Ireland is famous for its beer. To make great beer you have to great breweries. Ireland is no exception. The countryside is littered with breweries and micro breweries. Any visit to the Emerald Isle should include a stop at at least a few of these breweries.
1)The Franciscan Well Brewery est 1998 Cork, Ireland
A relatively new brewery in Ireland, this micro brewery produces an excellent variety of brews from the standard stout, ale, and irish red to more unique seasonal brews. There beers are 100 additive free.
2)Great Northern Brewery est 1897 Dundalk, Ireland
This is the birthplace of Harp Lager and for that reason alone should be a must see for any beer lover. There was talk of closing this particular brewery by 2013, but those plans have since been put on hold.
3)Arthur Guinness and Sons est 1749 Dublin, Ireland
The birthplace of the world famous Guinness Stout, this is a must see for any tourist. Even if you hate beer, you must go to the Guinness Brewery. Guinness produces more than their famous stout. Be sure to sample their other wares.
4)Murphy Brewery est 1856 Cork, Ireland
Now owned by Heineken, Murphy’s still produces the brews that made them famous across Ireland (Murphy’s Stout and Red). Definitely worth stopping by.
5)Smithwick and Sons est 1710 Kilkenny, Ireland
Established in 1710 this is one of Ireland’s oldest breweries. Now owned by Guinness they still produce their traditional brews. They are located on the ground of the St Francis Abbey.