Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny
Established in 1710 by John Smithwick, the St. Francis Abbey Brewery occupies a site that once belonged to the 12th-century abbey of the same name. A popular local beer called Smithwick’s is produced here, as are Budweiser and Land Kilkenny Irish beer. In 2014, the old Victorian brewery building was repurposed as a shiny new visitor center, which acts as the starting-off point for an informative tour of the grounds. The tour is as much about the history of brewing as an appreciation (with tastings!) of the famous product itself. A highlight—if you can call it that—is a stop by the ruined 12th-century abbey, still located on the brewery grounds. It would qualify as picturesque if it wasn’t thoughtlessly hemmed in by industrial warehouses and a large parking lot.
Established in 1710 by John Smithwick, the St. Francis Abbey Brewery occupies a site that once belonged to the 12th-century abbey of the same name. A popular local beer called Smithwick’s is produced here, as are Budweiser and Land Kilkenny Irish beer. In 2014, the old Victorian brewery building was repurposed as a shiny new visitor center, which acts as the starting-off point for an informative tour of the grounds. The tour is as much about the history of brewing as an appreciation (with tastings!) of the famous product itself. A highlight—if you can call it that—is a stop by the ruined 12th-century abbey, still located on the brewery grounds. It would qualify as picturesque if it wasn’t thoughtlessly hemmed in by industrial warehouses and a large parking lot.
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