Discover how the iconic Irish Guinness beer is celebrating 200 years of being in the USA and a recipe for Ashford Castle soda bread.
Guinness celebrates 200 years of US connection with two of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels; the Ashford Castle and Merrion Hotel.
In commemoration of its 200th anniversary for exporting iconic beers to the US, Ireland’s luxury five star hotels Ashford Castle and Merrion Hotel has exclusive packages for all to celebrate Guinness’s milestone in history. 
As part of the celebratory package, Ashford Castle is offering two nights in their lake view deluxe room. The offer includes breakfast and features afternoon tea for two in the Connaught Room, where guests can enjoy a delightful selection of specialty teas, delicate finger sandwiches with traditional fillings, warm scones, hand-made pastries and cupcakes.
Dinner for two and a special menu in the elegant George V dining room (named after the Prince of Wales) is included in the package as well. The special dining room was built by The Guinness family, in honor of the Prince of Wales and the Ashford Castle has been hosting distinguished guests here for almost 800 years.
A special Guinness-themed gift box filled with Guinness flavored petits fours (cookies) is given to Guinness celebrators. For all who cannot celebrate across the pond, Ashford Castle shares their signature Guinness Irish Soda Bread recipe for us to celebrate the Guinness milestone. See below for the recipe:
Ashford Castle Soda Bread
Description
Ashford Irish Soda Bread is an elevated version of the traditional product typically prepared with the basic of ingredients: flour, baking soda, soured milk to moisten and activate the soda, and salt. It adds the cream of tartar and the malty rich flavor of Guinness to create an enriching bread.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups brown flour
- ½ stick of soft butter
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- ½ tbsp salt
- 1 whole egg
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 ½ cup Guinness
Instructions
- Mix all dry ingredients with the butter and honey
- Add the eggs and Guinness and mix until all combined
- Place into a 2lb loaf tin
- Bake for 50 minutes @ 340°F
- Leave to cool before cutting
- Category: Irish
- Cuisine: Breakfast
The Merrion Hotel celebrates the Guinness milestone by offering this exclusive package:
Two nights in a deluxe king room with an inclusive full Irish breakfast for two and one afternoon tea for two. Guests can spend the day going to the The Guinness Storehouse® Located in the heart of the St. James’s Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse® is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction. It’s the home to the Black Stuff, – The Guinness Draught. A distinctively black, rich and creamy malt beer, noted for its velvety taste. This iconic beer has a harmonious balance; it is sweet yet counters with a bitter taste, as the malt compliments a base of roasted barley.
The Guinness Storehouse® experience starts with sharing the world’s largest pint glass and continues through seven floors filled with interactive experiences. Sharing Guinness’s brewing heritage and Ireland’s rich history. Return from the enriching Guinness experience to enjoy a three-course dinner for two in The Merrion Restaurant.
