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Immerse yourself in the story of Smithwick’s, where over 300 years of history combine with extraordinary brewing innovations to create the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, and embark on a journey like no other.

Smithwick’s ale has been brewed here in Ireland since 1710. Each tour is led by local and passionate guides. Along the way you will discover how the craft of brewing was initiated on this site by 13th century Franciscan monks and, later, how John Smithwick first began brewing the ale we know today.

Your tour is topped off with a pint of Smithwick’s and an explanation of what makes this ale unique. So sit back, relax and enjoy your drink in the home of Smithwick's.

• Immerse yourself in the story of Ireland’s oldest ale.
• Tours are led by local and passionate guides.
• Enjoy a pint of Smithwick’s at the end of your tour.

We recommend planning to spend up to 1 hour here.

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Smithwick’s experience is located less than a five minute walk from kilkenny ormonde hotel, visit smithwick’s and experience ireland’s most popular ale, 4.5 tripadvisor rating immerse yourself in the story of smithwick’s, told as only a local knows how. where 300 years of history combine with extraordinary brewing innovations, to create the smithwick’s tour – an experience like no other..

Located less than a five minute walk from  Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel and in the heart of Ireland’s Medieval Mile.  Smithwick’s Experience; named as one of Lonely Planet's top new attractions, takes visitors on a journey through over 300 years of history behind Ireland’s most popular ale.  Satisfy your curiosity and experience the Smithwick's story for yourself with an interactive tour through the centuries.  You will discover stories of our rich heritage on a unique guided tour and meet some interesting characters along the way. Best of all, it’s all topped off with a perfectly poured pint of the red stuff (visitors over 18 years of age, under 18s will receive a complimentary soft drink).

What’s included in the price of my ticket?

The price of a standard ticket includes a fully guided tour of Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. A local guide gives your tour, which lasts approximately 1 hour, and you’ll enjoy interactive and surprising experiences along the way. Tours are in English for the moment, andthey will soon offer a complimentary audio guide in French, German, Spanish and Italian. At the end of your tour, you’ll be treated to a complimentary pint of your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, with soft drinks provided for under 18s or those who would prefer one. For a small extra charge, you can upgrade your ticket and taste two of our ales and Kilkenny beer.

How long is the tour? You can expect your tour to last between 45 and 60 minutes, however we recommend allowing a bit more time, as you may want to try our tasting paddle or shop at our retail store.

What are the opening hours? Open seven days a week. From March – October, from 10.00am – 6.00pm (last tour at 5.00pm). From November – February, open from 11.00am – 5.00pm (last tour at 4.00pm). Closed from December 24th– 26th each year. Hours may vary slightly by season.

For more information, visit  www.smithwicksexperience.com

For general queries and group bookings Tel: +353 (0) 56 7786377 or Email:  [email protected]

Smitwicks Expreience also offer private evening tours for groups by special arrangement, with advance booking necessary.

Looking for a great base in the heart of Kilkenny City so you can check out the Smithwicks Experience? Stay at Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel. Our 118 contemporary guestrooms offer comfortable space for you to relax in after spending time exploring the great city of Kilkenny. Our  rooms are generous in size and have a bright and airy feel with all the comforts you’d expect in a contemporary, urban hotel. Guests also enjoy free access to our hotel’s  Leisure Centre which includes a 21m pool, children’s pool, fully equipped gym, sauna and steam room while there is also an opportunity to treat yourself to a pamper day at KO Spa .

Click Here to Book your stay direct on our site now

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Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny

Category: Distilleries & Breweries , Kilkenny Things to Do , Region , City Centre , Ireland's Medieval Mile , Do , Kilkenny Heritage & History , Tours , Event Venue

44 Parliament Street, Kilkenny

[email protected]

+353 (0)56 7786377

smithwicksexperience.com/

Visit Smithwick’s and Experience Ireland’s most popular ale.

Here in the heart of historic Kilkenny, we’re less than 90 minutes from Dublin. We’re less than a 10 minute stroll from the iconic Kilkenny Castle, and are very proud to be part of Kilkenny’s famous Medieval Mile.

Immerse yourself in the story of Smithwick’s, told as only a local knows how. Where 300 years of history combine with extraordinary brewing innovations, to create the Smithwick’s tour – an experience like no other.

Our experience is the perfect way to enjoy a pint of your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, right in the heart of Kilkenny. Why not take the opportunity to upgrade your ticket and taste our red ale, pale ale and Kilkenny beer? (You might even have a new favourite by the end of your tour.)

