Irish beer is a delightful celebration of both tradition and taste, from Dublin’s bold stouts to Galway’s inventive ales. Each brand has a spectacular story steeped in local heritage and brewing craftsmanship. So, raise a glass to Ireland’s finest rich, smooth, and refreshing flavors. Here are the 15 notable labels you absolutely must try.
Guinness Draught Stout
Guinness Draught Stout, the quintessential Irish beer, presents a distinctive blend of bitterness and lush texture, crowned with its signature frothy head. Brewed in Dublin since 1759, its full-bodied, dark hue and velvety essence have made it a beloved beverage across the globe. Also celebrated for its beneficial antioxidants, this brew contains compounds akin to those in fruits and vegetables.
Beamish Stout
Originating in Cork in 1792, Beamish Stout offers an intense, creamy alternative to more widely known stouts. With roasted, chocolaty goodness, this drink delights anyone who tries it. Beamish is the oldest stout brewery in Cork and continues to use original 18th-century brewing techniques.
Smithwick’s Red Ale
A staple from Kilkenny since 1710, it is praised for its silky, malty savor and a hint of caramel sweetness. This ale salutes time-honored brewing techniques and provides a consistently satisfying experience with every pint poured. Its well-rounded body and easy drinkability make it a favorite among casual drinkers and ale aficionados.
Murphy’s Irish Stout
Since 1856, Murphy’s has been brewing in the heart of Cork, offering a stout with a less bitter profile than its Dublin counterparts. With a smooth, buttery feel and slight coffee undertones, Murphy’s appeals to those seeking a gentle yet flavorful pint. It is often enjoyed during Cork’s annual jazz festival.
Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
Launched over a century ago, Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale is known for its plush consistency and rich amber hue. It has a mild tang and is exceptionally creamy, which provides a decadent choice for ale lovers. The ale’s recipe is similar to Smithwick’s but includes nitrogenation, which gives it a silkier texture.
Harp Lager
First created in 1960, it hails from Dundalk. Famous for its crisp, clean zest and slightly bitter finish, many pubs around the globe serve this famous lager, making it a familiar sight internationally. Harp Lager was initially produced by the Great Northern Brewery, built by the Guinness Company in 1896.
Rye River Brewing Company
Rye River in Kildare is recognized for its McGargles Irish Stout, which promises deep, roasty tastes and a consistent record of excellence. It has received over 30 international brewing awards, establishing it as one of Europe’s most decorated craft breweries.
Boyne Brewhouse
Located near the historic Battle of the Boyne site in Drogheda, Boyne pays tribute to Irish history with each brew. Using avant-garde craft methods, the Born in a Day APA is a hoppy salute to the past crafted to perfection. The company also distills its spirits, producing award-winning whiskeys and gins under the same brand.
O’Hara’s Irish Pale Ale
Carlow Brewing Company introduced O’Hara’s Irish Pale Ale in the late 1990s. This beer features a hoppy aroma and a balanced palate. It has become a favorite for those venturing beyond traditional stouts and lagers. O’Hara also produces a celebrated barleywine, a style that dates back hundreds of years in Europe.
Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Ale
Brewed in Kilkenny, Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Ale revives the traditional fragrance of malts with a modern twist. Its deep, amber color and caramel undertones promise a refreshingly velvety sip. Ideal for those who appreciate a beer with history, Sullivan’s has reclaimed a beloved recipe from the 1700s.
Wicklow Wolf Elevation Pale Ale
From the heart of County Wicklow, Wicklow Wolf Elevation Pale Ale stands out with its vibrant, hoppy tang and flawless balance of bitterness and citrus notes. Crafted with locally sourced ingredients, it features a fresh, uplifting savoriness that echoes the wild Irish panorama.
Porterhouse Brewing Co. Oyster Stout
Developed by one of Dublin’s original craft breweries, Porterhouse Brewing Co.’s Oyster Stout marries the richness of dark roasted malts with the unique addition of fresh oysters. This brew has a subtly briny complexity, and the oysters used during the brewing process enhance its silky consistency and give it a hint of maritime finish.
Kinnegar Scraggy Bay IPA
From the windswept shores of Donegal, Scraggy Bay IPA by Kinnegar Brewing stands out in the world of American-style IPAs. Floral and fruity hop aromas balance a solid malt foundation, yielding a clean and assertive savor profile. With a commitment to small-batch production, the brewery ensures each batch of Scraggy Bay maintains its artisanal quality and freshness.
Magners Original Irish Cider
Hailed for launching the cider craze, Magners Original Irish Cider has a classic palate derived from 17 varieties of apples and an age-old 18-month maturation process. The result is a brisk beverage with a balanced sweetness, enjoyed chilled over ice. Fans appreciate the authentic orchard flavor, which captures the essence of the Irish cider-making tradition.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Conway’s Irish Ale
Conway’s Irish Ale emerges from Cleveland, a Great Lakes Brewing Co. creation that pays homage to its founders’ Irish-American roots. With a malty richness accented by caramel and a subtle hint of roasted barley, this medium-bodied ale provides a soft finish. The ale is named after the co-founder’s grandfather, a dedicated patrolman, to honor their familial legacy.
