Was there a few weeks ago and it does taste fresher.. but it does all come from the same place.
Clean lines are also important.
I would say this is the biggest factor
"Ambience and company factor into enjoyment. Overall, Guinness drunk in optimal conditions (in a nice Irish pub vs. the brewery where it was made vs. pubs outside of Ireland) rated much higher in terms of enjoyment than just about anywhere else."
I believe you are correct and my Irish colleague has stressed this to me several times. He claims that if you go into a pub and don't see folks already drinking Guinness then don't order one unless the bartender is willing to pour a couple out before giving you one. Guinness is well known for going bad in the lines pretty quickly. I have made this mistake and it put me off drinking Guinness for a while until he told me what likely happened.
Guinness also makes West Indies Porter which is quite good for those that like porters.