Smithwick's Brewery was founded by John Smithwick in 1710, set on the site of a Franciscan abbey.  Here, monks had brewed ale since the 14th century, and ruins of the original abbey still remain on its grounds. The old brewery has since been renovated and now hosts "The Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny" visitor attraction and centre. At the time of its closure, it was Ireland's oldest operating brewery.  Smithwick's Draught is an Irish red ale, mixing of hops and roasted, malted barley.

History:

John Smithwick was an orphan who had settled in Kilkenny. Shortly after his arrival, Smithwick went into the brewing business with Richard Cole on a piece of land that Cole had leased from the Duke of Ormond in 1705. Five years later, John Smithwick became the owner of the land. The brewery stayed small, servicing a loyal local following while John Smithwick diversified.

Following John Smithwick's death, the brewery temporarily fell out of family hands. John Smithwick's great grandson, Edmond bought the brewery land back freehold and worked to reshape its future. Edmond concentrated on discovering new markets and successfully building export trade. Drinkers in England, Scotland and Wales developed a taste for Smithwick's brews and output increased fivefold.

The Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny is the original site where Smithwick's was brewed from the 1700s until 2014. Previously, the site was owned by Franciscan friars who also brewed beer before they were dissolved during the Reformation in 1537. The site is now a brewery tour that includes tastings, visual effects including holograms, and a gift shop. The brewery tour is laid out over two floors and sits on the original abbey foundations.

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is located in the heart of Ireland's Medieval Mile in Kilkenny city and Ireland’s Ancient East and is just a 5 minute walk from Kilkenny Castle.