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    Franciscan Well Brewery

    4.6 (88 reviews)
    ModerateBreweries
    Open 1:00 pm - 11:30 PM

    Franciscan Well Brewery Photos

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    Catherine M.

    Was down in cork for the day and this bar popped up as one of the most popular and for a good reason. They have a large outdoor patio and also indoor seating. They have a pizza oven in the back and they make their own beer (which I feel like is a little rare in Ireland). Also a super old pub so it was a cool experience all around.

    Brent L.

    I had one of their brews at a different pub somewhere in Ireland, and a few nights later, when I found out their brewery was located in the town I was visiting, I just HAD to stop by and check it out for myself. This place breaks the mold of the traditional Irish brewpub and instead represents itself more as a beer garden than anything else. Plenty of indoor as well as outdoor covered areas for those rainy nights and days. The service is good and food is available 7 nights a week (mainly pizza). Just like every single other pub or bar I visited on my trip, this one offers a full bar. I don't think I visited a single place that was beer and wine only like we see quite often in the states. I'm a fan of red ales, so I highly recommend their Rebel Red ale. Very malty like a red ale should be, and also with a bit of a stronger caramel finish than the typical red ale. I really enjoyed this brew. I also had the Ole Pilsner. It was good, but nothing stood out as being unique or distinct from other pilsners. I'm not a fan of pale ales or stouts, but they have a pale ale and a stout that are aged in Jameson whiskey casks. It sounded very intriguing, so if you are into those styles, you should inquire within. Great place for a visit, and they do offer tours - check their website for details. I would give them a solid 5 stars, but I'm deducting 1/2 of a star because there was slight cigarette smoke smell inside, because the doors to the back patio (where smoking is allowed) were propped open. There's absolutely no reason to *NOT* visit this place if you find yourself in the area - check them out. They have a very unique history that you can read about on their website.

    Lager
    Jeff W.

    Great craft brewery in Cork. I enjoyed The Chieftain Irish Pale Ale. They also have a cocktail bar upstairs and a patio out back where you can order pizza.

    Kathleen D.

    It was a bit of a hike to walk here from my hotel on South Mall, but it was worth it. We crossed the bridge and walked into a less-traveled area but I soon found the brewery's entrance. We visited on a weekend and table pickings were slim. I ended up finding an awkward table where it was semi-hard to sit, but that sure was better than attempting to hold a flight while drinking each sample! The flight was fairly expensive but the pours were larger than a typical flight. I didn't like that I couldn't customize the options, which meant I got stuck with an IPA, but at least I did get to try most of the beers they had available at the time. It was a fair operation in a building steeped with history. They also had a back patio but it started to drizzle a bit and I didn't feel like drinking outside. I didn't stay too long since it was hard to hear above all the noise from weekend revelers, but it was a cool spot and definitely a must-stop for beer lovers traveling in Ireland.

    Local made beer and pizza
    Oliver G.

    The pub has its own beer, which is sold nationwide now, it speaks for its own. The pub is small, but the beergarden with the pizzeria and the original tiny brewery make it quite big. It is popular, so be prepared to meet an international folk, Apple HP is just around the corner. The beers and the pizzas are very good and the prices are fair. The staff is fast and attentive.

    Stephanie S.

    Great spot in Cork! The beers here are excellent. I had a Weiss and a blonde. Both of those beers were excellent. They have about 6 of their own beers as well as some others from around Ireland. We also got a pizza. It was only €10, so it was a pretty good deal! We got one with mozzarella and thin cut potatoes. The crust was really thin. Overall, it was a really tasty and filling pizza. The inside is semi small but there is also a large outside area with a heated patio. It was a good stop, I would recommend it.

    April H.

    So glad that I was able to hit up this brewery while in Cork. The location was easy to find and I am glad we were walking because parking didn't seem to be easy to come by. The brewery has an interesting layout. Inside is the bar and outside is the food counter. The outside area is covered so even if it was raining, like when I was there, you can still sit outside. The pizza wasn't anything to brag about but I have had much worse. The beer was excellent. In addition to their house beers they also have a large selection of other small Irish breweries. If you are like me and want to try local beers that you can't get everywhere you will be very happy with the selection. Both the inside bar and outside patio are very atmospheric and enjoyable.

    Jenny R.

    Hidden gem! What a great spot with a nice interior, and an awesome beer garden in the back with a separate brick oven pizza vendor, Pompeii. The beer was delicious, I had an amazing Belgian ale and my friend had the stout, which he did not stop talking about for days. There actually is a noted well here. Apparently one which used to be known for its healing properties. Since it's the brewery's namesake, you would think the well would be the centerpiece of the brewery, but oddly it is tucked away, ignored and dirty behind some couches in the corner. The beer garden is very comfy, with the option of couches or traditional benches. Smoking allowed :) Free WiFi. Clean bathrooms inside. Also noted some high top tables along the wall inside with side wall heaters... perfect place to sit on a chilly day. The pizza was as amazing as the beer! Very very good. We had to hit the road but we were both wishing we had ordered more. We visited the nearby historic gaol and it was about a 10 minute walk, so we didn't have to deal with Cork parking, which requires a special token that one must purchase at the city hall or post office, I believe.

