The brewery site was originally established by Franciscan monks in 1231 who brewed ale to provide a safe alternative to water.
John Smithwick officially founded the commercial brewery in 1710 on the site of the former Abbey.
The brewery operated continuously on this Parliament Street location for over 300 years.
During the penal laws, John Smithwick had to brew in secret, often using the ruins of the Abbey for cover.
The site features a holographic display of the brewery's founder, John Smithwick, explaining his early struggles.
The brewing equipment on display includes original copper kettles and vintage transport vehicles used to distribute ale across Ireland.
The water used for the original brews was sourced from the St. Francis Well, located on the property.
The Smithwick's Experience is located at the original site of the St. Francis Abbey Brewery, where brewing dates back to 1231. The immersive tour traces the history of Ireland's oldest ale through the 18th-century brewery buildings. Visitors engage with sensory exhibits detailing the brewing process, from malting to fermentation. The tour concludes with a guided tasting session of Smithwick's ales in the onsite bar. Digital displays and projection mapping technology demonstrate how the brewing techniques evolved over three centuries. The site remains a core part of Kilkenny's industrial heritage, housed within historic structures that transitioned from a Franciscan abbey to a commercial brewery.
The traditional copper brewhouse and the original stone facade of the brewery exterior.
Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee a spot, as time slots fill up quickly during peak season.
Check the ID requirements before arrival if you intend to participate in the tasting portion of the tour.
Wear comfortable footwear as the historic site involves navigating several levels and some uneven brewery flooring.
Do not attempt to walk in without a reservation during the summer months or local festival weekends, as sessions sell out.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking through the historic industrial areas.
