So I just came back from a 10-day vacation last week, and although it was rough to get back in to the groove of things I was certainly glad to be back in Chicago (my all-time favorite city in the world).  It was a great feeling to leave the country, which I hadn’t done in many years, to travel all around Ireland and to also visit Madrid in Spain.  It also felt really good to take my very first paid vacation.  In the three years since I have entered the workforce full-time, I had either worked freelance or had not accrued vacation time.  It made me realize being 25 may actually have a few perks, aside from cheaper car insurance (which does not apply for people like me who have been in several accidents).

Kissing the Blarney Stone

The Gates to Guinness

Ireland was picturesque, lush, and rainy.  I traveled all around the south of Ireland and soaked in the sights at the Cliffs of Moher, where the winds reached 100 KPH (see video for a good windy laugh).  I kissed the Blarney Stone on my touristy day, spent time with friends in Dublin, and of course… I drank A LOT of Guinness!  I even went for a tour of the factory, compliments of Philip, one of the many extremely nice and hospitable people we met in Ireland.

Okay back to Guinness.  I must say that this was definitely one of my all-time favorite tours.  A self guided tour all about beer…sounds good, but it gets better.  They have a sampling room and you even get a free beer at the end of the tour!  My other favorite part of the museum was the section discussing the progression of their marketing and advertising.  They also include all the bottle labels they have designed over time, which all showcase the famous logo.  Unlike many other large companies they have stayed true to their logo; there were very few changes made.  I guess the saying ”if it ain’t broken don’t fix it” really applies to this historic brand.  It was really interesting to see the brand at work.  Guinness has reached iconic status in Ireland.  The plot of land that the factory and buildings are housed on is miles-wide, and every single building is branded with the Guinness logo.  They have done a spectacular job of creating brand equity and customer loyalty among the Irish as well as all over the world.  The entire museum is one big advertisement and loyalty campaign. Another interesting bit of info — the founder believed in his product so much that he signed a 9,000 year lease for his property!

While I saw many things on my trip abroad, as a marketing professional, witnessing the quality and heritage of the Guinness brand, was a highlight that I had not expected to be so…. Refreshing!