Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny

Your journey with Smithwick’s starts in 1231, long before John Smithwick ever set foot in the city. Walk the echoing halls in the Abbey of St. Francis, where clever monks found a way of purifying the deadly water that coursed through their land. Using the natural ingredients which grow in abundance near the abbey, they purified water from the local well by crafting it into ale.

From the moment you step into the Cole House, five generations of Smithwick’s illuminate their story of unwavering endurance and unbeatable ingenuity through photos, portraits, letters and lively conversation. Cosy up by the fireplace and learn how one family turned a humble Kilkenny ale into a brew famous the world over.

All that time means we’ve been able to perfect the art of mixing four simple ingredients to produce a ruby red ale enjoyed all over the world. But that doesn’t mean we are resting on our laurels. We are constantly innovating, and in the Brewhouse you’ll discover just what gives our ruby ale its unique character and flavour.

The perfect place to judge a pint of Smithwick’s? A tasting room, of course. The distinctive taste of our ale, characterised by its fruity aroma and delicate notes, has been winning us awards since 1892. Each glass of our ale contains generations of tradition, experience and uncompromised quality. When you decide your pint has just the right appearance, aroma, taste and mouthfeel, sit back and enjoy the flavour that has made Smithwick’s Ireland’s favourite ale.

Last update 2017-02-08

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  Delve deep into the history of Smithwick’s, Ireland oldest beer brand, with a visit to Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. With Franciscan monks, living portraits of the Smithwick family and giant holograms, set off on an immersive, guided tour of the Smithwick’s Experience, located in an old Victorian brewing building in Kilkenny city center. Travel from the 13th century right through to modern day as you trace the beer’s history, and learn how the ale is made. Then toast your tour with a meticulously poured pint of Smithwick’s.