43 AUTUMN 22 DESTINATION IRELAND
Time to taste Kilkenny ’ s Smithwick ’ s Experience
With exciting new spaces and enhancements throughout , the unique Smithwick ’ s Experience Kilkenny re-opens on 15 July .
WHAT ’ S HOT !
Harvested from the land and seasoned by history , the celebrated ruby red Smithwick ’ s ale has been brewed in Ireland since 1710 .
The Smithwick ’ s Experience Kilkenny , located in the medieval heart of one of Ireland ’ s coolest and most historic destination cities , gives you the chance to explore what makes the famous ale Ireland ’ s most popular . represents the vibrant culture and rich history of Kilkenny , as well as a new Smithwick ’ s Flavour Room . This sensory experience immerses you in the raw ingredients of Smithwick ’ s Red Ale and how they are combined to bring the beer to life .
Later this summer , a new outdoor space will also be unveiled , offering the chance to enjoy a cool beer in an open-air setting .
At the end of the tour , guests are treated to a complimentary pint or a soft drink , as preferred . You can also upgrade your ticket to get the opportunity to taste Smithwick ’ s Pale Ale and Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale .
The experience explores the brewing heritage of the Smithwick family and more than 300 years of brewing history on a site originally settled in the thirteenth century by Franciscan monks , who brewed ales long before John Smithwick established his brewery in the building in the early 1700s .
Experiencing the Smithwick ’ s story is one of the best things to do in Kilkenny , but in a medieval city echoing with character and hundreds of years of history there is plenty more to discover .
A key destination in Ireland ’ s Ancient East , Kilkenny offers lively pubs , first-class restaurants – including two Michelin starred eateries – chic galleries and contemporary shopping , not to mention cracking trad music sessions and some of the best festivals on the island .
Go back in time to explore Kilkenny ’ s Medieval Mile , a maze of lanes , alleyways and cobbled streets lined with historic buildings , which runs from the magnificent twelfth-century Kilkenny Castle to the beautifully restored thirteenth-century St Canice ’ s Cathedral overlooking the city .
As well as offering a first-hand experience of the brewing process , local guides take guests on a storytelling journey , introducing memorable characters along the way and letting you mill the malt , stir the mash and smell the hops of the famous ale in its historic home .
Kilkenny is also a leading destination for high-end Irish arts and crafts ; for unique and stylish souvenirs Kilkenny Design Centre and the National Craft Gallery are not to be missed .
Kilkenny ’ s intimate size , creative spirit and friendly atmosphere make it a fantastic destination – for the ruby red Smithwick ’ s experience and so much more .
As part of the re-opening , new investments and innovations have been added to the experience , including a striking new mural that