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

Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny Entrance Ticket

4.9(840)Kilkenny1 hour
VIATOR4.8(28)TRIPADVISOR4.9(812)

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

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.
Tour with Pint
  • Admission to Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny including a complimentary pint.

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
840 reviews
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760
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61
3
14
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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(840)

D
donalddU7134RY
August 19, 2026
Great information on history of beer brewing in Kilkenny

Great brewery tour. My favorite part was the history of brewing in Kilkenny and the Smithwicks family.

K
kellylB671YN
August 19, 2026
Worth the experience!

Ruby was an absolute delight! She answered all of our questions and gave a thorough, entertaining tour. Thanks from Kelly and Donald!

G
Go61728166638
August 19, 2026
Great times!

Lovely experience, our guide Colm did a great job at teaching us about the brewing process and the history of Smithwicks! Would recommend, even if you’re not a fan of beers or ales like I am! It was also really nice that they had student pricing!

N
nathan_a_blees
August 19, 2026
Informative, Immersive Adventure Through Time

The Smithwick's tour experience brings wonderful context and clarity to a world-famous beer! Even though the whole brewing operation has moved to a larger, more efficient space, this tour still offered us access to real brewing technology, centuries-old techniques and Irish history, exemplifying the original passion of Kilkenny's craft. Admission, duration and crowd size were a non-issue, leaving plenty of space before, during and after our tour for enjoying Marble City. Our guide Colm was a pure delight as well, offering a lively, interactive and personable experience - his knowledge and razor-sharp wit was a fantastic addition to our day. This tour is a perfect choice for beer connoisseurs, casual beverage enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper appreciation for one of Ireland's beautiful towns.

S
Susan_C
August 18, 2026
Good relaxing tour

It was nice to learn about the history of Smithwick’s and its place in the story of the area. We also enjoyed the interactive nature of the tour.

O
O7831LEshawnr
August 16, 2026
Entertaining tour

We enjoyed learning the history of Smithwick's beer. The tour is informative and imaginative - there are 'paintings' of the founders that tell the story. The tastings at the end were great. No small pours here!

O
O522XYemilyr
August 15, 2026
Kids had a great time!

Highly recommend, tour was engaging and informative! Colm was an excellent tour guide! Even our 9 and 6 year old enjoyed the tour!

Operator response

Hi Emily, Thanks for leaving such fantastic feedback! It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed the tour and felt Colm was an excellent guide! It's brilliant to hear your kids liked the tour too 😊 Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny, Nuala

M
Michela C
August 15, 2026
An unexpected tour

Excellent tour and Coln 🔝, excellent beers and now off to the shop store, curiosities revealed and a beer tasting at noon was appreciated

Operator response

Hi there, It's great to hear you enjoyed the tour and felt your guide did a great job! We're happy to hear you enjoyed the tasting at the end of the tour! Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny, Nuala

2
246rebf
August 14, 2026
Christy is awesome!

Christy was awesome! Knowledgeable and thorough. Awesome guide!

Operator response

Hi there, Thanks for leaving such a lovely review following your visit! Christy is thrilled with the feedback from his tour and he is delighted you guys had a good time! Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny, Nuala

S
Stay22693579795
August 13, 2026
Smithwicks fun for all

Great experience had a flight at the end and our under aged daughter got a soda fun for Ll

Operator response

Hi there, Thanks for leaving such nice feedback! It's great to hear you had fun and enjoyed the drinks at the end! Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny, Nuala

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