FAQs

FAQs

You’re bound to have a few questions for us before you get here, so we like to anticipate some of your potential queries. Get in touch if we can be of any more help.


Do I need to book in advance?

To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend that you book in advance, particularly during our busy summer months. Luckily, it couldn’t be easier to book your ticket online, with our booking page just a click away. We’ll also give you a discount off your adult tickets when you book online.

What’s included in the price of my ticket?

The price of a standard ticket includes a fully guided tour of Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. A local guide gives your tour, which lasts approximately 1 hour, and you’ll enjoy interactive and surprising experiences along the way. Our tours are in English for the moment, and we offer complimentary audio guides in French, German, Spanish and Italian. At the end of your tour, you’ll be treated to a complimentary pint of your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, with soft drinks provided for under 18s or those who would prefer one. For a small extra charge, you can upgrade your ticket and taste two of our ales and Kilkenny beer.

How long is the tour?

You can expect your tour to last between 45 and 60 minutes, however we recommend allowing a bit more time, as you may want to try our tasting paddle or shop at our retail store.

What are the opening hours?

We’re open seven days a week. From March – October, we’re open from 10.30am – 6.30pm (last tour at 5.00pm). From November – February, we’re open from 11.00am – 5.00pm (last tour at 4.00pm). We are also closing from December 24th– 26th each year. Hours vary slightly by season.

We also offer private evening tours for groups by special arrangement, with advance booking necessary. Contact us at info@smithwicksexperience.com

What’s the admission price?

The price of admission to Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny varies depending on age and group size. You’ll find all the pricing details on our booking page.

Do you offer group rates?

Yes, group rates are available, and we welcome groups of all sizes. Because every group is different, we can give you rates and additional information when we know what kind of experience you prefer. So it’s a good idea to book in advance by emailing us at info@smithwicksexperience.com

Learn more about our group tours

Is the pint at the end included in the price of my tour?

Yes, there’s a complimentary pint of Smithwick’s included in the price of the tour for all visitors over the age of 18. Non-alcoholic drinks provided for under 18’s or those who would prefer one. If you’d like to taste our other variant and another beer -- Smithwick’s Red Ale, Smithwick’s Pale Ale, and our Kilkenny beer -- we also offer tasting paddles at the end of your tour for just €4 extra. Our tasters will be on hand to talk you through the uniqueness of each of the beers.

What do you serve on tap?

We have Smithwick’s Red Ale, Smithwick’s Pale Ale and Kilkenny beer on tap in our tasting bar, at the end of the tour. We also have a selection of other Diageo beers available on draft that can be purchased separately in the bar with non-alcoholic drinks available for visitors under the age of 18.

Is there any Wi-Fi?

Yes, we have Wi-Fi available in our tasting bar, at the end of the tour.

Can children come on the tour?

Of course, we welcome families to Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. Children / under 18s will receive a complimentary non-alcoholic drink at the end of the tour, as Smithwick’s is available only to visitors over the age of 18. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Does Smithwick’S Experience offer a concession for people with disabilities?

We don't offer concessions for visitors with disabilities, but we do offer complimentary entry for a care assistant who is visiting with you. This is limited to one person only. Please email info@smithwicksexperience.com with your reference number and we will add your care assistant to your ticket, free of charge.

How do I get to Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny?

There are lots of ways to find us, check out our Visit Page for more information.

Can I still take the tour if I do not speak English / prefer to take a tour in my native tongue?

Right now, we do not offer the tour in any language other than English. However, we offer complimentary audio guides in French, German, Spanish and Italian. This is included in the price of your tour ticket.

Can I get items I buy in the gift shop shipped home?

No problem, we ship all over the world with our in store DHL service. At Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, all of our Smithwick’s merchandise is exclusive to our retail store. Learn more on our retail store page.

Can I cancel my Smithwick’s Experience ticket?

Once your tickets have been purchased, the ticket type is non-changeable and non-refundable except at the absolute discretion of the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. If you cannot make it on a specific day or time please contact the bookings team by emailing info@smithwicksexperience.com.

Can I upgrade to a tasting paddle with a family ticket?

Yes, the two adults who are part of the family ticket can upgrade to the tasting paddle as long as they are over the age of 18. You cannot do this online but you can upgrade your ticket at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny when you arrive. Non-alcoholic drinks are provided for under 18s or those who would prefer one.

Where can I park my car when I visit the Smithwick’s Experience?

There are two conveniently located carparks located in close proximity to the Smithwick’s Experience. Market Cross Shopping centre located directly opposite our retail store carpark open 7am – 7pm Mon – Sat, 8am-8pm Sun. €1.50 p/h. Market Yard carpark located at Dunnes Stores to the rear of our building this is an open air carpark with no time restrictions €1.30 p/h

Is there a setting point at the entrance of the Smithwick’s Experience?

A drop off point is located at the end of horse barrack lane Right by our front entrance gates which can be accessed at the new abbey quarter parliament street entrance also known as the bull ring.

Is Kilkenny a free parking city?

No, Kilkenny does not have free parking based in the city. There is a selection of pay and display/structured car parks available throughout the city. For information on pricing and locations Off-Street Parking has an up to date listing.

Where can I park my motorhome or caravan?

There is a dedicated motorhome parking facility located at the rear of the wolf tone street public carpark just off the Dublin Road on the edge of Kilkenny City just a 10 minute walk from the Smithwick’s Experience

Is there space in the visitor centre to park/store my bicycle securely?

There are public bike parking spaces just outside the front entrance of The Smithwick’s Experience.

Is the Smithwick’s Experience wheelchair accessible?

The Smithwick’s Experience is fully wheelchair accessible. Entrance can be made through our retail store on Parliament street. There is an elevator on the tour to provide access to the top floor.

Do you offer any adapted tours for customers with autism or other sensory sensitivities?

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is proud to be an official AsIAm Autism Friendly Accredited visitor experience with the help of Ireland’s National Autism Charity, AsIAm. Our staff have been trained how to best cater to customers with autism or other neurodivergencies, and we offer sensory kits including ear plugs at our reception area, along with Sensory Maps and a visual guide to the building.

We also offer the Smithwick’s Experience regular tour as Sensory Friendly once a month. On the first Thursday of every month, our 12pm experience will be adapted with reduced noise and lighting, and sensory triggers marked. You can book this on our regular ticket selection page, by choosing the 12pm tour on the first Thursday of any month.

Ahead of your visit, you can download our Sensory Map here , and our visual guide here . You can read the Diageo Irish brand homes Charter of Inclusion, which details our future plans on our continuing journey of accessibility and understanding, here.

Smithwicks Blonde Ale Smithwicks Red Ale Smithwick's Pale Ale Website red background for Smithwicks Experience Tour Website white background for Smithwicks Experience Tour Website red background for Smithwicks Experience Tour Visitors learning how to make Smithwicks beers at Smithwicks Experience Tour in Kilkenny Moving Portraits at Smithwicks Experience Tour in Kilkenny Moving Portraits at Smithwicks Experience Tour in Kilkenny