Guinness pints may soon reach €10.
He explained that rising costs for everything from ingredients to live music are forcing the pub to increase prices.
Keane shared that while local Dubliners are vocal about the prices, the pub’s business is largely driven by international visitors, who make up 95% of their clientele.
Other Dublin Venues Raise Guinness Prices Above €8
In addition to the high prices in Temple Bar, several other Dublin establishments are charging top-tier prices for Guinness.
For example, The Merchant’s Arch, also in Temple Bar, charges €8.65 (£7.18) for a pint of Guinness, with prices jumping to €9.65 (£8.01) upstairs.
Late-night drinkers can expect even higher prices, with pints going up to €10.50 (£8.71) after 10 pm.
Meanwhile, luxury spots like The Westbury Hotel and Shelbourne Hotel also command premium prices.
A pint at the Westbury costs €8 (£6.64), while at the Shelbourne Hotel, it will set you back €7.40 (£6.14).
Visitors to these upscale locations are paying for the exclusive atmosphere, with a more elegant setting to accompany their pint.
Guinness’s Popularity Continues to Grow Among Young Drinkers
While Dublin’s high prices may have locals grumbling, Guinness continues to thrive globally, particularly among younger drinkers.
In the U.S., Guinness has seen a surge in popularity, especially in cities with large Irish-American populations.
Areas like New York City, Chicago, and Boston have reported booming sales, and Guinness is now the fastest-growing imported beer in America.
This rise in popularity is also due to changing drinking habits, as younger consumers are moving away from sweeter craft beers in favor of Guinness’s signature bitterness.
Celebrities like Niall Horan and Olivia Rodrigo have endorsed the brand, further cementing its status as a trendy drink.
The Future of Guinness and Dublin’s Bar Scene
As Guinness continues to enjoy a global resurgence, the question remains whether Dublin’s famous pubs will continue to drive up their prices, or if consumers will start seeking more affordable options outside of the bustling tourist hubs.
As prices climb toward €10, only time will tell whether Dublin’s pubs can maintain their appeal or if tourists will seek out more budget-friendly choices.
With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, Dublin bars will undoubtedly be packed, and many are wondering if the hefty price tags will deter or attract customers looking to toast with a pint of Guinness.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply visiting for the experience, it seems that a visit to Dublin’s Temple Bar area now comes with a hefty price tag.