Smithwick's Experience
Smithwick's Experience
4.5
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Located in the heart of Kilkenny city, Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny is a multi-sensory experience that immerses you in the history of Ireland's oldest ale. Harvested from our land, seasoned by our history, Smithwick’s has been brewed in Ireland since 1710. Enjoying your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, while one of our local staff explains what makes it so unique, makes this one of the most enjoyable tours in Ireland.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • P736QBmartind
    Beloit, Wisconsin7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Learn about Ireland's other favorite pint.
    Learn about the history and brewing techniques of Ireland's other favorite pint, Smithwick's. With a history older than that of the U.S., and just as rich and interesting, a Smithwick's Experience tour is at least as entertaining as it is interesting. Not to give too much away but the portrait gallery of some of the Smithwick family members literally tells the story of how this brewery came to be and how it thrived for all these centuries. You do, of course, get to sample some product at the end. If you're lucky, tour guide Simon will lead your through( and, yes, he is a descendent).
    Thank you so much for your glowing review! We love sharing the History and stories of Smithwick's with all visitors, and we love to bring in the story of Kilkenny too. Smithwick's is only a part of the story of the city even though we have been here for over 300 years. Simon is delighted to hear you enjoyed his tour. When you come back to Kilkenny come in and say hello, All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 11 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 9 October 2023
  • ca_yee
    86 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Simon says...
    We went to the Smithwick Experience and we were treated a Premium tour that was given by Simon. This was a great surprise. Simon did a great job of presenting the history of Smithwick's as well as the ins and outs of brewing beer. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, and very engaging with his audience. It was cool to be able to walk through the old parts of some of the brewery. We were able to taste 4 different types of beer as well as pour a pint of Smithwick's Red Ale. If you happen to be in Kilkenny and have a couple hours this would be something cool to do.
    Thank you so much for your kind review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Simon is delighted to know you enjoyed his tour. We try to make sure there is something for everyone on the tour, balancing the History and brewing with lots of storytelling and interactive elements All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 11 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 October 2023
  • 31leming
    Lilburn, Georgia28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A grand tour
    Thought the interactive aspects of the tour and the guide was wonderful. The tour provides the background knowledge of the monks brewing up to the present day. The hands on use of senses before hitting the tasting room was fun.
    Thanks for your super review! We love sharing the History and stories of Smithwick's with all visitors, and we love to bring in the story of Kilkenny too. Smithwick's is only a part of the story of the city even though we have been here for over 300 years. When you come back to Kilkenny come in and say hello, All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 11 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 October 2023
  • Chris T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Christy, Darren & Smithwick’s team were fantastic. Sláinte from Canada!
    A great place to visit! I’m from Canada and was passing by on the way to Dublin. Sadly, I was almost too late to pop in. However, Christy, Darren and the rest of the team took care of me, and made sure I was able to have a fresh pint of Smithwick’s, and answer questions I had about the place! I will definitely be stopping in for the full tour in the future, and recommending to my friends and family! Thanks again to Christy, Darren, and the rest of the lovely team at Smithwick’s Sláinte! Chris
    Thank you for your fantastic review Chris! We are so glad you got to pop in to us! Christy and Darren are thrilled to hear you enjoyed their company and they were able to answer any questions you had! Definitely come back to see us soon and join a tour. All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 6 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 25 October 2023
  • Shelby H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Tour. Great Beer. Surprisingly brilliant family activity
    Our tour with Chris was absolutely brilliant!! We had our 10 and 8 year old with it and they loved it as well. So interesting, informative and great interaction. By far the best brewery tour we have been on (better than Guiness). Genuinely one of the better tours of anything of this type we have done as a family. Soft drinks for the kids at the end and some nice colouring sheets on offer so we could enjoy our pint!
    Thank you for your kind review! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Chris is delighted to know you enjoyed his tour. There is something for everyone and we love to make it an interactive experience for all visitors! Pop in and say hello again anytime, All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 6 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 October 2023
  • Peter
    Vancouver Island, Canada17 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth the entry fee
    Our tour guide referred to the Smithwicks experience, so we thought “why not?” After a short wait we (small group of 6 - 8 people) were escorted through the experience by a very knowledgeable member of staff Although clearly anxious, he did a very good job of narrating the history, development and current day reality of Smithwicks brewery. We decided to have a sample of Smithwicks beers, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Altogether we spent about an hour at Smithwicks. Well worth the entry fee.
    Thank you for your glowing review. We try to make sure there is something for everyone on the tour, balancing the History and brewing with lots of storytelling and interactive elements. It isn't just about the beer! All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 4 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 31 October 2023
  • Jess E
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Smithwicks Experience
    I drink Smithwicks back home it was amazing to learn the rich history behind the ruby ale. The tasting and history lesson were great. A very personalized experience and more in depth than other storehouse experiences I've had in Ireland. Our tour guide Christy was personable and very humourous.
    Thanks so much for your great review. Christy was delighted to hear that you enjoyed his tour and company so much. The story of Smithwick's is a good one and we love to share it as best we can. Come back and see us anytime, All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 4 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 2 November 2023
  • Andrea M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    ◡̈
    We had a great, quick visit to the tap room. Barry was exceptionally welcoming, kind, and answered all of our questions while being game for a good chat while we tried all the pours we can’t get state side. 10/10 and would come back in a heartbeat!
    Thanks so much for letting us know about your visit! We love to make our tour as interactive as possible and always look for ways to engage each group along the way. Barry was really happy to hear that you enjoyed his tour so much. All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 4 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 November 2023
  • Steven M
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    sláinte
    Barry was the absolute best host during our visit. My wife and I were visiting the area and wanted to come by for the experience. We came during the off season and had an opportunity to enjoy a few beers we can’t get state side. Thank you for accommodating us during our stay.
    Thank you so much for your kind review! We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us! Barry is thrilled to hear you enjoyed his company! Pop in to visit us anytime. All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 4 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 16 November 2023
  • Olivia S
    Haymarket, Virginia3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must stop while in Ireland!
    We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Smithwick’s last week. Chris, our tour guide, was the perfect balance between educational and entertaining. He was also great with our 6 year old son and made sure he had crayons and a coloring sheet so mom and dad could enjoy their pint after the tour. We loved learning more about one of our favorite beers and appreciated the hospitality. Thank you!
    Thanks so much for your comprehensive and glowing review Olivia! We love to hear when people enjoy the experience from beginning to end. There is something for everyone and we love to make it an interactive experience for all visitors! Pop in and say hello again anytime, All the best, The Smithwick's Team
    Written 4 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,502 reviews
Excellent
1,858
Very good
492
Average
95
Poor
38
Terrible
19

