"Harp Lager" was first produced in 1960 as a bottled beer by the Guinness company (now Diageo), in response to the trend among drinkers in Britain and Ireland towards Continental lager. Guinness converted its Dundalk brewery into a modern lager production plant with the guidance of Dr. Herman Muender, a distinguished German brewer. Various names were considered for the brand, including "Atlas", "Cresta" and "Dolphin", before "Harp" was chosen. The brand was marketed with the Brian Boru harp as its emblem.