Sullivan’s Brewing Company stands as a revival of one of Ireland’s great historic breweries — a brand rooted in tradition, community, and the enduring spirit of Kilkenny.

Originally established in the early 1700s at The Maltings on James’s Street, Sullivan’s was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that great beer should be consistent, high-quality, and crafted with integrity. At a time when brewing lacked uniformity, Sullivan’s set itself apart by using the finest local ingredients and precise brewing methods, ensuring that every pint met the same exacting standard.

The History

From its earliest days, Sullivan’s was more than just a brewery — it was a pillar of the Kilkenny community. During the Great Famine of the mid-19th century, the brewery transformed into one of the city’s largest soup kitchens, providing nourishing meals to those in need. This legacy of generosity and social responsibility remains a defining part of the brand’s identity.

The brewery’s story is also one of resilience. Following a devastating fire in the late 1800s, the people of Kilkenny came together to help save the brewery — a reflection of the deep connection between Sullivan’s and the community it served.

Though the original brewery closed in the early 20th century, its legacy endured. In 2016, Sullivan’s was revived through a partnership between the Smithwick family and descendants of the original Sullivan family, alongside master brewer Ian Hamilton. Together, they have returned brewing to Kilkenny, honoring the past while reestablishing Sullivan’s as a modern expression of traditional Irish brewing.