Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny: Masters of Ale Experience
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step into the world of Irish ale with the Master of Ale Tour at the Smithwick’s Experience. This extended, fully guided journey explores the origins and evolution of Irish ale, delivered in an intimate small-group setting. Enjoy a Tasting Masterclass featuring four carefully selected ales, earn your signed ale taster certificate, and take part in a hands-on Pour Your Own Pint tutorial. Guests also receive a beautifully engraved Smithwick’s pint glass as a memento.
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
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Designed exclusively for adults, this experience is strictly over 18s and ideal for anyone seeking a deeper, more flavourful understanding of Ireland’s brewing heritage.
What To Expect
Smithwick's Experience
Unlock the full story of Irish ale with our Master of Ale Tour, the most in‑depth and immersive experience offered at the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. This extended guided tour takes you on a rich and engaging journey through centuries of brewing tradition, tracing the evolution of Irish ale from its earliest roots to the modern craft enjoyed today. The highlight of your visit is the Tasting Masterclass, where you’ll sample four distinctive ales under expert guidance, learning how to evaluate aroma, flavour, and character like a professional. At the end, you’ll receive a signed certificate recognising you as a fully qualified ale taster — the perfect badge of honour for any ale enthusiast. Your ale journey continues with our hands-on Pour Your Own Pint tutorial, where you’ll master the craft of creating the perfect Smithwick’s pour.
What‘s Included
Hands-on “Pour Your Own Pint” tutorial
An extended, fully guided journey through the history and evolution of Irish Ale
Strictly for guests aged 18 and over
A complimentary engraved Smithwick’s pint glass as a keepsake
A Tasting Masterclass featuring four ales, including a signed certificate
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.
Options
Masters of Ale Experience
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful!
sandyaC257FA,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Some of our tour group went to Smithwick’s and enjoyed the experience! Morgan, our tour guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable! He was funny and made the experience even more enjoyable!
Great experience - must do!!
laurenbL3822QT,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time with Evan as our guide through the Masters of Ale experience at Smithwick’s!! He was funny, incredibly knowledgeable and when walking us through the tasting - gave little hints on the best places to find these particular ales! He was truly one of a kind and for the price of this little extra, it was well well worth it!!
Enjoying Kilkenny
corinnetH4490BN,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed Ruby as our guide who was informative without being boring and was entertaining
Wonderful experience
jakesQ7045SW,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour! Nuala was very well spoken and knowledgeable, the tour was a good time and the bar at the end is always a plus!
Amazing tour
hennebrysean17,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing experience on the Smithwicks tour learning about the vast history of the generations and advancements of smithwicks through the knowledge of our tour guide Regina. An amazingly passionate person who tells the story and makes you feel part of the experience from start to finish.
Informative and fun
W1054HTbryanm,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Barry was great! Very knowledgeable. I highly recommend taking the time to do the tour. The pint at the end is the cherry on top of a great time.
Great times with great brews!!
jamesbU746ZC,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour and experience. Very informative and definitely a fun, tasty time. Regina, our tour guide was super friendly and comical. Definitely an asset to the Smithwick's experience.
Storytelling at its best!
B3180USmaryo,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed this visit to Smithwicks Brewhouse experience. Our tour guide Barry was fantastic- lovely storyteller! Bar staff were very welcoming and friendly. Overall extremely informative, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. I’d highly recommend this.
Smithwicks
Cece J,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, Evan our tour guide was funny and very informative. Great experience thank you Evan!
Great way to spend an hour in the Marble City
pixiegal20,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with the super knowledgeable Evan - lovely mix of interactive elements and story telling
From €56.25
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Smithwick's Experience