Personable, inviting and unique, the original brewery site of Smithwick’s (pronounced smith-ick) beer offers a lot to any one who is traveling through Kilkenny. Take some time to partake in the Brewery Experience that Smithwick’s offers. On this tour, you will learn of the Smithwick family history as well as why their Red Ale has been one of the most popular beers in Ireland for over 300 years!
-Entrance to the brewery tour in Killkenny-
While we don’t want to ruin the surprises of the brewery tour with you, we will indulge you in some of the interesting tales which were highlights of the Brewery Experience!
The story of this incredible beer begins with the monks who lived in the town of Kilkenny in the 14th century. These monks brewed beer to function as a drinking water since the water of the time was less than suitable. When John Smithwick arrived in Kilkenny in the 18th century, he imitated the process of the monks to brew while adding his own touch to the process to make a heartier, more alcoholic, ale. Unfortunately for John, he was Catholic; therefore, according to the penal laws of the time, he was not allowed to own land. Obviously, this was problematic for his budding new business.
Regardless, John Smithwick was resourceful, utilizing his friend Richard Cole, who was protestant, to sign for a lease for land which John could then build upon. From then on, the Smithwick brewery was established and John was able to run the business under the protected guise of his friend Richard until the late 18th century when the penal laws were eventually revoked.
At the end of the tour, stop at the bar for a pint or two!
With the freedom to do business as they wished, under their own name, the Smithwick family began to expand the brewery and bring more beer to market. Instead of supplying to just the town of Kilkenny, they began to ship their beer throughout Europe. By the mid-19th century roughly 40,000 barrels of Smithwick brews were exported. Throughout the centuries, the brand continued to grow and the ale’s were winning global beer awards for their superb taste.
Today you will find Smithwick’s in many bars around the world. The next time you order a pint, you can appreciate the nine generations worth of hard work the Smithwick’s family invested into continually making the best red ale in all of Ireland.
On the tour, you will hear all these facts, and much more, from the cheerful Kilkenny folk working at the brewery. When you are done with the tour, they will send you to the bar and happily serve you a pint of the Red, Blonde or Pale Ale they brew. You will certainly appreciate every sip of the well-balanced beer after you have learned of all the trials, tribulations and overall success’ the Smithwick family endured to keep their brand, and community of Kilkenny, thriving.
The classic Smithwick Red Ale.