03 September 2026 |
Specialized Tours
Top Craft Beer Places in Ireland: The Ultimate Beer Lover’s Road Trip
by Damien Lacey
Ireland is famous around the world for its stout aka Guiness but there’s far more to the Irish beer scene than the traditional pint of black stuff. Over the last couple of decades, independent breweries have transformed the country’s beer culture, producing everything from hazy IPAs and crisp lagers to experimental sours and barrel-aged beers.
For visitors who love craft beer, this makes Ireland an excellent destination for a road trip. Here are seven craft beer stops worth building into your Irish adventure.
Start your beer journey in the beautiful Garden County at Wicklow Brewery in Redcross. The brewery has its own beer hall and an on-site pub, Mickey Finn’s, making this much more than a quick stop for a pint. Brewery tours include tastings of its core beers, giving visitors the chance to see where their beer is made.
Beer to try: Wicklow Weiss, Coola Boola Session IPA or Black 16 Stout for something darker.
Make a day of it: Combine your visit with Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains or explore the spectacular scenery around Lough Tay and Sally Gap.
Rascals Brewing Company in Inchicore is a fantastic stop for travellers who want craft beer and food in one place. The brewery has a restaurant serving freshly made pizza alongside its beers while tasting trays allow visitors to sample several beers rather than committing to just one pint.
Beer to try: Happy Days Session Pale Ale is an easy-drinking introduction while Pash-N-Fruit NEIPA offers something a little more unusual.
Make a day of it: Rascals is less than 15 minutes’ walk from Kilmainham Gaol which will make it easy to combine with one of Dublin’s most fascinating historic attractions.
Head west and make Galway Bay Brewery in Oranmore, Galway a key stop. Founded in 2009, the independent brewery has built a reputation for producing everything from classic styles to big barrel-aged beers, with monthly releases adding plenty of variety.
Beer to try: Full Sail West Coast IPA is a great choice for hop lovers while Figo delivers a beautifully clean and crisp taste.
Make a day of it: Explore Galway city, the Claddagh and Galway Bay or continue west towards the dramatic landscapes of Connemara.
In the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Quarter, Treaty City Brewery combines craft beer with history. The brewery offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process, taste the beers and discover the story of the city.
Beer to try: Harris Pale Ale is the brewery’s original beer and remains a great starting point.
Make a day of it: Visit King John’s Castle, explore the Medieval Quarter and take a walk along the River Shannon before settling in for a beer.
Located in the beautiful town of Kenmare, County Kerry, Tom Crean Brewery is a fantastic stop for craft beer lovers exploring the southwest of Ireland. The brewery is named after Tom Crean, the legendary Irish Antarctic explorer who was born in County Kerry and its beers celebrate the adventurous spirit of the region and run by none other than the explorer’s grandaughter!
Beer to try: Sample one of Tom Crean Brewery’s locally produced beers and ask what’s currently available on tap. The brewery regularly offers a selection of different styles, making it well worth trying something new during your visit.
Make a day of it: Kenmare is ideally positioned between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, making it an excellent base for exploring the dramatic scenery of southwest Ireland. Visit Kenmare town, take a drive along the Ring of Beara, explore Killarney National Park or head towards the spectacular coastal scenery before returning to Kenmare for a locally brewed pint.
Cork’s Rising Sons Brewery is a genuine city-centre brewpub housed in the historic Musgrave Buildings. Its beers include pale ales, IPAs, Irish reds, lagers and stouts while brewery tours provide a closer look at the brewing process.
Beer to try: Changeling Pale Ale, an American-style pale ale with citrus and grapefruit notes, is a standout. IPA fans should try Handsum.
Make a day of it: Explore Cork city, the English Market and Marina Market, then head to the brewery for a pint and some food.
Finish your Irish craft beer adventure in Belfast at Bullhouse East. This is a craft beer bar with 20 taps of independent beer, serving Bullhouse favourites alongside limited releases, small-batch specials and guest beers.
Beer to try: Ask the team what’s new on tap – Bullhouse regularly rotates its selection, making the experience different from one visit to the next.
Make a day of it: Explore Titanic Belfast, Belfast City Centre and the Cathedral Quarter, before heading east to Bullhouse for the evening.
Planning Your Irish Craft Beer Road Trip
The beauty of an Irish beer trip is that the breweries can become part of the journey rather than the entire destination. A route taking in Wicklow, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Kenmare, Cork and Belfast gives you the opportunity to experience Ireland’s cities, countryside, coastline and, of course, plenty of excellent beer.
Don’t be afraid to ask bartenders and brewery staff what they recommend. The most exciting beer of your trip might not be the one you planned to drink, it could be a seasonal release or a small-batch beer you discover along the way.
Just remember to plan your transport responsibly. If you’re driving between destinations, nominate a designated driver or use public transport and taxis where possible. That way, you can concentrate on what really matters: discovering the best of Ireland, one great drink at a time.
So now you have a few suggestions, reach out to us today. Let’s make your dream Ireland beer trail vacation a reality!
We’d be happy to help you make the most of your time in Ireland.
