Guinness History Arthur Guinness started brewing ales initially in Leixlip, then at the St. James's Gate Brewery, Dublin, Ireland from 1759. On December 31, he signed (up to) a 9, 000 year lease at £45 per annum for the unused brewery. Ten years later on 19 May 1769 Guinness exported his ale for the first time, when six & a half barrels were shipped to Engl&. Pure Genius! The rest, as they say, is history!! It is popular with Irish people both in Ireland & abroad & is the best-selling alcoholic drink of all time in Irel&. There's nothing quite like a guinness so true fans can represent their love for the black stuff!