Guinness celebrates 250th anniversary
Thursday, 24 September 2009
People all over the world have been toasting what is described as a momentous anniversary for the Guinness company.
250 years ago Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on the St James's Gate brewery in Dublin.
And the first toast to mark the anniversary took place this evening at 17.59.
Thousands across the country followed suit and many more across the world raised a glass.
As part of the celebrations, willing performers came from near and far to play surprise gigs at venues throughout Dublin, while thousands attended an invitation-only party at the Guinness Storehouse.
An Post has printed a commemorative stamp in honour of Arthur Guinness, as was done for the 200th anniversary in 1959.
And with an online petition to make Arthur's Day a national holiday, Guinness may find that 250 years until the next big celebration is just too long to wait.
- Nine News: Ailbhe Conneely reports that celebrations have been taking place worldwide to mark the signing of the lease by Arthur Guinness on this day in 1759
- Six One News: Phillip Bromwell reports that people all over the world have been raising a glass for Arthur's Day
- Six One News: Ailbhe Conneely reports that the celebrations for Arthur's Day were kicked off by entertainer Tom Jones at 17.59
- Morning Ireland: Pat Liddy, Historian & Walking Tour Operator, says that Arthur Guinness was a hugely successful and ruthless businessman
- News At One: Niamh Sweeney reports on the special pull of a 'pint of plain' and the different events marking the 250th anniversary of Guinness
