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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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.
Options
Tour with Pint
Admission to Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny including a complimentary pint.
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
Reviews
645 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
lewisa229,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, Evan was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Would recommend!
Excellent visitor experience Morgan was very knowledgeable and the centre is amazing Definitely recommend
Melanie M,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended such a great interactive experience with a great guide. Morgan was engaging and knowledgeable with great content and insights. The bar at the end is fabulous too Thanks for a great experience
Great! Would recommend.
Go08471504782,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Darragh was very helpful and informative
Worth it!
briangO8645WJ,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and informative! Our guide, Chris, made the trip even better. He was funny and had lots of anecdotal stories to make the tour even better.
Made our group visit a wonderful full one
G6655ERemilya,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had so much fun with a large group coming. Regina our tour guide was lovely and kind and made it a great and personalized experience for us all. The tasting at the end was fun and made for a cool social experience. Would definitely recommend.
A must do to n Kilkinney
Shamra D,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and interactive as you are learning about Smithwicks history! The pint at the end was tasty!
An Irish Brewing Classic
Q4859NNdavidt,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting Ireland for the first time and made Smithwick’s my must see Brewery. Similar to my home history in Wisconsin (USA) the legends of brewing have faded away from their original Brewing sites, but the history remains rich. Thank you to our guide Barry for sharing the stories, humor and delivering a great Smithwick’s Experience.
A great brewery tour
U731FAmarkb,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really good tour, the videos are excellent and the tour guide was great. Not just reading a script but a few light hearted comments which made it all the more fun. Lots of good history which comes to life on this tour
Red Stout is the best.
Elizabeth R,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding tour and history. We thought it was better than the Guinness tour the beer was excellent!
Don’t miss this if you come to Kilkenny
Nicole D,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well orchestrated tour & tasting. They explained the brewing process very well and I left feeling like I understood the history of brewing in Ireland as well as the logistics of the process itself. The combination of prerecorded content and the live tour guide was entertaining and informative. It was a relaxed atmosphere. It is great for friends and families. Not sure kids under 12 would find it interesting. The beer garden out back had live Irish music. Next time I come to Kilkenny, I’ll definitely do this again.
From €22.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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