Nothing beats getting stuck in and experiencing some hands on experiences. As part of your tour, you’ll have the chance to mill the malt, stir the mash and smell the hops, just as you would in the brewing process.

Get ready to experience a tour with more than a few surprises along the way. Our local guides are waiting to introduce you to some very memorable characters, as you’re transported back in time.

Premium Tour – Masters of Ales

Join our Masters of Ale tour and learn about the evolution of ale and how the Smithwick’s family played a prominent role. With sensory touchpoints along the way, the tour includes sensorial masterclass where you’ll isolate the senses and break down the raw ingredients across different ale styles. Finish with a guided tutorial on how to pour the perfect pint of Smithwick’s!

– Guided Sensorial Tour – Welcome Refreshment – Tasting Masterclass of 4 Ales – Pint Pouring Tutorial – Engraved Glass Gift Memento – Over 18s Only

Sensory-friendly Visits

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny has partnered with Ireland’s National Autism Charity, AsIAm, to offer sensory friendly hours and ensure that autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals can visit the Kilkenny city centre site with confidence. Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will provide designated low-sensory tours. The first tour/early hours of selected sensory friendly days will include noise and light reduction. This will involve turning down music, dimming lighting and more. All three experiences will also offer one free carer ticket per customer, if required.

Sensory kits are available at reception, along with visual guides of the buildings and sensory maps year round. During the designated sensory friendly tours, additional signage will be placed around the buildings, marking high sensory areas. Staff have been trained by AsIAm.ie to better understand how to cater to customers with autism or neuro divergencies.

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Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny

Review Highlights

“ Enjoying a cool pint of Smithwick's Irish Ale is the perfect way to celebrate place and history. ” in 17 reviews

“ A great experience giving an excellent overview of the history & brewing process of Smithwick's red ale. ” in 5 reviews

“ The Red ale is the is the best in my opinion. ” in 4 reviews

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44 Parliament Street

Republic of Ireland

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Overall rating

The experience was a great combination of fun and education - so much more than images on a wall and lectures. We got to see, smell, and touch throughout the tour which resulted in interaction with fellow visitors. This made our time enjoying our pint at the end of the tour much more fun as we chatted, helped take group photos, and the employees stopped by to chat.

We got a flight of beer and tasted a great variety. Bathrooms were very clean, the experience is quite interesting.

Smithwicks tasting flight

I love Smithwick's beer and being able to visit Kilkenny and hearing about the history is well worth the hour tour and beer at the end!

A must visit when you're in beautiful Kilkenny. Enjoying a cool pint of Smithwick's Irish Ale is the perfect way to celebrate place and history. The visit was made all the better by a fun and friendly staff. Cheers!

Historic Smithwick's

This place is amazing. We visit Kilkenny and did the Smitchwick's experience due to it being my favorite beer. What an amazing tour and facility that have built. The have an immersed experience with state of the art technology to tell their story. If you visit Kilkenny and want a great history and beer of course visit this place. Our tour guide Darren gave us a lot of history, a lot of viable information and some great places to eat. Darren also connected the story of Smithwick's to the local history. Great time great experience 100% recommend.

Great place! Enjoyed the tour. Jorg was amazing! Enjoy the beers. Love the red ale and the Kilkenny. One of my favorites!!!!

What a difference! Yesterday we visited Guinness where it seemed as if there were 1,000 guests on each of the building's six floors. Smithwick was smaller, a lot quieter, and truth be told... a lot more enjoyable to visit. Our tour guide walked us through the brewing process as there was one room dedicated to each step along the way. A history lesson on the company was greatly enhanced by some wondrous wizardry in the form of talking portraits of the Smithwick family. They seemed to come to life in front of our very eyes. Our tour led us to the tasting room where we had a choice of one pint of any Smithwick Product. I went for the Smithwick Red and it was delicious. Nice job, Smithwick. Thanks for a very fun time and some great beer.

See all photos from Dan R. for Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny

Fantastic tour! Great use of modern technology to teach us about the history of the brewery. And you can't beat a few sample in the end!

Awesome Smithwick's Experience! Tip- you don't pronounce the w in Smithwick's name so it's pronounced Smith'icks. The tour was fascinating as I love history and the Irish have a complicated story all the way back to when Christ was born. Smithwick goes back to the year 1200AD where monks formulated the Ale. Our tour guide was Alan and he was excellent! He kept us interested, engaged during the entire tour. The overall tour was about an hour but time goes by quickly and before you know it you are sitting at the bar using your ticket to get a free beverage of do a tasting of the Pale, Ale and Red. I am not a beer drinker but I liked Smithwick's Red beer the best. It also has the least about of alcohol. Definitely visit Smithwick's when in Kilkenny!

