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
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.
Reviews
671 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Chris! Legend of a Tour Guide!
16shannenr,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was an absolute amazing tour guide! Spent loads of time with our small group and let us smell, taste and see everything! He answered every question in the book and knew everything there was to know about Smithwicks, Kilkenny and all it’s medieval history 🏰
A must do!
E7609YTsamanthal,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is my second time doing the tour and it was just as fascinating as the first, lol. It’s truly beautiful to learn the story of the brand and the town. Chris was knowledgeable & extremely personable. We aren’t even staying the night in Kilkenny but stopped by so we didn’t miss this tour while in Ireland. Thank you!!
Can’t beat a good beer 🍺
21kerriw,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Darragh was a very good guide. The tour was interesting 🤔 But the beer 🍺 was awesome.
Crackin tour
800se nr,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a very interesting and informative tour and our tour guide Barry really knew his stuff and was very funny with his delivery
Well worth it!
194kelseyd,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this experience! It was a last minute add to our itinerary and I'm so glad we did it. The experience was knowledgeable and immersive with different encounters in each location. It wasn't too long, but felt worth it for the money spent. Glad we got to come check it out, and would recommend to others!
Excellent
Grynevin,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good Guide (Simon). Very informative & a nice pint after
Great tourist experience
67joand,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with a great guide, Simon is passionate about his job and his love for beer shines through. We loved it.
Must do!
Twagner2112,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Informative, energetic experience with Evan! Learned a lot ,laughed a ton and did the taste with the flight . The pale ale was actually delightful!!
It was great!
H7854FFpatriciaz,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Evan did a great job telling us the history of the Smithwick’s history . He made the experience more enjoyable with his wit and honour. Will definitely tell friends and family.
Great Smithwicks afternoon
ute983,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went through the tour, was very informative and fun. There are medieval monks talking to us, and pictures of Smithwicks bosses of different eras are talking to each other. And at the end there was a paddle with 3 beers to taste (each 1/2 pint). The way back on foot became very fun.
From €22.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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