January 23, 1803

Arthur Guinness, founder of the famous Guinness Brewery, died on January 23rd, 1803 at age 77. The exact date and place of Guinness’ birth are unknown, but it has been established that he was born in either 1724 or early 1725, in Co. Kildare. In 1752, at age 27, Guinness was left 100 pounds in the will of Arthur Price, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Cashel. He invested it, and then used it to lease a brewery in Co. Leixlip, which he passed on to his younger brother upon turning his attentions to another brewery at St. James’ Gate in Dublin. Clearly happy with the brewery, Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease in 1759. In 1799, he expanded the brewery, which began solely producing the now famous porter.