Kinsale
Located
on the south coast of Ireland and surrounded by
lush green countryside Kinsale is truly a place
apart. From its endearing narrow winding streets
to its breathtaking views of the Atlantic, this
seaport town exudes a palpable sense of antiquity
and tradition. For centuries this celebrated port
has attracted soldiers and sailors, merchants
and traders, fishermen and pirates.
In
recent times Kinsale has become a much-desired
destination for the discerning tourist. Kinsale
visitors are captivated by the experience that
is Kinsale today. Gourmet restaurants (Kinsale
is recognized as the culinary capital of Ireland),
the “Old Head of Kinsale Championship Golf
Course”, and the friendliness of its people
make any visit to Kinsale a truly memorable event.
Some
Interesting Kinsale Web Sites
History of Brewing in Kinsale
Our
brewery is located in the center of Kinsale town
on a site that has a brewing tradition dating
back to the 17th century. History records show
that in 1703 the Landers Malt house operated from
the same premises. Kinsale, in those times, was
generally the last port of call for European travelers
and explorers headed for the New World. The Landers
Malt House hosted such famous visitors as Sir
Walter Raleigh and Alexander Selkirk (aka Robinson
Crusoe).
From the history annals “ … “on
1st September 1708 the frigate ‘Duke’
with Captain Woods Rogers sailed from Kinsale
on a journey that would lead him to the island
of Juan Fernandez and the rescue of Alexander
Selkirk (aka Robinson Crusoe) Prior to leaving
Kinsale the ‘Duke’ took aboard “4
barrels of beef, 4 hogs heads of pork, 82 firkins
of butter, 600 weight of cheese, 18 butts of Kinsale
beer….”
Another interesting fact is that Duke was berthed
in Kinsale for 5 months and was allocated a gallon
(8 pints) of beer for each man per day. The crew
consisted of 120 men. The crew of the Duke drank
close to 150,000 pints of Kinsale beer during
their sojourn in the town.
Of
the famous Battle of Kinsale – 1601 (http://www.irishclans.com/articles/kinsalebatt.html)
it is said that ……… the Spanish
forces besieged in the town “supped well
on the ales provided by the local brew houses.”
It
is further reported of that event that the Irish
rebel armies….” were duly fortified
with ales supplied by local brewers and smuggled
to the Irish encampment five miles outside the
town”
The
last brewing enterprise of record on our site
was the Williams Brewery and Beer Cellars, which
operated a brewing enterprise in the mid 1800’s
In
1997 Kinsale Brewing Company acquired the derelict
site and began its restoration to its former glory.
Working closely with local town planners and architects
great care was taken to preserve the original
structure, including the original stoned walls
and archways.
On
September 21st, 2001 the Minister for Agriculture
and Food, Mr. Joe Walsh T. D. opened the Kinsale
Brewery
Kinsale
Beers
Kinsale Irish Lager – a premium quality
beer brewed to the highest standards. A smooth,
golden lager made from the finest natural ingredients:
malted barley, hops, lager yeast and the purest
of natural spring water from the artesian wells
of Southern Ireland. No artificial ingredients
or additives are used. Kinsale Irish Lager is
allowed to mature naturally and nothing is done
to speed up this process. All this results in
a smooth fresh flavored, crisp tasting, premium
beer. – Taste the Tradition
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