Plans have been unveiled to expand the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

The €16 million scheme involves doubling the size of the Gravity Bar, as well as developing a new facilities building directly adjacent to the Guinness Storehouse building (Guinness Storehouse Hub).

The three-storey facility will will provide additional space for the Guinness Archives, chronicling the history of Guinness over a 257-year period, as well as retail storage and employee hub.

Overall, a new 360 degree space will directly link to the original Gravity Bar forming a unique, spectacular, panoramic space, which can hold up to 500 people at any one time.

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Subject to planning permission, it is hoped that construction will commence in 2018 and finished by 2019.

Paul Carty, Managing Director, Guinness Storehouse said: "The Guinness Storehouse has become part of Dublin. It is the number one visitor attraction, and is a must-see and must-do experience; celebrated by the staff, by tourism in Ireland and by the people of Ireland.

"Staying ahead of the game, innovating and constantly investing has enabled us to provide a world-class experience of one of Ireland's most iconic brands with huge international demand. We are now excited to reveal the next chapter of the Guinness Storehouse, the expansion of the magnificent Gravity Bar."

Paul Kelly, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Tourism Development Authority said: "This is a very exciting development for tourism in Dublin and a great vote of confidence in the future of the tourism sector from the Storehouse and Diageo. Compelling visitor experiences are central to attracting tourists to our shores and, to stay competitive and grow visitor numbers, it is imperative that we continuously improve our country's suite of visitor attractions."

(LM/MH)