Classic ads to mark Guinness's 250th anniversary
Brewing giant Guinness is to re-run some of its classic television adverts going back to the 1950s to mark its 250th birthday.
Founder Arthur Guinness first signed the lease on his famous St James’ Gate brewery in Dublin in 1759.
The facility brews millions of pints of the famous stout every day and is now one of Ireland’s top tourists attractions.
The television campaign entitled Classic Ads is one of several special anniversary events being planned by Guinness owner, Diageo, in coming months.
The memorable TV advertising campaigns included Sea Lion (1974), 30 Seconds of Darkness (1977), The Island (1977) and Big Wave (1981).
An outdoor campaign will also see the return of some famous characters such as the Toucan, the Ostrich and the Pelican on billboards across cities.
“In 1959, when we were 200 years old, we launched the first ever ad campaign in Ireland so thought it appropriate to revisit our advertising history by bringing back some of the much-loved historical Guinness advertisements,” said Guinness senior marketing manager, Grainne Wafer.
Guinness is also planning to produce a special anniversary brew to mark its 250th birthday.
Guinness is now brewed in nearly 50 breweries worldwide and sold in 150 countries.
