The tour is fully interactive and suitable for beer lovers and history lovers alike.
The tour begins in 1231, long before John Smithwick ever set foot in the city. Walk the echoing halls in the Abbey of St. Francis, where clever monks found a way of purifying the deadly water that coursed through their land. Using the natural ingredients which grow in abundance near the abbey, they purified water from the local well by crafting it into ale.
From the moment you step into the Cole House, five generations of Smithwicks illuminate their story of unwavering endurance and unbeatable ingenuity through photos, portraits, letters and lively conversation. Cosy up by the fireplace and learn how one family turned a humble Kilkenny ale into a brew famous the world over!
In the Brewhouse you will learn about perfecting the art of mixing four simple ingredients to produce a ruby red ale enjoyed all over the world. But that doesn't mean we are resting on our laurels. We are constantly innovating, and in the Brewhouse you'll discover just what gives our ruby ale its unique character and flavour.
After an exciting trip back in time it is time for a rest pint! The perfect place to judge a pint of Smithwick's? A tasting room, of course. The distinctive taste of our ale, characterised by its fruity aroma and delicate notes, has been winning us awards since 1892. Each glass of our ale contains generations of tradition, experience and uncompromised quality. When you decide your pint has just the right appearance, aroma, taste and mouthfeel, sit back and enjoy the flavour that has made Smithwick's Ireland's favourite ale!
Please note: The River Ouse in York can occasionally rise to levels that can have an impact on this cruise's daily operations after periods of heavy rainfall in the catchment area upstream. The local operators will always attempt to sail for as long as it is safe to do so. There can come a point where their smallest boat can no longer fit underneath the bridges. Depending on the height of the river, they may not be able to sail at all. In this instance, you will either be eligible for a full refund or your ticket(s) will happily accepted on another date during your stay if sailing is possible.
Box Lunch Including: Turkey wrap, Chips, Apple and a Bottle of Water.
Also available: Vegetarian and Gluten free lunches (72 hour notice required).
Three hours are spent exploring 12-miles of history, beauty and wonder as you glide through the Black Canyon National Water Trail, with walls that in some places tower 2,000 feet above the river’s edge.
Experience the waterfalls, hot springs and other geological wonders, the Desert Big Horn sheep, Osprey, Great Blue Heron and so much more. This trip is fully narrated by experienced, knowledgeable guides who offer incredible knowledge of the history of the Hoover Dam and the Black Canyon National Water trail.
Lunch is included in a take-home, insulated souvenir bag. A refreshing stop along the way at a side beach will give you the opportunity to stretch your legs and to swim or play in the cool clear water of the Colorado River. Your tour will end at the Willow Beach Marina in the scenic Mohave desert of Arizona, where you will board your shuttle back to where you started from.
~Don’t Forget Your Camera~
