Smithwick's Experience
- Visit: about 1 h
- from EUR 20
- Ideal for big groups, friends
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Why go
- Beer talk sessions led by Master Brewer Steve Gilsenan, with expert tastings and an artisan pretzel
- The Masters of Ale Experience: a tasting masterclass, a pint-pouring tutorial and an engraved glass to take home
Opening hours
Today11:00 – 19:00Show all
Drinks to try
- A pint of Smithwick's Ale, or a soft drink, at the end of the tour, included in the ticket.
- A local staff member explains what makes the ale unique while you drink it on the tour.
- Upgraded tickets include a tasting of red ale, pale ale and Kilkenny beer.
- Soft drinks are offered to visitors under 18 and to anyone who prefers one.
Atmosphere
- The site is in the heart of Kilkenny, on the medieval mile.
- Local guides introduce memorable characters as visitors move through about 300 years of brewing history.
- Tours include interactive moments along the way.
- A sensory-friendly tour runs on the first Thursday of each month, with reduced noise and lighting.
Entry and dress code
- Booking ahead is strongly advised, especially in the busy summer months.
- Private evening tours for groups can be arranged, but advance booking is necessary.
Good for
- Groups Groups of all sizes are welcome. Discounted rates depend on group size.
History
Franciscan friars brewed beer on this site until their friary was dissolved in 1537. The abbey, St. Francis Abbey, closed at the Reformation. Under the penal laws, Catholics could not own property, so the owner's name was kept quiet until 1782. Brewing on the site ended in December 2013, when it moved to St James's Gate in Dublin. It closed in 2020 because of COVID-19 and reopened in July 2022.
- 1537The friary is dissolved, and the Franciscan friars stop brewing on the site.
- 1705John Smithwick and Richard Cole lease the land and start brewing.
- 1782Penal laws are revoked, and the Smithwick family can claim ownership in public.
- 1854The abbey's nave and chancel are found during a brewery expansion.
- 1964Guinness and Company, now Diageo, buys a controlling share of the brewery.
Show all
- 2013Brewing ends in December, and production moves to St James's Gate in Dublin.
- 2014The site reopens as a visitor centre on the history and process of brewing.
- 2022The visitor centre reopens in July, after closing for COVID-19 in 2020.
Accessibility
- Autism-friendly visits Accredited as an AsIAm Autism Friendly visitor experience.
- Sensory kits Reception offers sensory kits, including ear plugs.
- Sensory map A sensory map and visual guide to the building can be downloaded before a visit.
Sources: Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny - Wikipedia · Kilkenny - Wikivoyage (see) · Kilkenny Brewing Tour & Beer Tasting | Smithwic… · Tour times, opening hours & location | Smithwic… · The best ale brewing tour in Ireland | Smithwic… · Smithwick's Experience - Wikipedia · checked 25 Oct 2026
- Phone
- 0567786377
Plan from here: Night out with friends →
Questions and answers
How long does a guided tour at Smithwick's Experience take?
The guided tour lasts about one hour, led by a local guide. Interactive moments happen along the way.
Do I need to book ahead for Smithwick's Experience?
Booking ahead is strongly advised, especially in the busy summer months. Private evening tours for groups need advance booking.
Are children welcome at Smithwick's Experience?
Yes. Visitors under 18 get a soft drink instead of the pint that comes with the ticket.
What are the opening hours of Smithwick's Experience?
It is open Monday to Friday and on Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00, and on Saturday from 11:00 to 19:00. It is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
How do I get to Smithwick's Experience in Kilkenny?
It stands in the heart of Kilkenny, opposite Rothe House, at 44 Parliament Street.
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