Smithwick’s is a brand with years of heritage. Starting in 1641 with John Smithwick in Kilkenny, who was left orphaned in the Irish rebellion, his is a tale of courage, determination, loyalty and triumph over adversity. He dragged himself up by the bootstraps and started a successful family of his own which began brewing Smithwick’s ale in 1710 with the brewery mainly serving the local community. It gave the Smithwick family a sense of what’s important in life. The experience handed down through the generations has seen Smithwick’s thrive against the odds and has created a brewing dynasty that has flourished for over 300 years.
The Smithwick’s name has come to mean something to drinkers. Nine generations of Smithwick men worked all their lives to make it so. It speaks of quality, independence, confidence, reliability and the perfect marriage of technology and tradition.
The St Francis Abbey Brewery, Kilkenny is now offering exclusive brewery tours. These unique tours will take visitors through the working brewery and include a visit to the remarkable 12th C St Francis Abbey which is on the brewery site. Learn about three centuries of Smithwick’s brewing, Irelands favourite Ale.
Summer Opening Times (May – Oct)
Tours operate from Tuesday to Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday) at the following times: 12.00, 13.00, 15.00 and 15.30.
Winter Opening Times (Nov – April)
Tours operate from Thursday to Saturday at the following times: 13.00, 15.00 and 15.30
Winter opening times may vary so advanced booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
The tour costs €10, takes approximately 1.5 hours and includes a complimentary tasting in the brewery’s Cellar Bar.
Group discount available for 12 or more. Deposit required.
Booking Office : Call +353 (0)56 779 64 98
smithwickstours@diageo.com
The story continues…. To the excitement of beer enthusiasts, Smithwick’s launches Smithwick’s Pale Ale, a great tasting craft brewed beer and the first extension of the range since 1983.
Craft brewed in individual batches using the finest quality ingredients: aromatic Amarillo hops, 100% pale ale malt and the prized Smithwick’s yeast, Smithwick’s Pale Ale is a deliciously fuller tasting beer with a long finish, a rich golden colour and a creamy head.
Benefitting from over 300 years’ brewing experience and the much loved heritage of the Smithwick’s brand, Smithwick’s Pale Ale is testament to Smithwick’s passion for creating great tasting beer.
*St Francis Abbey is primarily a production facility, we regret that we cannot cater for wheelchair users or persons with impaired mobility due to the structure and layout of our 300 year old site. Over 18s only. For your safety please wear appropriate footwear (No high heels or open toe footwear) Please adhere to our site rules, which will be outlined before commencing the guided tour. In accordance with our Safety and Responsible Drinking Policies, we reserve the right to refuse admission.
