The Guinness Archive has partnered with the Irish Film Institute Archive and Coimisiun na Mean to catalogue, digitise and preserve the entirety of the brand’s television advertising legacy. The collection spans 40 years from 1955 to 1995, including the first ever Guinness television advert, launched on the very first night on commercial TV in the UK, 22 September 1955. In addition to their ability to evoke nostalgia, this collection of commercials captures moments in cultural and social history spanning a 40-year period that offer a fascinating insight into changing representations of Irishness both at home and overseas, evolving gender roles and the ever-changing role of the pub in Irish society.
Guinness adverts have changed over the years and they are continually evolving to take into account changing society and advertising rules. These adverts may contain historical references and product claims that are not now endorsed by Diageo. In making these adverts available it is not our intention to promote benefits of drinking but to show historical Guinness advertising in its original context.