An artist's impression of what the new brewery, distillery and visitor centre will look like.

EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

Tourism and employment in Killarney is set to be turned on its head with plans for a €24 million brewery, distillery and visitor centre in the Fossa area – creating 80 jobs.

The Killarney Brewing Company has been granted planning by Kerry County Council to open a 62,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility at the Rosenbluth factory siteat Killalee, with an expected completion date by March 2021.

Currently located on the Muckross Road, the company has big plans to export their products to international markets but also want to provide an alternative for visitors to Killarney.

“The reason for building it is to enable us to expand our business and export to international markets,” General Manager Barry Spellman told the Killarney Advertiser.

“It’s being heavily endorsed by Minister Brendan Griffin. Cllr Niall Kelleher (Mayor of Kerry) was very helpful as well.”

Killarney Brewing Company, owned by Killarney men Paul Sheahan and Tim O’Donoghue, first opened their doors on St Patrick’s Day 2015, after an investment of almost €2 million. The company provides a whole range of beers as well as Killarney Heather Honey Gin.

[caption id="attachment_27466" align="aligncenter" width="1152"] BREWING SUCCESS: Killarney Brewing Company have big plans to extend their business. Pictured were: Tim O'Donoghue (owner), Barry Spellman (General Manager) and Paul Sheahan (owner) with Matt Simpson, Michael Bank (Head Brewer) and Colm Casey. Photo Michelle Crean[/caption]

A new Saints and Scholars whiskey is currently aging and it is planned that it will hit the Christmas market later this year. Brian also explained that their first single malt whiskey named ‘Innisfallen’ will be exported within the next five years.

And he added that although they’ve big plans going forward, the original company in Muckross will remain where it is.

“We’re building an indoor attraction centre which is badly needed in the town,” Barry said. “It will be the Killarney Brewing and Distillery Company - and we’re not moving from here.”

After a collaboration with Tennessee Brew Works in Nashville earlier this year a new beer called ‘The Foggy Dew’was created. On Wednesday American Matt Simpson travelled all the way from there to Killarney to create an Irish version of the same beer.

“We started collaborating in May and this is part two, using a malt which came from Loughran Family Malt. We’re also using strata hops in the original recipe, it’s the first time being used in a beer in Ireland. It will be available on tap and selected outlets in three weeks-time.”

Owner Paul Sheahan also told the Killarney Advertiser how happy he is that the Killarney community and beyond have supported the venture from day one.

“Thanks to all the locals for their support. It has been absolutely amazing,” he said.