We enjoyed the tour of the old Smithwick's.brewery and soon discovered that it had long ago been purchased by Guinness and moved more recently to St. James Place in Dublin. To keep a consistent flavor with a different water source, the mineral content of Kilkenny (hard water) is recreated in Dublin. You'll learn this and more at the experience! It was also interesting to see the Smithwicks still practicing law next door. What a family history.

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Smithwick’s Experience

Springhill court hotel.

St Francis Abbey Brewery, also known as  The Smithwick’s Experience , takes visitors through 300 years of Smithwick’s family history.  The journey begins in 1231, when the monks of St Francis Abbey discovered a way to purify water and turn it into ale. This interactive tour breathes life into the history of Smithwick’s, Ireland’s oldest beer.  See the living portraits of Smithwick’s family members and listen closely to hear the tantalising tale of how Smithwick’s progressed from local product to world-famous ale.  Experience opens seven days a week.

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• Smithwick’s Experience: Beer Tour in Kilkenny

Beer lovers organizing a road trip of Ireland should be sure to book the Smithwick’s Experience , ranked as one of the best things to do in Kilkenny .

The famous Irish brewery offers state-of-the-art beer tours and a well-stocked gift shop on Kilkenny’s famous Medieval Mile.

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History of Smithwick’s

In the 13th century, Irish monks settled at St. Francis Abbey. For more than 300 years the Abbey grew in size. However, the arrival of Henry VIII and the Reformation in 1537 meant that the Abbey was forced to close its doors.

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When John Smithwick moved to Kilkenny in the 1700s the penal laws for Catholics were in full swing, meaning he couldn’t own property or run for elected office. Shortly after his arrival in Kilkenny, John went into the brewing business with Richard Cole on a piece of land that Cole had leased from the Duke of Ormond in 1705, who lived in Kilkenny Castle.

Smithwick spent decades keeping his business affairs private. Locals liked doing business with the mysterious Mr. Smithwick. His name had earned respect, although the laws still forbid him attaching it to anything. When penal laws were finally revoked in the late 1700’s the Smithwicks were finally free to take their rightful place in Kilkenny society.

Edmond Smithwick finally got the Smithwick name over the brewery’s gate in 1827. Under Edmond’s leadership, trade skyrocketed in 10 years from 5,000 barrels to 40,000 barrels in 1860.

In 1892 Smithwick’s won 1st prize in Dublin’s Rotunda Exhibition of Brewers and Distillers, officially landing it on the Irish brewery map.

In 1930, Walter Smithwick marketed the brewery’s naturally-conditioned bottled ale as Smithwick’s No.1 and large slogans referring to it began to appear on buses, trams and in newspapers across Ireland.

Smithwick’s Experience Opens Its Doors

In August, 2014 the highly anticipated Smithwick’s Experience opened its doors in Kilkenny.

Located in the old Victorian brewing building on Parliament Street, the multi-sensory and interactive experience takes visitors on a journey through the medieval origins of brewing on the site of the St. Francis Abbey Brewery to the arrival of John Smithwick in the 1700’s, and right up to the present day.

Hop heads are fully immersed in the history of Smithwick’s, Ireland’s oldest beer brand, the fascinating heritage of the Smithwick’s family and its place in Kilkenny, a city steeped in ancient history and brewing tradition.

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“Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny has been modelled on the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland’s number one international visitor attraction. It is an engaging experience that will provide an interactive way of understanding the amazing history of an iconic brand and its brewing credentials, said Mark McGovern, Manager, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny.

McGovern added, “Kilkenny and the surrounding area is already a wonderful, culturally rich tourist destination and we believe that the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will further add to this.”

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Smithwick’s Experience Tour

Visitors enjoy an interactive tour that includes a life-size holographic monk which showcases the origins of brewing on the site together with living portraits of the key Smithwick’s family members.

During the tour, the Smithwick’s brewing process is brought to life, with visitors having the opportunity to experience the smells, tastes and textures of the raw materials involved in creating the perfect pint of Irish ale.

To avoid disappointment, we strongly suggest that you book your tour in advance. Especially during the busy tourist high season during the summer months. It’s easy to book your tickets online and you’ll enjoy a discount off all adult tickets with advanced bookings!

The Smithwick’s Experience Retail Store is the world’s only dedicated seller of Smithwick’s branded merchandise. Visitors can purchase an exclusive range of merchandise including customized and engraved Smithwick’s glasses, t-shirts and barware.

