“Decisions are easier with a Killarney in Hand”

I recently visited the Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co. Bar & Restaurant on the Ring of Kerry. The Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company have been producing great tasting quality beers since 2015 at their original micro-brewery & taproom in Muckross Road, Killarney. In 2022 they moved to their new location, a spectacular collection of modern architectural buildings, on the scenic Ring of Kerry, offering space and panoramic views across to the MacGillycuddy Reeks & Lakes of Killarney, just a short drive out of Killarney.

I enjoyed an informative, educational & entertaining Brewery Tour with our passionate expert guide, Barry. I learnt a great deal about how their beers are made, lots about the brewing process, from how the hops are selected, to creating the perfect brew and to how their skilled brewing team makes the magic happen! Whilst walking on the hour long tour, I am sure I could smell the aromas of the day’s brew, filtering through my nostrils. The tour concluded with a visit to their tasting room, to sample three of their core beers.

The Brews:

My wife & I sampled three of their finest ales, which included the Rutting Red: ABV: 4.5% . An Irish Red Ale, a ruby-hued brew, showcasing a broad spectrum of delicious malt flavours, ranging from caramel & toffee to biscuit & brown bread. My wife enjoyed the Rutting Red. – Irish Red Ale, enormously!

Full Circle: IPA . ABV: 5.0%. Brewed using all American hops, this session beer IPA was bursting with a juicy hop aroma, that leads into a full, fruit forward hop flavour, that simply washed over my palate, closing with a subtle refreshing bitterness.

My favourite, Casey Brothers: Extra Stout. ABV: 4.6%. This stout is a much fuller flavour version of the classic Irish style dry stout, with a hefty body and incredibly dense head. The Killarney brewers have included a variety of dark malts to capture the essences of espresso, treacle, black bread & dark chocolate. Some Flahavans oats add to the smoothness of this classic beer style. A simply perfect Irish Dry Stout, in my humble opinion. I simply loved it!

Besides the brewery tour, I also enjoyed a wonderful meal, with stunning views from the terrace, of the majestic mountain range, in the distance.

The Food:

The Drunken Sailor: Crispy Beer Battered Hake, served with Chunky Chips, Curry Sauce, Mushy Peas, Tartar Sauce and a Taster Glass of Killarney

Caseys Braised Beef: 18-Hour Slow Cooked Irish Hereford Beef, Rooster Mash, Curly Kale, Charred Broccolini, Crispy Onion, Stout Gravy

The food & drink was beautifully prepared and presented by friendly smiling serving staff. There was a lot of food too! I really don`t know how I managed to finish all of my fish & chips, but I did! I loved the wooden presentation box too, it made a change from a plate, and looked so good! My wife said that the braised beef, was some of the best beef, she had eaten, whilst in Ireland and that the mash, vegetables and rich gravy, was extremely tasty.

Desserts: Blueberry & Killarney Gin Baked Cheesecake with Raspberry Sorbet & a Chocolate Fudge Brownie & Cream filled Profiterole with Dark Chocolate sauce.

The two desserts were simply spectacular. Compliments to the chef and their kitchen staff. The desserts completed what was an excellent meal. The restaurant & kitchen staff should all be very proud of their efforts. All of the food, beers and service in the beautiful restaurant at Killarney Brewing and Distillery Company were exceptional. Thank you.

The well equipped shop, on the ground level, sold a wide range of their beers & whiskey from their distillery & brewery. There were lots of official branded merchandise and mementoes of our visit. I enjoyed looking at the wide range of goods available and had plenty of time, to buy some of their choice beers,

If visiting Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, or touring the Ring of Kerry, I would fully recommend a visit. Why not take in a tour of the brewery or distillery, then enjoy a wonderful meal, upstairs in the restaurant and/or a drink on the terrace. My wife & I had a fantastic time. Why not check it out for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

killarneybrewingdistilling.com