History
Ireland’s Oldest Brewery, Revived with Passion
Sullivan’s Brewing Company has a story that spans over three centuries. Founded in 1702 at The Maltings on James Street, Kilkenny, it quickly became a cornerstone of Irish brewing tradition. Through triumphs, trials and a few setbacks — including a fire in 1880 and a lost horse bet in 1918 — the brewery remained a symbol of resilience, craft, and dedication to the art of brewing.
From 1702 to the 20th Century
The early years saw Sullivan’s establishing a reputation for high-quality, hand-brewed ales, made with local ingredients and traditional methods. As the years passed, the brewery became an integral part of Kilkenny’s social and cultural life, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Despite challenges over time, the spirit of the brewery endured.
A Modern Revival
In 2016, descendants of the Sullivan and Smithwick families brought the brewery back to life, combining centuries-old recipes with contemporary brewing techniques. This revival restored Kilkenny’s place on the craft beer map, with the Maltings Irish Red Ale quickly achieving international acclaim, including being named Best Draught Ale in the World in 2017/18.
Today at Sullivan’s Brewery & Taproom
Nowadays, Sullivan’s is a place where history meets hospitality. Visitors can take part in a guided brewery experience, where they can explore the history, passion and craftsmanship first hand and sample some of our award winning craft beers. From malt selection to maturation, every step is a nod to the traditions that made Sullivan’s a household name.