Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
The Smithwick's Experience is a visitor attraction on the site of the former St Francis Abbey Brewery in Kilkenny, where Ireland's oldest ale brand traces its roots back to brewing by Franciscan friars in the 14th century before the Smithwick family took over commercial brewing there in 1710. The self-guided tour weaves through the old abbey ruins and brewery buildings, using audio-visual displays and interactive exhibits to walk through nearly 300 years of Smithwick's brewing history alongside the older monastic story of the site.
It ends, as these tours generally do, with a tasting session, and the mix of genuine medieval ruins with brewing heritage gives it a bit more substance than a straightforward brewery tour — it's as much a history stop as a drinks one, and a popular addition to a day exploring Kilkenny's Medieval Mile.
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny FAQs
A self-guided visitor attraction in Kilkenny on the site of a former Franciscan abbey and brewery, telling the history of Smithwick's ale with a tasting at the end.
Commercial brewing on the site dates to 1710, making it Ireland's oldest operating ale brand, with monastic brewing on the site going back to the 14th century.
Yes, the tour concludes with a tasting session for visitors of legal drinking age.
Around an hour, including the self-guided exhibits and tasting.
Children can visit but the tasting portion is for adults; check current family policy before visiting.
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