The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin has announced plans for a €16m expansion.
It will see the panoramic Gravity Bar, located on its top floor, double in size.
Dublin’s highest bar has proven to be a highlight for over 16 million people who have visited the storehouse since it opened in 200.
It is hoped construction will begin next year and be finished by 2019.
Tom Cruise visited the storehouse in April 2013 | Image: Photocall Ireland
Managing director of the Guinness Storehouse, Paul Carty, 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.
File photo of the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar
"We are now excited to reveal the next chapter of the Guinness Storehouse, the expansion of the magnificent Gravity Bar."
The plans will involve the creation of a new 360 degree space, which will directly link to the original Gravity Bar and hold up to 500 people at any one time.
The Guinness Storehouse and existing Gravity Bar will remain open as normal during construction.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the Guinness Storehouse on their state visit to Ireland in 2011 | Image: RollingNews.ie
A new facilities building directly adjacent to the storehouse, the Guinness Storehouse Hub, is also included in the plans.
Management say the three-storey building will give additional space for the Guinness Archives.
Commenting on the announcement, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, 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."
