Guinness is Ireland’s most valuable beer brand by a wide margin, sold in more than 110 countries after starting life at St. James’s Gate in Dublin back in 1759. But Ireland’s beer scene runs a lot deeper than one stout, from century-old red ales to a wave of independent craft breweries that took off over the last two decades.
Here are ten Irish beer names worth knowing, and what actually makes each one distinct.
Guinness
The nitrogen-poured dry stout that defines what most people picture when they hear “Irish beer.” Its dense cream-colored head and roasted, slightly bitter flavor come from using roasted unmalted barley alongside standard malt, a distinct choice from most stouts brewed elsewhere.
Murphy’s
Brewed in Cork since 1856, Murphy’s is a nitrogen dry stout with a similar dark, roasted profile to Guinness but a slightly smoother, less bitter finish that a lot of drinkers actually prefer.
Beamish
Also from Cork, Beamish is the third of Ireland’s classic dry stouts, sitting alongside Guinness and Murphy’s with its own loyal, mostly Munster-based following. It leans slightly sweeter than Guinness on the finish.
Smithwick’s
Founded in Kilkenny in 1710, Smithwick’s is Ireland’s best-known red ale, with a caramel malt sweetness and light hop bitterness that make it a different drinking experience entirely from the dry stouts above.
Kilkenny
Closely related to Smithwick’s and often described as its creamier, nitrogen-poured cousin, Kilkenny is typically presented as a cream ale with a smoother mouthfeel than its red ale sibling.
Harp
Ireland’s most established lager, brewed as a lighter, crisper alternative to the country’s stout-heavy reputation. It remains one of the most widely poured lagers on tap across Irish pubs.
Rockshore
A newer lager brand from the same parent group behind Guinness and Smithwick’s, positioned as a modern, easy-drinking option aimed at a younger crowd than the legacy brands above.
Wicklow Wolf
One of the independent craft breweries that emerged from Ireland’s craft beer boom, based in Bray, County Wicklow, known for hop-forward IPAs and seasonal releases well outside the traditional stout and red ale mold.
Eight Degrees
A craft brewery out of Mitchelstown, County Cork, that helped establish Ireland’s modern craft beer scene with hoppy pale ales and IPAs alongside more traditional styles.
Sullivan’s
Based in Kilkenny, Sullivan’s Brewing Company puts a craft spin on classic Irish styles, including a well-regarded Irish red that plays in the same category as Smithwick’s but with its own distinct character.
FAQ
What is Ireland’s actual best-selling beer?
Guinness, by a large margin. It is also Ireland’s highest-valued beer brand overall, well ahead of any other Irish name.
What is the difference between Guinness, Murphy’s, and Beamish?
All three are nitrogen-poured dry stouts from different breweries, mainly separated by subtle differences in roast intensity and finish, with Murphy’s and Beamish both generally a touch smoother than Guinness.
Is Smithwick’s a stout?
No. Smithwick’s is a red ale, a different style entirely from the dry stouts Ireland is best known for, with a caramel malt sweetness instead of a roasted, bitter finish.
