Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny Entrance Ticket
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
What To Expect
Smithwick's Experience
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.
Options
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.
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 Pint
Admission to Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny including a complimentary pint.
What‘s Included
1 pint of Smithwick's or a soft drink
Guided tour
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Meeting points
Smithwick's Experience
44 Parliament Street Kilkenny Ireland
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
719 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great beer tour
briannV595BI,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informational tour the guide was great and of course there's beer at the end
Smithwicks Tour
220rebeccaq,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extremely informative and engaging tour! Our guide Ruby was very knowledgeable and personable.
Informative, fun, & personal tour
wendyhI3875JZ,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Honestly one of the best tours I have ever taken. The guide was fun and personable, and the tour itself was interesting. We loved having the time to sit in the pub and have a pint afterwards. Everyone was friendly and helpful. This is a must if you are in Kilkenny.
Wonderful tour
988laneem,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Regina was a wonderful guide, and the experience was a unique and fun tour.
Really enjoyable tour
davidpH5712WQ,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely tour and experience, Colm the guide was very knowledgeable and charismatic. Really knew his stuff! Nice relaxing drink to wind down after the tour! Highly recommend!
Lovely, chill way to spend the afternoon.
Trek35898848265,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Lovely tour. Informative and entertaining. Colm was a delight and you could tell he enjoys doing the tours. Tasting the ingredients was unique for me and I enjoyed our hour.
Fun and insightful
Ciaran Deno,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Quite insightful, learned a couple things you'd never realise about smithwicks from our tour guide Colm
Learn how Smithwick’s fits into Irish history while gaining an understanding of what give the beer its flavors.
RobCOFallon,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A refreshing blend of of reviewing the history of the company and the process of making the beer. The ability to smell and taste ingredients was an excellent aspect.
Good Beer in a good tour guide.
vincentbJ4773TQ,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour and visiting experience. Maggie was awsome as a tour guide. I recommande every Beer lovers to make the stop. Cheers!
Highly recommended!
Sightseer19544268534,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolute recommendation. Informative and interesting. Colm is the best man.
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