Three new pubs in Cork to stock Changing Times beers as brewery ramps up production

Independent brewery expects to generate additional €1.1m in revenue by end of 2026

Shed Distillery co-founder Denise Rigney with Tom O’Brien (The Ferryman and founding member of Changing Times Brewery), Roisin Rigney (The Shed Distillery) and Keith O’Brien (The Ferryman and founding member of Changing Times Brewery). Changing Times are expanding their products in Cork, Dublin, and Leitrim. Picture: Brian Duignan

Independent brewery Changing Times will generate an additional €1.1m annually is its expands its reach in Cork, Dublin, and the west of Ireland.

The business was founded last October in Glasnevin by Cork brewer Shane Long, backed by renowned publican Benny McCabe of Crane Lane and Rising Sons fame, and 15 high-profile pubs in Dublin, as well as Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin founder Patrick J. Rigney.

Growing demand has seen production increase to over 150 kegs per week, and this is expected to reach 200 kegs by the end of year. The brewery will now expand its reach into an three new Cork venues, including The Fran Well  Rising Sons Brewery, and Mr McCabe's new venture The Fountain on Cork's Grand Parade. In Dublin,  Nearys, Searsons, The Step Inn, The Sackville Lounge and Kavanagh’s The Temple will stock the products, while The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo will be the company's first push into the West of Ireland.

Changing Times Brewery is located in Glasnevin. The brewery makes three draught products: Clockwork Velvet Stout, Daydreamer Lager, and After Hours Pale Ale, with new beers expected to be launched over the next 12 months. The company's brewer Shane Long is one of the pioneers of Irish craft brewing, starting the Franciscan Well on Cork’s North Mall 27 years ago, selling the brand to Molson Coors in 2012. Molson Coors has since moved Franciscan Well production to Cork’s docklands, while Mr Long returned to the original microbrewery on North Mall.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner in April, Mr Long said Changing Times’ initial plan was to service just 50 kegs a week. “To be turning a profit after this short time is unheard of in the industry," he said.

Mr Long is a co-founder of Changing Times, along with Mr McCabe and 15 high-profile pubs in Dublin including The Palace, The Long Hall, The Swan, Doheny & Nesbitts,The Ferryman, Devitts, Darkey Kellys, The Bankers, Arthur Maynes in Donnybrook, Sheehans, Lemon & Duke, The Bridge 1859, The Blackrock, The Bank, and McSorleys. Mr Rigney invested in January, and is now chair of Changing Times.