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Smithwick’s Experience Beer Tasting

Each Smithwick’s Brewery tour ends at a spacious beer bar featuring hardwood communal tables. The tour ticket includes a complimentary pint of Smithwick’s for all visitors over the age of 18. A soft drink is offered for visitors under 18.

Why not take advantage of the opportunity to taste all three of the Irish brewery’s ales at the end of your Smithwick’s Experience Tour? If you’d like to taste three of our most popular variants, Smithwick’s Red Ale, Smithwick’s Pale Ale, and Smithwick’s Atlantic Blonde Ale, you can upgrade your ticket to include a tasting paddle at the end of your tour for just €3. Friendly bartenders are happy to walk visitors through the uniqueness of each of Irish ale, or grab a seat and sip in solitude.

If you’re feeling peckish and need a nibble to compliment your sud-sloshing, a selection of fresh pretzels and chips are available at the bar.

• Smithwick’s Red Ale : The Irish beer’s distinctive ruby red colour makes it unmistakably Smithwick’s. A blend of mild hops, sweet malt, and roasted barley. ABV 3.8%
• Smithwick’s Pale Ale : Deeply golden in colour, the award winning Smithwick’s Pale Ale is inspired by old recipes from Kilkenny’s historical brewery. This golden malt beer is fruity, and grassy, brewed with aromatic Amarillo hops. ABV 4.5%
• Smithwick’s Atlantic Blonde : Crisp, clean, and citrusy, Smithwick’s Atlantic Blonde Ale is a great thirst quencher. Its golden colour pairs with a perfectly balanced blend of Polaris hops, citrus aromas and malty flavour. ABV 4.1%

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Smithwick’s Experience Reservations

44 Parliament Street , 353-56-778-6377

Open from 10am-6pm daily.

Smithwick’s Experience Prices and Times

French, German, Spanish and Italian speaking visitors are offered an audio guide to take them through the Smithwick’s Experience tour , which lasts approximately 70 minutes.

Adults in person €16, online €14

Seniors (65+) €14

Students (under 18) €10

Students (over 18) €14

Family (2 adults, 3 children) €40

July and August   Every 20 minutes, 10.00am – 5.00pm

March to June and September – October   Every 30 minutes, 11.00am – 5.00pm

November – February   On the hour, 11.00am – 4.00pm

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Things To Do in Kilkenny: Explore Ireland’s Medieval Marvel

Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny

• Barrel Yard
• The Final Draft

Ireland's best ale brewing tour: The Smithwick's Experience

Smithwick’s irish ales, brewed with passion since 1710.

Harvested from our land, seasoned by our history, Smithwick’s has been brewed here in Ireland since 1710. Enjoying your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, while one of our local staff explains what makes it so unique, makes this one of the most enjoyable tours in Ireland. Upgrade your ticket to taste both ales and Kilkenny beer. Soft drinks are provided for under 18s and those who would prefer one.

More about the tour

More about our history

Smithwick’s Irish Ales, brewed with our passion since 1710

Soft drinks provided for under 18s.

300 years of innovation

How did Smithwick’s become Ireland’s most popular ale? The results of three centuries spent innovating might just have something to do with it. Surviving, adapting and thriving, the Smithwick family had much to offer the city of Kilkenny. Experiencing the story for yourself is one of the best things to do in Kilkenny.

Find out more

Medieval Mile and Ireland’s Ancient East

There’s no better place to plan your trip around Ireland’s Ancient East than from here in the unforgettable setting of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. You’ll find us in the heart of this beautiful city. We’re less than a 10 minute stroll from the iconic Kilkenny Castle, and are very proud to be part of Kilkenny’s famous Medieval Mile.

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An integral part of the Medieval Mile and Ireland’s Ancient East

There’s no better place to plan your trip around Ireland’s Ancient East than from here in the unforgettable setting of Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile. You’ll find us in the heart of this beautiful city, less than a 10 minute stroll from the iconic Kilkenny Castle.

Whether you're a casual beer enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, we have an unforgettable experience waiting for you at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny.

#1 of 68 Things to do in Kilkenny

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Here's what Trippy members say about Smithwicks Brewery Tour:

"Enjoy the wonderful Smithwicks Brewery Tour - voted in the Top 15 must see experiences in the world by Lonely Planet."   See More

"Kilkenny is also home to Ireland's oldest brewery Smithwicks Brewery Tour and some of the best, most characterful pubs on the island."   See More

"Kilkenny is only an hour away and it's got a really cool Castle, eat Matt the Millers and go on the Smithwicks Brewery Tour for amazing history and a good pint."   See More

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Visit Smithwick's Brewery Tour

Situated in Kilkenny City Centre , this beer-making plant is worth a visit. But you'll find plenty more to discover in the area. Kilkenny Castle, The Hub, and Nowlan Park are within easy reach of Smithwick's Brewery Tour.