h0lly2812
Dublin, Ireland80 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
Love Smithwicks and have been to many brewery and beer related 'experiences'. This ranks as the worst.

Bar being situated in a small part of the former brewery, there is nothing authentic or educational (or interesting about this). There is no tour, the guide offered very little information (he even admitted to not knowing the answer to a lot of questions) and spoke more about guinness than Smithwick's itself. The 'experience' costs 20euros and involves walkimg around a handful of reconstructed rooms associated with the Smkthwick family, watching videos and smellomg ingredients. A pint at the end is then offered by a rude server who jumps at telling you straight off, you can't have anything else on tap other than the original.

I don't get the point of this 'experience'. A rip off that offers little. Very disappointing.
Written 2 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Holly, Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you felt about your experience. We pride ourselves on delivering a quality tour, mixing in interactive elements over the 45 minute long visit to ensure that our audience gets a variety of ways to hear and experience the story of the Smithwick's family, brewery and ale. We will continue to enhance our offerings and delivery to better engage with all visitors. We also are making sure that the options in the bar at the end of the tour are presented much clearer to everyone - Smithwick's Red Ale, Smithwick's Pale Ale, Kilkenny Cream Ale, Guinness Zero and a variety of soft drinks - so all can find something they will enjoy. We will endeavor to ensure no one will share a similar experience and we appreciate your constructive feedback. The Smithwick's Experience Team
Written 10 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Markhads
Tetney, UK28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Solo
The brewery name can be seen all over Kilkenny. This is a must visit to find out how the Smithwick family helped support the town in times of crisis and adversity. The tour was very informative, with the guide having vast knowledge of his subject. The tasting room was great, letting you smell and taste the ingredients through the process of brewing.

Tour took around 45 minutes and then finished up at the bar. I'd recommend getting the paddle for the full range of beers to complete the tour
Written 19 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Mark for your great review. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience here with us. We love sharing the History and stories of Smithwick's with all visitors, and we love to bring in the story of Kilkenny too. Smithwick's is only a part of the story of the city even though we have been here for over 300 years. When you come back to Kilkenny come in and say hello, All the best, The Smithwick's Team
Written 19 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

shagriff95
Middletown, RI4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Friends
A group of 5 of us did the Smithwicks tour, one of our group had booked tickets online so we didn’t have to wait although on that day it wasn’t very busy but it’s probably a good idea esp in the summer months. Anna was our guide. She was very friendly and made it very interesting. She was able to answer all the questions asked. The tour was probably about 45 mins, then we had the tasting room, we tried 3 different beers, 1/2 pints or you could do a full pint of one beer depending on the ticket you purchased. All in all a good way to spend some time in Kilkenny.
Written 29 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your kind words! We really appreciate you taking the time to outline you experience with us in such great detail. We love to share our love of all things Smithwick's. Anna and the rest of us are delighted to know when someone enjoys their visit from start to finish. Come back again any time, All The Smithwick's Team
Written 20 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

medfordnjmom
Medford, NJ348 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022 • Couples
Fantastic and informative tour with our wonderful guide, Barry, I believe. An interesting history is brought to life with the Harry Potter style portraits and the old equipment. You even have the scent! At the end of the tour you have an incredible sensory experience-sight, smell, and taste. So well done!

Well worth getting the paddle to try three inferential types.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eoin R
Dublin, Ireland59 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
Nice little tour , the staff were very warm.

It's quite an expensive museum but none of the long solitary walks around the building like the Guinness Storehouse, this is a guided experience it's more personal.

I'm a Smithwicks drinker, I liked the information I gained in the manufacturing section. I am very interested in beers and the detailed descriptions of each process were very interesting to me . This is something Guinness doesn't do as they don't have a guide.

The ticket is a wee bit pricey for such a short tour, I think we were at the bar getting our drinks in less than an hour, but overall it's a good experience.
Written 26 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Eoin for your detailed review. We like to make the tour as interactive as possible. We love to hear feedback on all aspects of the tour so thank you for all of your information. We would love to see you again. All the best, The Smithwick's Team
Written 17 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Anthony F
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022 • Solo
On my trip to Kilkenny yesterday, I visited Smithwicks, what an amazing experience. I had heard of it’s possible closure so was only too delighted to hear that it reopened last week, well done to all concerned.
I’m a National Tour Guide and love Kilkenny, so this certainly puts another feather in the bow to encourage our visitors, both from home and abroad, to visit this beautiful part of the world.
Simon, in charge of Tours and Brand, met me at reception and introduced our Tour Guide Eoin, to all the group before the tour started.
While this isn’t a self guiding tour, it was really special to have someone as knowledgeable as Eoin leading us through the history, the product and the production process. The interactive finish to the tour, prior to sampling the Smithwicks red Ale (the original of the species) was a touch of class.
We’ll done to all, including Regina in the shop and the two lovely ladies who handled the tickets at reception👍👏👏
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ca_yee
Cleveland, Ohio86 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
We went to the Smithwick Experience and we were treated a Premium tour that was given by Simon. This was a great surprise. Simon did a great job of presenting the history of Smithwick's as well as the ins and outs of brewing beer. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, and very engaging with his audience. It was cool to be able to walk through the old parts of some of the brewery. We were able to taste 4 different types of beer as well as pour a pint of Smithwick's Red Ale. If you happen to be in Kilkenny and have a couple hours this would be something cool to do.
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Simon is delighted to know you enjoyed his tour. We try to make sure there is something for everyone on the tour, balancing the History and brewing with lots of storytelling and interactive elements All the best, The Smithwick's Team
Written 11 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

P736QBmartind
Beloit, WI7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Friends
Learn about the history and brewing techniques of Ireland's other favorite pint, Smithwick's. With a history older than that of the U.S., and just as rich and interesting, a Smithwick's Experience tour is at least as entertaining as it is interesting. Not to give too much away but the portrait gallery of some of the Smithwick family members literally tells the story of how this brewery came to be and how it thrived for all these centuries. You do, of course, get to sample some product at the end. If you're lucky, tour guide Simon will lead your through( and, yes, he is a descendent).
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We love sharing the History and stories of Smithwick's with all visitors, and we love to bring in the story of Kilkenny too. Smithwick's is only a part of the story of the city even though we have been here for over 300 years. Simon is delighted to hear you enjoyed his tour. When you come back to Kilkenny come in and say hello, All the best, The Smithwick's Team
Written 11 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Liam T
Dublin, Ireland142 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2023 • Friends
Kilkenny , an ancient City with more history than anyone could possibly assimilate. Castles, cathedrals, moats, battlements and Smithwicks. This fine Irish Red Ale has been around for centuries and while the brewery is now a museum the beer goes on. The history of the city and the beer are intertwined and this tour gives out lots of information on the Penal Laws and how they impacted on the local populace. Fine tasting bar at the end of the tour that rounds off a most enjoyable afternoon.
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your super review Liam! We love sharing the History and stories of Smithwick's with all visitors, and we love to bring in the story of Kilkenny too. Smithwick's is only a part of the story of the city even though we have been here for over 300 years. When you come back to Kilkenny come in and say hello, All the best, The Smithwick's Team
Written 27 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TPT
Knocktopher, Ireland9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
2/10/20 was a cold and rainy day and after visiting the castle, this tour was such a great time. The history provided during the tour about the Smithwick family and Ireland in general was very interesting! Very interactive also. The pint of your choice at the end was fantastic 🍺
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Thank you so much for the great review. We take great pride in our history so were delighted to hear that this was a highlight for you. Glad to hear that you enjoyed your Smithwick's pint after your tour as well. If you ever find yourself around the area again, we'd love to welcome you back sometime. Sarah Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
Written 14 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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