Stout fans can now be buried under a Guinness-inspired headstone

Punters can now have a heavenly St Patrick’s Day as headstone specialist Memorials of Distinction has unveiled a Guinness-inspired memorial in time for Ireland’s biggest celebration.

With St Patrick’s Day celebrations curtailed for two years in a row due to the pandemic, this year is set to be a big one.

An estimated £54 million was lost by the sector on St Patrick’s Day in 2021 due to lockdown.

But this year on St Patrick’s Day, as we move beyond the direct effects of the pandemic, the revelry is set to return, with an expected 14 million pints pulled and sold in the UK today.

According to an iReach survey, 52% of people in Ireland will drink alcohol on this day, suggesting it is key to marking the day.

And fans can now take their love for stout to the grave, with a Guinness-inspired headstone.

Headstone specialists Memorials of Distinction have created a special stout shaped memorial, just in time for this St Patrick’s Day.

According to the company, there has been a rise in demand for headstones which reflect a person’s passions and interests.

Emma Verity, operations manager at Memorials of Distinction, said: “There has been an increasing demand for unusual headstones over the past 20 years.

“In recent times, the general public has become more accustomed to the concept of being able to buy personalised goods.

“With something as personal as a loved one’s memorial, the idea of ordering something that is really applicable to that person is of great help to family and friends during the grieving process.

“We regularly produce memorials in the shape of teddy bears, cars, motorcycles and, in this case, a pint of the black stuff.”

The headstone is priced at £2,377, including two traditional Irish symbols, the Celtic harp and green painted shamrocks and an 80-character inscription. It’s made from polished black granite, with a cream polished marble forming the ‘head’.