    Winter beer and ale festival
    Cristin L.

    We were asked by friends to join them at a craft beer festival in Cork. We thought why not, so high-tailed it down the country to the Peoples Republic of Cork. The Franciscan Well Brewery is an excellent establishment tucked away through an archway on the North Mall. Welcomed warmly by the barman, we found the main bar has excellent tanks / kettles on display behind. We ordered our first pint, 5 EUR for a Purgatory and moved out to the beer garden. This was where the main action was. Here we found the Winter Ales beer festival in full swing. Well as full as it could get for during the day. We ordered pizza from the in house pizzeria, Pompei, and it was excellent, fantastic base especially. It was also very quick and they bring it to your table - take note Big Blue Bus, there is room for improvement after my experience here. Later in the night the beer garden really filled up and the atmosphere was ninety. A fantastic experience here at The Franciscan Well Brewery. I can't wait to go back next time I am in Cork.

    Reuben G.

    I love the Franciscan well beers so of course the place they are brewed has got to be a good place to go. Even if this place was not actually a brewery, it would still be worth going to for the beer garden alone. Almost the entire courtyard outside is covered and has patio heaters. In fact the beer garden is bigger than the inside of the pub. A number of guest beers on tap and bottle are available as well as their own beers. Outside in the beer garden is the brewery in its own out building with large glass windows so you can see the shiny copper kettles etc. The Well also plays host to a number of Beer festivals during the year with the EasterFest being the biggest and best.

    Hot winter cider :)
    Sarah P.

    Well its time for beer again! And we popped along to go and try some of their tasty samples whilst in Cork. Great little bar hidden away down an alley off the river. Great selection of beers/ciders/bottles Slightly disappointed as we were hoping to get a tour - which really strangely they only do during the week. When did a tourist attraction ever not happen on the weekend?!? Made up for it though with delicious wood fired pizzas from the outdoor area. Note: they are bigger than expected and unless you're starving dont get one per person! ;)

    The beers on offer!
    Sean E.

    Great little gem of a pub hidden away on the North Mall of cork. Those guys know their beer and if you're lucky they'll give you a recommendation and even a quick tour of where the beer is brewed out back and the actual "franciscan well" itself! As the beer is brewed on site each month the flavour changes all the time. The very essence of craft from brew to tap!

    Qype User (cor…)

    THE FRANCISCAN WELL Called into the Franciscan Well Brew Pub over the weekend. You know this is a different sort of pub when you see the three big vats behind the counter and a group of fifteen fellows coming in to start the tour. But, micro-brewery or no, it is still a pub, a fine spacious one at that, with a very friendly and helpful service. If you are wondering which of the many beers you should taste on draught then you'll get a little sample to help you make up your mind. Leaving the Friar Weisse, the Rebel Red and the Shandon Stout aside, at least for this visit, I went for the Blarney Blond. This lager is an excellent drink and a pint and half cost about €6.45 which is more or less the normal lager price. Well worth a try if you are a lager drinker. As the bar is a magnet for tourists, there is also a large selection of international beers available (though no Heineken or Carlsberg or Guinness or Murphy's, nothing form the big name brewers). But you won't miss them. I'm beginning to liking for Czech lagers. They didn't have Staropramen and, from the selection offered by the very helpful Polish bar-person, I choose the 1795 Budejovicky Pivo. A 50cl bottle cost me €4.80. This is a terrific drink, even better then the Staro, and I'll certainly be looking out for it in the future, especially if I'm passing Bradleys in North Main Street. The Franciscan Well is nicely laid out and has a covered Beer Garden. They also do various Beer fests, seasonal barbeques, live music, tours and tastings and also supply Party Kegs. See their website http://www.franciscanwellbrewery.com or ring 021 4210130.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Good drinks, Pizza, and lively Irish music. Made some good memories here. I recommend visiting to experience their cool lively atmosphere.

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    2 years ago

    Awesome. It is an absolute treasure to find such a place in downtown Cork. Been there multiple times

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    7 years ago

    Popular pub with beer and cocktail. Next to a good pizza place. Lots of young professionals.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Franciscan Well Brewery Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Franciscan Well Brewery

    Even if this place was not actually a brewery, it would still be worth going to for the beer garden alone.

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    Elbow Lane - Irish stout

    Elbow Lane

    4.6(46 reviews)
    1.0 km
    €€

    This review is for the Elbow Lane brewery and smoke house restaurant which is part of the Market…read moreLane dining complex. Went in here after a long day's work for a quick dinner, and was pleasantly surprised by the great beer and food. Elbow Lane lager: an easily drinkable lager with good sweetness and a bit of hoppy taste. Sweet and spicy pork belly: grilled to perfection, crispy lean fiber and soft melting fat part. I would personally love more sweet flavor and less chilli on top, but a great appetizer overall. Grilled rack of pork ribs: grilled on order, served piping hot. Crispy surface, perfectly seasoned meat, served with rich and flavorful gravy. A great feast. Ice cream and brownie: standard. Overall, a very satisfying dinner. Will recommend this place to anyone visiting Cork.

