7 great microbreweries around Ireland

Ireland has a history of brewing beer dating back 5,000 years – legend has it that even St Patrick had his own brewer! But why is beer so popular here? As Maudeline Black of Blacks Brewing and Distilling puts it, “In Ireland, we can't grow vines but we do grow fantastic malt, which is the key ingredient to making beer.”

This, combined with our fresh water and the patience of the brewers, allows the fine ingredients to work their magic. And the results are pretty magical! Quench your thirst with some of the island’s best brews.

Dungarvan Brewing Company

In Ireland’s Ancient East, Dungarvan in County Waterford is not only steeped in Viking history and a rich food culture, it’s also home to the Dungarvan Brewing Company, which makes some great ales and stouts, including Black Rock Irish Stout (fantastic with a plate of local oysters), Copper Coast Irish Red Ale, Helvick Gold Irish Blonde Ale and Comeragh Challenger Session Pale Ale. Book ahead for brewery tours.

Blacks Brewery

Since setting up in the pretty seaside town near Cork in 2013, Blacks of Kinsale just keeps winning awards. The husband-and-wife team produces KPA and Black IPA, as well as changing experimental brews such as Totally Tropical IPA and World’s End, a dark, chocolatey Imperial Stout. Kinsale, of course, is the beginning and end of the Wild Atlantic Way, and is rightly famous for its laidback, artistic vibe and fantastic food, particularly fish. Take a wander, have a great meal and enjoy the local brew. Brewery tours are also available, as well as whiskey experiences and gin tours.

Walled City Brewery, Derry~Londonderry

When James Huey started Walled City Brewery with his wife, Louise, in 2015, he brought 12 years’ experience at Guinness and a determination to brew fresh, small-batch beer in the heart of his native Derry~Londonderry. Set in a former army barracks in Ebrington Square – just across the Peace Bridge from the city’s historic walls – Walled City Brewery was Derry~Londonderry’s first craft brewery in 100 years. With brewery tours, beer tasting experiences and superb local food served in the gastropub, it’s an essential stop for food and drink lovers visiting Derry~Londonderry.

Wicklow Brewery

Having created comfy, buzzy Mickey Finn’s pub from a café on the family holiday park near Avoca and Glendalough, Ashley and Leigh Williams were often asked by visitors for a local beer. So they made some, using their own well water: Helles, St Kevin’s Red, Weiss, Black 16 Stout, Hopknut and Gingerknut are so popular that one evening the pub even ran dry. Luckily, they’re now stocked all over the island, but if you’re in this part of Ireland’s Ancient East, definitely come for a tour, stay for the hooley and dine out in Mickey Finn’s.

Franciscan Well Brewery and Brewpub

Built on the site of a 13th-century monastery – with a well of water said to have healing powers – Franciscan Well is a part of the fabric of Cork city. Its World Beer Award-winning brews are sold across the island, so look out for Rebel Red, Chieftain IPA and Shandon Stout. Or just head straight to the brew pub and settle in for a session.

Galway Bay Brewery

With the number of traditional musicians and party lovers who have long flocked to Galway, it’s no surprise that the city is home to one of the island’s first brew pubs. The core beers – Full Sail, Bay Ale, and Althea – are sold all over the island, and you’ll find Galway Bay Brewery pubs in Dublin and Belfast also.

Whitewater Brewery

Established in 1996 on the family farm in County Down, Whitewater produces some wonderful brews with names rooted in this beautiful region. Between them, Maggie’s Leap IPA; Bee’s Endeavour pale ale; Ewe Rebel IPA; Belfast Black stout; and Hen, Cock & Pigeon Rock ale (named after three peaks in the nearby Mournes) have won fistfuls of awards, and the brewery has just had to move to bigger premises. All the more beer for its legions of fans to enjoy, we say!