Settle into the Barrel Yard
An enclosed courtyard with a full bar, free live music sessions in summer and on festival weekends, and food on event nights. Free entry, over 18s only.
Smithwick's Experience
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About
Three centuries of Smithwick's ale are told inside the old St Francis Abbey Brewery, on Kilkenny's Medieval Mile. Hands-on brewing exhibits, interactive storytelling and a complimentary pint make this a history tour as much as a beer one.
Things to Do
Signature Experience tour
A local guide leads a 300-year journey through the brewing story, with interactive moments and memorable characters. It ends with an ale tasting for over-18s (valid ID) or a soft drink for younger visitors, plus access to the retail shop.
Masters of Ale Experience
A 75-minute upgrade for over-18s only: a guided sensorial tour, a tasting masterclass of four ales, a pint-pouring tutorial and an engraved glass to take home.
Get hands on with the brewing
During the tour you mill the malt, stir the mash and smell the hops, just as you would in the real brewing process.
Walk the Medieval Mile
The Experience sits mid-way along Kilkenny's Medieval Mile, a short stroll from Kilkenny Castle, St Canice's Cathedral and the city's other historic sights.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open seven days a week. March-October 10.30am-6.30pm (last tour 5pm); November-February 11am-5pm (last tour 4pm). Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day. In November-February tours run Thursday to Monday only, though the bar and retail stay open daily.
- Admission: Signature Experience from €21 per person; Masters of Ale Experience from €50 per person.
- Parking: Public parking is available close to Smithwick's Experience (Kilkenny Market Cross and Market Yard car parks are nearby). The site has wheelchair-accessible parking.
- Food: The Barrel Yard, the on-site enclosed courtyard bar, pours Smithwick's ales. Food is served at events - Blasta Wood Fired Pizza on Culture Night and an artisan pretzel with the Savour Kilkenny tasting.
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