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.
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.
Reviews
690 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour - lots of fun.
jackcH6399RE,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend. We were not planning on the Smithwick's tour, but schedule flexibility allowed us the time. The guide's enthusiasm and knowledge made for a fun experience.
Smithwick’s Paddle Tour Tasting
Flynn B,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great! Morgan our guide was funny and very knowledgeable. He guided us through the tour and then to try the beers. I would highly recommend doing the paddle tour. You get to try not only the Smithwicks Red Ale, but also their Pale Ale and then their Kilkenny Draught Irish.
Smithwicks in Kilkenny
gavinrM139JY,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative tour by Chris. It fits Kilkenny very well, most enjoyable!!!
School Trip with profound information and a beer
Global04037232024,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A nice Trip and good experience.
Lovely if in Kilkenny
D2374PZwilliamb,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an interesting, nice and quick tour. Morgan was very likable and did a great job. I recommend :)
Surprise private tour.
MTMCE,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We lucked out and were the only two people on our tour! Chris did a great job. He was very informative about the history and brew process and because we were a group of two we were able to; stir, crank and sniff! Highly recommend the tour.
Talking Pictures
R1929AJstevem,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really good experience and thoroughly enjoyable. The talking pictures were great fun. Not too long and not too short. Plus you get a pint at the end. Highly recommended if you're in the area.
Unintentional private tour.
MTMCE,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an excellent tour with Chris. Because we were just a group of two he was able to cover more information and we were able to “stir” and “crank the wheel”! Thanks for sharing the history of Smithwicks with us!
Super tour
christinasS1164RJ,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Barry was an awesome tour guide. He explained everything in great detail. We learned a lot and had a few laughs along the way. The tasting at the end was spot on. The Kilkenny drought cream ale was my favorite
Highly recommend!
mrdeerhunter,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Barry was informative, humorous and informative. An absolute pleasure! (And the ale was good also…😉)
From €22.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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