Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny, situated on the "medieval mile" in Kilkenny, is a captivating brewery-turned-brewery-tour that unfolds the rich history of Smithwick's beer. The site, once a Franciscan monastery named St. Francis Abbey, witnessed the brewing of beer by the Franciscan friars before their dissolution during the Reformation in 1537. The brewery's expansion in 1854 led to the rediscovery of the abbey's nave and chancel, with the sacristy later restored as an oratory within the brewery. The well dedicated to St. Francis, situated beneath one of the brewery buildings, adds to the historical significance.
The brewery, initially closed in 1537 due to the Reformation, saw a revival when Penal laws were revoked in 1782, allowing the Smithwick family to reclaim ownership. Edmond Smithwick, the grandson of John Smithwick, eventually took over the business. The brewery remained under the Smithwicks' ownership until 1964, when Guinness and Company (Diageo) acquired a controlling share. Brewing operations continued until December 2013, shifting to St James's Gate in Dublin.
In 2014, after Diageo's relocation of brewing activities, the site transformed into Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny, a visitor center and brewery tour offering insights into the brewery's history, brand evolution, and brewing processes, complete with tastings and a gift shop.
The brewery, initially closed in 1537 due to the Reformation, saw a revival when Penal laws were revoked in 1782, allowing the Smithwick family to reclaim ownership. Edmond Smithwick, the grandson of John Smithwick, eventually took over the business. The brewery remained under the Smithwicks' ownership until 1964, when Guinness and Company (Diageo) acquired a controlling share. Brewing operations continued until December 2013, shifting to St James's Gate in Dublin.
In 2014, after Diageo's relocation of brewing activities, the site transformed into Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny, a visitor center and brewery tour offering insights into the brewery's history, brand evolution, and brewing processes, complete with tastings and a gift shop.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kilkenny. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny on Map
Sight Name: Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
Sight Location: Kilkenny, Ireland (See walking tours in Kilkenny)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kilkenny, Ireland (See walking tours in Kilkenny)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kilkenny, Ireland
Create Your Own Walk in Kilkenny
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kilkenny is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kilkenny Introduction Walking Tour
Situated some 90 minutes away from busy Dublin, the sleepy town of Kilkenny rests gracefully along the banks of the River Nore in the southeastern part of Ireland, exuding an ambiance of old-world charm.
The town's name is the anglicized version of the Irish "Cill Chainnigh," which means "Church of Canice." It pays homage to Saint Canice, an Ulsterman, a revered figure... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The town's name is the anglicized version of the Irish "Cill Chainnigh," which means "Church of Canice." It pays homage to Saint Canice, an Ulsterman, a revered figure... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles