Smithwicks Experience · Travel Trainers

Kimberly Sherratt

Oct 26 • Destinations

Smithwicks Experience

Ahh, the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny — one of those “must-do” Irish stops if you like history with your pint. 🍺

Here’s the rundown:

👉 The Brewery & History

Smithwick’s (pronounced Smiddicks 😉) has been brewed in Kilkenny since 1710. That’s over 300 years of perfecting the ruby-red ale.
The Smithwick’s Experience is housed in the original St. Francis Abbey Brewery, where monks were brewing long before John Smithwick made it a family legacy.

👉 The Experience

It’s an interactive, guided tour (about 1 hour) with a mix of holograms, stories, and cool brewing visuals that make history feel alive.
You’ll walk through the brewing process — malt, hops, yeast, water — and see how tradition blends with modern brewing.
There’s a little “magic” with storytelling and projections; it’s not just a dry factory tour.

👉 The Best Part — The Pint!

Your ticket includes a perfectly poured pint of Smithwick’s (red, pale, or blonde ale — your choice).
Non-drinkers get a soft drink, but let’s be honest… the pint is half the reason you go. 🍻

👉 Why Go?

If you’re already hitting Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House, or St. Canice’s Cathedral, it’s right in the heart of town.
It’s a shorter, more intimate alternative to the big Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
You get a real sense of Kilkenny’s brewing heritage while sipping the goods where it all began.

⚡ Travelbestie Tip: Book your slot online, especially in peak season. And maybe grab lunch nearby before or after — Kilkenny is full of cozy pubs and cafes.

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