Smithwick's Experience

The Smithwick’s Experience is only 90 minutes from Dublin, so make sure to include the spot in your itinerary. A beer-tasting experience may be a great idea on a rainy day.

Family business
The story started in the 13th century when monks founded a Franciscan monastery at St. Francis Abbey. Over more than 300 years, the monastery significantly increased in size. However, due to the Reformation in 1537, the Abbey had to close its doors.

In the 18th century, the Duke of Ormond owned the land. He leased it to John Smithwick in 1705. That is when the brewing business began. In five years, John Smithwick became the owner of the land. This was not disclosed to the public, for Smithwick was not allowed to own property. He was a Catholic and, according to the penal laws, could not acquire an area of land. Penal laws were no longer in effect since 1782. Therefore, the Smithwick family was allowed to publicly declare their ownership of the land.

In 1854, the abbey's chancel was discovered within the territory. The well, designed during St Francis's time, was found about 45 metres from the building, too. It is now underneath the brewery buildings.

Many years later, Edmond Smithwick followed his grandfather John Smithwick and took over the business. The brewery stayed wholly within the Smithwicks family until the middle of the 20th century. In 1964, Guinness bought a controlling share of the business.

2022 Reopening
The site operated as a brewery until 2014 when it transformed into a visitor experience. In addition to offering a first-hand experience of the brewing process, tour guides take visitors on a storytelling journey, introducing guests to memorable characters along the way. The experience has been enriched with significant investments and fresh approaches as part of the reopening in 2022.

The mural on the entrance wall will impress the visitor with its vivid colours and references to Kilkenny's rich history. As you step inside, visitors can now encounter the new Smithwick’s Flavour Room, a sensory experience.

The re-opening of Smithwick’s positively influences tourism in Kilkenny. The more attractions are on offer, the more visitors will come to explore the area. This experience attracts visitors from Ireland and overseas to Kilkenny and the wider Ireland’s Ancient East region, supporting economic benefit for the local community. Thanks to its prime location, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is viewed as a central hub for a wide range of weekend activities, particularly during Kilkenny’s many festivals and sporting events.

Brand new attraction
Smithwick’s Experience in Kilkenny launches a brand new visitor attraction. As this tour is conducted in the evening, visitors will have plenty of time to fully immerse themselves in the extraordinary multi-sensory experience. This pre-dinner or night-out activity adds to developing the night-time economy in Kilkenny.

The new Masters of Ale Experience (€50) invites you to a sensorial tasting masterclass, where visitors isolate the senses and break down the raw ingredients across different ale styles. On this tour visitors will really explore the brewing process, the flavours and what makes Smithwick’s so special. It finishes with a guided tutorial in the bar on how to pour a perfect pint of Smithwick’s. also includes a perfect pint-pouring tutorial, so you can learn how to pint like a pro. The experience will take you back in time, so you can learn about the essential role the Smithwick family played in the development of Irish ale. On the tour, visitors will hear a fascinating tale of the brewing tradition begun by monastic settlements in the 13th century.

Participants will get a branded Smithwick’s glass as a keepsake to take home. Masters of Ale allows visitors looking for a more immersive and experiential beer experience to be satisfied. The audiovisual illustrates why water from local wells provided the ideal base for brewing and how the tradition evolved. Find out more about the peculiarities of the red ale production process, the ingredients used to make Smithwick’s, and the various utilised machines. The guides look forward to sharing about Irish deep-rooted love for the craft to an even greater audience in the years to come.

At each stage, the group is offered the opportunity to participate in the experience. Next is to smell the diverse scents of Smithwick’s. You will learn that Smithwick’s Red Ale combines sweet malt, mild hops, and roasted barley. The sweet, malty notes perfectly complement the subtle bitterness of the hops.

Some of the guides have worked there since the opening, following the path of their previous generations. The staff is expecting even greater numbers of visitors from all over the world this summer. The team is excited to participate in the tourism offering as well as in celebrating Smithwick’s brewing heritage. The passionate team will lead guests on a journey through the history of the iconic Irish red ale. Guests will be immersed in the genuine story of Smithwick’s shared by locals with real enthusiasm. The long history of this red ale and constantly improving brewing techniques have added to the brand people see and love today. The visit finishes in the stylish Smithwick’s bar. Here, guests can enjoy a pint of Smithwick’s Red Ale an absolutely Irish setting. Alternatively, you may enjoy a cool beer in the spacious Smithwick’s Barrel Yard. This summer, the place will be transformed into a hub of live music, street food and, of course, delicious pints every weekend.

Smithwick’s has been the most popular ale in Ireland for over 300 years. Through an unforgettable experience, guests will uncover the reasons behind its considerable popularity. The Smithwick’s Experience is here to reveal stories of how the Smithwick family has brewed it since 1710. The story of the family takes its roots in the city of Kilkenny. It is regarded as the best place to start exploring Ireland’s Ancient East. The Smithwick’s Experience proudly stands in the heart of the city and is honoured to be part of Kilkenny’s famous Medieval Mile.