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Smithwick's Tour & Tasting

Enjoy a cosy over night stay in the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel and immerse yourself in the story of Smithwick’s, where over 300 years of history combine with extraordinary brewing innovations to create the Smithwick’s Experience with tickets for Smithwick’s tour and tasting.

Package includes: Luxurious Overnight Accommodation Full Irish Breakfast the following morning Tickets to Smethwick’s Tour and Tasting Save at least €10 by booking direct Complimentary WiFi 20% non-refundable deposit due at time of Booking. 48 hour cancellation policy Please advise your preferential time in the special request box (Please not, the hotel reservations team will confirm this to you when booked) 20% non-refundable deposit due at time of Booking 48 Hour cancellation policy (can cancel booking up to 48 hours prior to arrival without any further charges but the non-refundable deposit will not be refunded) This experience lasts approximately 1 hour. This is a guided Tour. Your tour is topped off with a perfectly poured tasting paddle of two Smithwick’s ales and Kilkenny beer and an explanation of what makes each so unique. Please advise your preferential time in the special request box (Please not, the hotel reservations team will confirm this to you when booked)

Kilkenny: Ireland's smallest city is bursting with amazing things to do

I reland's smallest city doesn't let its size stop it from being a go-to visitor spot for those landing on the Emerald Isle. It not only makes for a fun day trip but a wonderful whole weekend getaway for all kinds of tourists.

We are of course talking about Co Kilkenny , which takes the title of the smallest city in Ireland with a population of only around 27,000. Despite its size, it's big in terms of enriching experiences.

If you're planning an Ireland trip soon then Kilkenny is a spot that should be taken into consideration. If you like great food, interesting history, and unique culture, you will enjoy a visit here.

Read more: How to spend a day in Cork City, San Francisco's Irish sister city

Here is your guide to enjoying Ireland's smallest city, Kilkenny.

Kilkenny Castle

An excellent way to start your Kilkenny experience is with a visit to Kilkenny Castle . The castle was founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland and has been in use in different ways for over 800 years.

Today, it is largely a Victorian remodeling of the 13th-century defensive castle. It features an impressive 50 acres of rolling parkland as well as orienteering trails, a rose garden, a tea room, and a playground.

Medieval Mile Museum

The Medieval Mile Museum is another excellent choice in Kilkenny for the history buffs among us. It is housed within a medical church and transports you back to an Ireland that is almost unrecognizable.

Exhibitions here house all kinds of artifacts while there is also a large glass window from which you can get great views of the city. Meanwhile, the museum also offers guided walks of the Medieval Mile Trail, a great way to discover the tails of the old city on its cobblestoned streets.

Smithwick's Experience

Smithwick's is Ireland's most popular ale and in Kilkenny, you get to experience it in a truly unique way. The brewery here offers guided tours as well as beer tastings.

During a tour, you will learn about the ale's 300-year history. In fact, the tour guides will take you back beyond Smithwick's inception and will teach you how Kilkenny became the place for Smithwick's to be created amidst the arrival of Henry VIII and The Reformation.

Get into the spirit of hurling

If Kilkenny is known most for just one thing, it's arguably hurling. Voted the number one attraction in Kilkenny by Tripadvisor users, The Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience takes visitors on a two-hour journey through this ancient sport.

Tours take place daily at the home of the famous Kilkenny Cats. You will also learn how to play hurling here, meaning you'll walk away with a seriously impressive new skill.

Top quality grub

The food scene in Kilkenny is nothing to be snuffed at. There are great restaurants here serving a wide range of top-quality Irish fare and international cuisines.

In terms of delicious brunch, there's Low Lane and Storeyboard. Happy Valley Coffee is also an excellent shout.

Meanwhile, you are spoilt for choice in terms of lunch and dinner. Some of the examples include Zuni Restaurant, Butcher Restaurant, Petronella Restaurant, Rive Gauche, and La Rivista Market and Gourmet Pizza.

Amazing pubs and bars

The nightlife in Kilkenny is fantastic, with plenty of traditional Irish pubs offering up some brilliant live music. And of course, they also serve up an excellently-poured pint of Guinness.

Some of the most popular pubs in Ireland's smallest city include Matt The Millers Bar & Restaurant, Christy's Bar, John Cleeres Bar, Kyteler's Inn and Billy Byrne's.

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