Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny seeking to replicate Guinness Storehouse success

The Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny has just opened following an investment of €3.5m in a multi-sensory and interactive Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny.

Located in an old Victorian brewing building on Parliament Street in Kilkenny, the experience takes visitors on a journey through the medieval origins of brewing on the site of the St Francis Abbey Brewery to the arrival of John Smithwick in the 1700s and up to the present day.

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Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny has been modelled on the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland’s number one international visitor attraction,” said Mark McGovern, manager, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny.  “It is an engaging experience that will provide an interactive way of understanding the amazing history of an iconic brand and its brewing credentials. Kilkenny and the surrounding area is already a wonderful, culturally rich tourist destination and we believe that the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will further add to this.”

“Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is a major investment by Diageo Ireland and we believe that we have created an experience that will mirror the successes of the Guinness Storehouse,” said Paul Carty, managing director at Guinness Storehouse. “We believe that Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will be a major boost for the tourism potential of Kilkenny and the surrounding region and anticipate that we will be welcoming tens of thousands of visitors through our doors each year.”

“We are delighted to welcome this fantastic new addition to the cultural city of Kilkenny,” said Gary Breen, Fáilte Ireland.  “Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will be a key component in the ongoing plans for the development of the ‘Medieval Mile’ which will run from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice’s Cathedral.

“We believe that it will become one of Ireland’s leading attractions and further cement the South East on the Irish tourist trail.”

French, German, Spanish and Italian speaking visitors will be offered an audio guide to take them through the tour, which lasts approximately 70 minutes.

A wide range of Smithwick’s merchandise will be available for purchase in the retail store located on the ground floor. The tour costs €12 for adults, €9.50 for seniors and students over 18, and €7 for students under 18. The attraction is open from 10am-6pm daily Source: Business and Leadership.