Tours/Kilkenny/Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny Entrance Ticket
Viator

Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny Entrance Ticket

4.9(757)Kilkenny1 hour
VIATOR4.7(26)TRIPADVISOR4.9(731)

Description

Delve deep into the history of Smithwick’s, Ireland oldest beer brand, with a visit to Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. With Franciscan monks, living portraits of the Smithwick family and giant holograms, set off on an immersive, guided tour of the Smithwick’s Experience, located in an old Victorian brewing building in Kilkenny city center. Travel from the 13th century right through to modern day as you trace the beer’s history, and learn how the ale is made. Then toast your tour with a meticulously poured pint of Smithwick’s.

Tour Options

Tour with Pint
  • Admission to Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny including a complimentary pint.
Masters of Ale Experience
  • An extended, fully guided tour: An extended, fully guided journey through the history and evolution of Irish Ale Four Ales Tasting: A Tasting Masterclass featuring four ales, including a signed certificate recognising you as a certified ale taster Masters of Ale: Unlock the full story of Irish ale with our Master of Ale Tour, the most in‑depth and immersive experience offered
Tour with Tasting Paddle
  • Upgrade to a tour including a tasting of 3 ales, Smithwicks Original, Smithwicks Pale Ale & Smithwicks Atlantic Blonde, served on a traditional tasting paddle.

Itinerary

Admission included

Make your own way to Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, roughly 1.5 hours from Dublin by car, at a time suited to you. Located in an old Victorian brewing building in Kilkenny City, the Smithwick’s Experience offers a fully interactive, multi-sensory journey through Smithwick’s history. On arrival, join one of the guided tours — which run regularly throughout the day and last approximately an hour — and trace the evolution of Ireland’s oldest beer brand, from its medieval origins right up to present day. Holograms, Franciscan monks and living portraits of John Smithwick and his family guide you through the tour. Discover how the Smithwick’s story dates back to the 1200s, when monks settled at St Francis Abbey, which functioned as a brewery for more than 300 years. Then, hear about the arrival of the Smithwick family in the 18th century. You’ll also learn more about the brewing process itself and have the chance to experience the texture, tastes and smells of the materials that go into creating the perfect pint of Smithwick’s ale. Finish your tour with a carefully poured pint (or a soft drink) at the bar before heading to the gift shop, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.

Highlights

1 pint of Smithwick's or a soft drink
Guided tour

What's included

Included
1 pint of Smithwick's or a soft drink
Guided tour
Not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified

Traveller Ratings

4.9
757 reviews
5
682
4
57
3
13
2
3
1
2

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants under the age of 6 years go free of charge
  • Minimum drinking age is 18 years
  • Adult rate applies to all bookings
  • Please note: it is recommended to pre-book your preferred time slot; refer to voucher for details

Reviews(757)

M
Moritz H
July 7, 2026
Collan for President

Collan was very friendly and did a fantastic job.

M
michaelpQ4255XL
July 7, 2026
Excellent tour great value

We had a great tour guide Cara. She spoke very clearly. and explained everything very well. and answered any questions we had .we had a lovely pint of Smethwicks in the bar to finish.

F
F9856AUmarkc
July 7, 2026
Worthwhile tour

Very informative. Evan was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The beer is lovely. Worth a visit

D
Daniel M
July 6, 2026
Well worth it

Ive done this tour before but it was a very long time ago. It has changed a bit since the brewing on site has stopped. Nonetheless it was a very enjoyable experience. The tour guide was exceptional. His level of knowledge was unbelievable. I think his name was Evan, I hope I got that right but credit where its due. He was top.

1
189emersone
July 6, 2026
Great value and great experience

I loved the tour, funny and competent guide, Colm, plus the beer is amazing.

E
evwy
July 6, 2026
Do it!

Fun, interesting, great tour guide (Chris), and wonderful tasting room. I have done many brewery chores in my life and this one was the best.

C
Connector33200266787
July 6, 2026
Great Smithwick’s Tour!

Ruby was an excellent guide for the tour which was only 5 folx! And the lovely gal at the ticket desk caught an overage in our charge and came to find us following the tour to refund us! Amazing care!

Operator response

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are delighted you had such a nice time on Ruby's tour and found our customer service to be helpful. Be sure to pop by and say hello the next time you are in Kilkenny. Kind regards, Niamh, Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny.

V
Viajeconpelucas
July 4, 2026
Guided visit to the oldest brewery in Ireland

The experience was narrated by a guide and visuals/videos in what used to be the oldest brewery in Ireland. The flow was well done and somehow influenced by the Guinness experience, naturally at a much much smaller scale. The only thing I would change would be the speed of the guide narration. He spoke very fast, coming across as he memorized the whole script. I suspect it may be hard for non native English speakers following completely . The tour was great and the beer very good.

Operator response

Thank you for your review! We are glad you found you time with us to be enjoyable and appreciate the detail you put into describing the tour as it helps future guests. We will be sure to to take on your feedback as we want to make our tours as acessable to as many guests as possible. KInd regards, Niamh, Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny.

H
H2272REmichaelv
July 3, 2026
Very good experience.

First rate. Travelling from Canada, very friendly and polite staff.

Operator response

Hi Michael, Thank for taking the time to leave us a review and we are glad to hear that it was memorable part of your trip. We are happy to hear you had such a positive experience with our staff as we strive to make every visit pleasant and fun for all our guests. We hope to see you agin in Kilkenny sometime! Kind regards, Niamh, Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny.

P
P256VBsarahh
July 3, 2026
Exceptional experience

Our guide Colm was absolutely fantastic! Great history to learn really enjoyed and great value !

Operator response

Hi there, Colm was extatic to hear how much you enjoyed his tour. We are glad you found our history engaging and that it was worthwhile on your trip. Thanks so much for visiting. Kind regards, Niamh, Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny.

You might also like...