, Manchester where Harp Lager was formerly brewed Harp Lager was first produced in 1960 as a bottled beer by
Guinness, in response to the popularity of
Continental lager amongst drinkers in Ireland and Britain. Guinness converted its Dundalk brewery into a lager production plant with the guidance of Dr. Herman Muender, a German brewer. Various names were considered for the brand before Harp was chosen, including Atlas, Cresta, and Dolphin. The brand uses the
Brian Boru harp as its emblem. By the mid-to-late 20th century, the Dundalk (or Great Northern) Brewery became the second-largest brewery in Ireland. In 1961, a consortium of brewers,
Courage,
Scottish & Newcastle,
Bass, Mitchells & Butlers and Guinness, grouped together as Harp Lager Ltd. to brew and market the beer. Courage's Alton Brewery was rebuilt to produce the lager in
Great Britain. Currently available both on draught and in 330ml and 500ml bottles, its top market is
Ulster, being popular in
Northern Ireland,
County Donegal, and its place of origin,
Dundalk, County Louth, where it still maintains a cult status. The company's once-significant role in the community through sponsorship at a number of levels, particularly the Dundalk Maytime Festival and
Dundalk FC, have helped retain its popularity in Dundalk. In 2005, Harp underwent a brand makeover as Diageo Ireland separated the brand from Guinness. The last Harp from Great Northern was brewed in 2013, after which production moved to
St James's Gate Brewery,
Dublin. In Australia, distribution is handled by
Carlton & United Breweries. In North America, exports are labelled "imported from Ireland" and are brewed at Guinness'
St. James Gate brewery in Dublin. ==Marketing==