Antique Smithwick's Brewery Bottle – St. Francis Abbey, Kilkenny (19th Century)
 
A Relic of Ireland’s Oldest Brewing Legacy
 
Provenance & Historical Significance
This bottle hails from E. Smithwick & Sons, Limited, the iconic brewery at St. Francis Abbey in Kilkenny, operational from 1710 to 1965 37. The "E. Smithwick" imprint refers to Edmond Smithwick (grandson of founder John Smithwick), who expanded the brewery into a national powerhouse during the 19th century. Under his leadership, production surged from 5,000 to 40,000 barrels annually, and the Smithwick name became synonymous with quality Irish ale.
 
The St. Francis Abbey site itself holds deep historical roots:
Originally a 13th-century Franciscan abbey where monks brewed ale.
John Smithwick established the commercial brewery in 1710, leveraging the abbey’s water sources and legacy.
By the 1800s, the brewery dominated Ireland’s ale market, second only to Guinness.
 
Key Features of the Bottle:
Embossed Labeling: The "E. Smithwick & Sons, Limited" transfer marks it as a pre-1965 artifact, before Guinness acquired the brewery.
Material & Design: Likely aqua glass or stoneware (common for Smithwick’s export bottles), with possible embossing like "St. Francis Abbey Brewery".
Rarity: Early Smithwick’s bottles are scarce due to the brewery’s 2013 closure and production shift to Dublin.
Dimensions: 7.62cm x 20.35cm
Condition: Excellent condition, was used as a candle holder at one time and there are remnants of wax.
 
Edmond Smithwick’s Legacy:
Mayor of Kilkenny (four terms) and Catholic emancipation supporter .
Innovated during crises: Sold mineral water and butter alongside ale during 19th-century famines .
His leadership cemented Smithwick’s as Ireland’s No.1 ale, winning awards like the 1837 London Bottled Beer Competition.
 
Collector’s Notes
A tangible piece of Irish brewing history—where monastic tradition met entrepreneurial genius.