Brewery gives chance to soak up heritage

The doors of one of Ireland’s most historic breweries — which closed in 2009 — will be thrown open to the public for a special interactive event that aims to tap into Cork’s great stout heritage.

The artistic director behind the award-winning Corcadora theatre group, renowned for its spectacular site-specific shows, has promised a unique event to celebrate the history of the former Beamish and Crawford plant, where records show brewing on the site dating back to the mid-1650s.

“It is an iconic building that I was always very familiar with but I was never inside it,” Pat Kiernan said. “There was always an air of mystery about it. So I’m taking the approach that this will be like getting the golden ticket for Willy Wonka’s factory.”

Beamish and Murphy’s invited Mr Kiernan to create a unique, interactive experience for their customers inside the building as part of their themed Brewery Nights events.

“Creating a theatrical experience in which people will walk around the extraordinary historical site of this 18th century brewery is really exciting,” Kiernan said.

“The site, which I only knew until very recently from the façade, is incredible architecturally and historically, and I hope people attending will experience the wonder I felt when I first walked through it for the first time.”

Using lighting, sound and technical effects, Kiernan has devised a 15-minute promenade through the heart of the brewery. “It’s an incredible site to be allowed interpret and animate,” he said.

Guests will enjoy guided stout sampling and food courtesy of O’Flynn’s Cork gourmet sausages.

“We’re really proud to be working with Pat this year and look forward to laying on a very special evening for our drinkers,” Beamish and Murphy’s brand manager Peter Murphy said.

The brewery was founded in 1792 on the South Main St site where brewing is recorded as far back as 1650. Until the mid-19th century, the brewery was the largest in the country.

That rich brewing tradition came to an end in Dec 2008, when it was announced the plant was to close as a result of Heineken’s multibillion-euro takeover of Scottish & Newcastle.

The gates finally closed in May 2009, with the loss of 120 jobs.

Heineken Ireland and Bam have planning permission to develop an events centre, cinema, apartments, restaurants, shops, bars, and galleries on the site.

lThe Brewery Nights series begins on Apr 22. To be in with a chance to secure tickets, you must register at littlebignightsout.com.