Sir Kenelm Edward Lee Guinness, 5th Baronet of Ashford

A Very Special Visit to Finn’s.  We had the pleasure of welcoming Sir Kenelm Edward Lee Guinness, 5th Baronet of Ashford, to Finn’s Irish Pub for a little Irish pub hospitality, good company, and — of course — a properly poured pint of Guinness.

Sir Kenelm is a fourth-great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, founder of the legendary Guinness brewery, and today holds the Guinness Baronetcy of Ashford, a title created for his ancestor Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness in 1867.

During his visit, Sir Kenelm shared a very special piece of his family history with us: a framed Vanity Fair “Spy” portrait of Arthur Edward Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun. Lord Ardilaun was Sir Kenelm’s great-granduncle, the 2nd Baronet of Ashford, and one of the Guinness family members who led the brewery following the death of his father, Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness. He and his younger brother Edward Cecil Guinness jointly managed the brewery before Arthur eventually sold his share to Edward.

Seeing that piece of Guinness family history brought to life inside Finn’s — surrounded by our own Irish décor, stories, and traditions — made the visit especially meaningful.

And naturally, no visit would be complete without a proper pint. Sir Kenelm stepped behind the bar and demonstrated the art of pouring a Guinness himself, followed by raised glasses and a toast to family, tradition, and those who came before us.

We were also delighted that members of both our Finn’s Irish Pub and Airline Brewing Company teams were able to share in the occasion.

Moments like these are part of what makes Finn’s so special — where Irish history, friendship, stories, and a good pint all seem to come together.

Thank you, Sir Kenelm, for spending time with us and for sharing a little of your family history. It was truly our pleasure to welcome you to Finn’s.

Sláinte!