Ah, if there’s one thing the Irish love, it’s a pint of the Black Stuff. Sadly, as with most things, the price of our beloved stout has risen to unimaginable heights over the past century.
There’s no two ways about it; nights out in Ireland are getting expensive. In Dublin, an average night out will set you back upwards of €50 – at least.
With the rising cost of living, enjoying a night out is becoming a luxury relegated to special occasions rather than a relaxing way to catch up with friends when the weekend rolls around.
Pints of the Black Stuff are coming in at eyewatering prices these days, especially in the popular pubs of Dublin City Centre.
So, we thought we’d take a look back and compare the price of a pint of Guinness in 1900 vs today. Let’s dive in…
Back in the day – when Guinness was an everyman’s drink
Guinness has been around for a while, since 1759, in fact. So, it comes as no surprise that the Black Stuff has become such a part of the fabric of Irish culture.
While it used to be accessible to the masses – and is still widely marketed as the everyman’s drink – the price of a pint these days is making it more of a luxury relegated to the wealthy.
Looking back to the start of the last century, a pint of Guinness in Ireland would set you back just 3d in old money. In today’s money, that would equate to around one and a quarter cents.
Throughout the century – a slow and steady increase
When we were comparing the price of a pint of Guinness in 1900 vs today, we took a look at how the prices rose throughout the century.
By 1920, the price of a pint had multiplied by almost five times. The interwar years saw the average price of a pint range between 8d and 11d (three to five cents).
However, the price of a pint began to stabilise in the following years. So, by 1950, a pint of Guinness still cost five cents.
This didn’t last long, however. By 1964, just 14 years later, the price of a pint had doubled, coming in at 2/1 (ten and a half cents).
Then, the late 1960s and 1970s saw a huge rise in inflation across Ireland – and Guinness was not exempt. By 1981, a pint cost an average of 60 cents.
From the 1990s to today – skyrocketing prices
The price of Guinness continued to rise throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1992, a pint would set you back €1.65, and in 2000, it was €3.91.
So now, let’s fast forward to today…
Now, it’s important to be aware that the price of a pint will vary from pub to pub and city to city. So, we’re just going to take some averages.
According to figures from Ireland’s Central Statistics Office, the average price of a pint of Guinness in Ireland today is €5.77.
Head into Dublin’s Temple Bar, however, and you can expect to pay an eye-watering price of €9.95. Yes, really! Almost ten euros for a pint!
So, if you’re in search of a cheap pint, we recommend heading outside of the capital. Last year, the Irish Mirror claimed to find Ireland’s cheapest pint, coming in at just €3.90, in Johny O’Loghlens pub in Connemara, County Galway.
