Kate Middleton dazzles in £1,595 designer emerald gown as she downs pint with Prince William at Guinness Storehouse in Dublin to toast the end of their first day in Ireland  

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have shared a pint at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin to toast the end of a successful first day in Ireland.

William and Kate enjoyed a pint of Guinness at the historic Dublin brewery of the Irish Stout, with the Duke toasting his hosts in Gaelic, raising his pint and saying “Slainte”, the Daily Mail reports.

William appeared to sip his a little more enthusiastically than his wife, but Kate was still game enough to have a taste at the reception hosted by Britain's Ambassador to Ireland Robin Barnett in the 17th floor Gravity Bar.

The couple met a range of people from the creative arts, sport, business and charity sectors at the major visitor attraction in the Irish capital - which tells the story of the famous drink.

The duke and duchess are following in the footsteps of the Queen who visited Ireland's top attraction a number of years ago. They were greeted by the British Ambassador Robin Barrett who is hosting the party. 

Kate changed into a new outfit for the evening - and wore a £1,595 glittering emerald gown by trendy designer The Vampire's Wife for the first evening reception of the historic three-day visit to the country. 

The couple shook hands with dozens of people on the first day of their tour and are expected to continue to do so despite the ongoing coronavirus threat, based on advice they are being given.

But they following guidance from Public Health England and the Department of Health and will continue to assess the situation.   

There are fears the couple's tour of Ireland could be overshadowed by his brother Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK later this week. 

The couple, who are now living in Canada, will be attending the Endeavour Fund Awards on March 5 in London while Prince William and Kate Middleton are in Ireland. 

The couple were welcomed to Ireland today by President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina, who said: “Delighted to welcome you. You've had lots of exciting things happening in your family.”