    We arrived early for our reservation and were offered seats at the bar, close to the open fire…read morekitchen area. It's a fantastic place to sit and watch the amazing chefs at work. The live theatre of the kitchen adds a fun and busy ambiance, and the staff were friendly and welcoming, and ready to explain menu and dishes and make recommendations. Drinks arrived fast, and the cocktails were clever and tasty. They have a good wine selection as well as house beers from their own brewery. But the food is jaw-dropping - the best meal we had the whole trip without doubt. I suspect anything from the menu would be delicious, but the blue cheese greens and the baby new potatoes were the perfect accompaniment to the steak. Portions are very large, so we shared everything and still couldn't finish. We happened to be there on the night there was a fire evacuation, and had just paid our bill when the alarm sounded. Full credit to the incredible team for their swift and calm reaction, evacuating the restaurant (and the sister location next door) - it's heartbreaking that they'll be closed for a few weeks, but I can't wait to return and see them open and thriving again. Evacuation aside, our meal was a such an amazing experience and the Elbow Lane team are a credit to the company and to the Irish fine dining community.

    Photos
    Elbow Lane - Lamb dish (menu changes based on available local ingredients)

    Lamb dish (menu changes based on available local ingredients)

    Elbow Lane - Great service, phenomenal staff!

    Great service, phenomenal staff!

    Elbow Lane - Menu

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    Menu

    Kinsale Brewing

    Kinsale Brewing

    3.0(2 reviews)
    21.7 km

    Hidden away in the popular fishing village this tiny brewery is a great find. You can do a brewery…read moretour, but it is so small I wouldn't bother. Just head upstairs to the nice bar - or sit on the sun trap balcony if the weather is nice and sample the wars. All the house beers are really good, especially the stout, and they even sell a decent range of clothing.

    I feel I was ripped off but have nobody but myself to blame. I knew this was a new distillery with…read moreno historical or architectural significance so why did I book a tour for €60? Yes it came with a "premium" tasting but that should be €20 max. The tour, lasting about an hour, was in part a commercial for their distillery/brewery. Why should I pay them to listen to an ad? Admittedly the tour included behind the scenes of the facility with its modern brewing and distilling operations, and explanations of how it all works. All of which I've seen before at other distillery tours. Which makes me wonder, what's the draw of these tours? Once is really enough, unless it's a place with historical significance like Middleton, which I didn't get to visit. I do question some of what I heard though. On seeing the tank where the CO2 is added to the beers, I asked whether this practice was universal; is CO2 always artificially added? The response was an unqualified yes, even when I asked what they did before industrial CO2 was available? Answer: "They drank flat beer." I don't think so. The tour included the usual explanations of the process of making beer and spirits, from the ingredients through fermentation, aging, and bottling. Accompanied by open jars of samples: grains, hops, gin additives. All of which had almost no discernible smell because they were too old, probably never refreshed since they started giving tours. Besides beer and whiskey they also make gin, vodka, and rum. "Make" is stretching it for the vodka though. They don't ferment and distill the grain there. They buy 95% ethanol from a major corporate supplier and redistill it. This and several other facts weren't volunteered. I asked many questions with followups to get answers out of the guide. He may have been getting annoyed with me for forcing him to divulge these secrets. Then it came to the tasting portion of the tour. This included beer drinkers (the other couple) and whiskey drinkers (me; it was a very small group that day). That was a good way to do it because I got to hear the beer descriptions even though I wasn't drinking them. As for the whiskey, I tried 6, 3 from their standard line and 3 from their "premium" line. None were particularly good, and none were aged past 5 years, though the distillery has been in operation since 2015. Here's where it all got even stranger. As the guide was explaining the whiskeys, he told me to start with the glass labeled 4, after he confirmed with an associate by phone. So I did, pretending to agree with his tasting notes. Then 5. Then 6. I commented on its smokiness. That got his attention. He was puzzled, investigated, and consulted with his associate again. Turns out it was wrong! The first three to try were 1, 2, and 3! So he refilled 4, 5, and 6, then poured more into 1 for good measure. So I had a lot of whiskey! I protested slightly, not seriously, and he laughed it off saying I'd be fine on my bike (he knew because he saw me riding up in my rental). Understand I'm not complaining or faulting him in any way for this, just adding the detail. I know how much to drink and I didn't even finish it all. As for the tour's ending, I didn't like how that went. As soon as he finished his explanations of the beers and whiskeys, he thanked us for coming. We were all still finishing up. By the time he basically repeated the same thanks again, it was clear it was time to go. Not the nicest way to end the experience.

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    Kinsale Brewing
    Kinsale Brewing
    Kinsale Brewing

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    Franciscan Well Brewery - breweries - Updated May 2026

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