Arthur's Day

On September 24, 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on a rundown, four-acre plot of land in the heart of Dublin city. Young Arthur took the plunge and tied himself into an annual rent of £45. And so the home of the Black Stuff was born, with the four acres expanding to 60 over the centuries, and the years in between finding lovers of Guinness as far afield as Australia, South America and Japan. To celebrate the anniversary of this momentous occassion, the Guinness Storehouse has created the 250th Exhibition so you can raise a glass to the man who started it all.

Relatively speaking, it's still early days in the 9,000-year lease! But at the 250th Exhibition, you can take a peek at the famous document on which Arthur inked his name; discover the History of Stout so far, with tasting sessions that allow you taste the Black Stuff for yourself; or reel back through the years with a look at some of Guinness' most memorable advertising campaigns.

Celebrating Arthur's legacy

Of course, there's nothing better than supping a pint surrounded by friends and some really great music! And the people at Guinness know that, too! The 250th anniversary celebrations will peak on Arthur's Day at 17.59GMT, September 24, 2009.

Over at Hop Store 13, one of the original historic buildings on the actual St James's Gate site, headline acts, including Sir Tom Jones, Kasabian, Sugababes and The Kooks, will take centre stage to kick off a series of celebrations across the city and globe.

These special guests will also make appearances at four of the city's finest music venues - Whelan's, The Academy, Tripod and Vicar Street. And 28 more of Dublin's finest pubs and bars will play host to spectacular gigs from some of the nation's top musical talent. Doors open at all these venues at 17.00, and once inside you can raise a global toast to Arthur as the clock strikes 17.59. For ticket information, check out the Guinness website.

A global toast

It's not just Dublin that has big plans for Arthur's Day. At the same time in over 150 countries, remarkable celebrations will be happening and glasses raised to Arthur Guinness. From spectacular events in major cities like New York and Kuala Lumpur, to intimate affairs at your local bar or pub in Australia or Great Britain…wherever you are you can join the party and toast the great man. To find out what's happening near you, check out the Guinness website.

The fun doesn't end on September 24!

Straight after Arthur's Day, those visiting Dublin can continue the fun with Culture Night in the city on Friday September 25. A night of entertainment, discovery and adventure, over 120 arts and cultural organisations will open their doors with hundreds of free events, tours, talks and performances for you to enjoy! So get planning your trip to Ireland right now!