Black Donkey Beer stood as a trailblazer in the Irish craft beer movement, known for pushing boundaries with Belgian-inspired styles and a fiercely independent spirit. Based in rural Roscommon, this now-closed brewery made a lasting impression on craft beer Ireland with standout brews like Sheep Stealer and Beyond. Although no longer brewing, Black Donkey's legacy continues to influence Irish brewing culture and remains a touchpoint for those discovering craft beer online or visiting our craft beer Dublin store.
Producer Background
Founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife team Richard and Michaela Siberry, Black Donkey Beer quickly gained recognition as one of the more adventurous voices in Irish brewing. Their beers often featured Belgian yeasts, bottle conditioning, and wild fermentation — a rarity at the time in Ireland. Based on a small farm near Ballinlough, the brewery operated with a “do-it-yourself” ethos, embracing rustic methods that produced complex, expressive beers.
The flagship Sheep Stealer, a farmhouse ale brewed with saison yeast, stood apart in a market still dominated by stouts and lagers. Beyond, a mixed-fermentation ale, took things even further, showcasing spontaneous fermentation and bottle ageing. These styles earned Black Donkey respect among beer lovers at home and abroad, especially those looking for something beyond convention.
Though production ceased in 2025, Black Donkey’s impact on Irish Craft Beer is still felt — not only in flavour, but in the growing appetite for Belgian-style brewing in Ireland. As you explore other categories like Belgian Beer or time-honoured German Beer, you'll see threads of Black Donkey’s influence throughout. Their farmhouse focus fits naturally among our Sour & Lambic and saison-style offerings.
Explore More
Although Black Donkey Beer is no longer producing, you can still explore brews with similar character and complexity. Discover our collections of Irish Craft Beer, Belgian Beer, German Beer, and browse our range of Beer Kegs for fresh, shareable pours at home.