Lough Gill Brewery Ireland – Bold Beers from Sligo’s Wild Heart
At TheCru.ie, we’re always looking to bring our customers craft beer with real character — the kind of beer that tells a story with every sip. Lough Gill Brewery Ireland is exactly that. Based in the stunning surrounds of County Sligo, this independent brewery has made its name by producing bold, modern beers that pay tribute to a rich brewing heritage while pushing boundaries with innovation and flavour.
Lough Gill Brewery was founded in 2016 by James Ward, a local entrepreneur with a passion for craft beer and a vision to revive Sligo’s brewing legacy. The brewery takes its name from the nearby lake, Lough Gill — a place steeped in mythology and natural beauty, and a symbol of the wild, untamed spirit of the west of Ireland.
While the brewery is young in years, it’s built on centuries of tradition. Brewing in Sligo dates back to the 1800s, and Lough Gill has proudly taken up that mantle with a modern edge. From the start, their mission has been to brew beers that are full-flavoured, unfiltered, and never dull — and they’ve certainly delivered on that promise.
Lough Gill Brewery Ireland is located just outside the town of Sligo, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. It’s a setting that suits the brewery perfectly — rugged, independent, and rich in culture. The brewery building itself is a nod to the past: a former diary plant turned into a thriving craft beer hub, with a custom-built brewhouse and space for barrel ageing, canning, and special projects.
Being based in the west of Ireland gives Lough Gill a distinctive voice within the craft beer Ireland community. Their branding, beer names, and ingredients often reflect local folklore, history, and the wild surroundings. But there’s nothing rural about their brewing ambition — this is a brewery with global reach and serious brewing credentials.
The brewing philosophy at Lough Gill is all about creativity, quality, and bold expression. The team doesn’t shy away from big flavours — in fact, they embrace them. Whether it’s a juicy IPA, a dessert-inspired stout, or a barrel-aged masterpiece, their beers are designed to be memorable.
Lough Gill combines traditional brewing techniques with a contemporary approach to recipe development. Their beers are brewed using high-quality malt, fresh hops from around the world, and unique ingredients like chocolate, coffee, fruit, spices, and even seaweed. They focus on unfiltered, unpasteurised beers that retain their natural complexity and depth of flavour.
Barrel ageing is also a major part of what sets Lough Gill apart. They operate one of the most extensive barrel programmes in Ireland, regularly ageing beers in bourbon, rum, whiskey, and wine casks. This adds layers of richness, texture, and intrigue to their limited-edition releases.
Lough Gill Brewery Ireland’s portfolio includes a broad mix of core beers, seasonal releases, and special barrel-aged editions. The brewery isn’t afraid to experiment with styles, but everything they brew shares the same foundation: bold flavour, balance, and serious drinkability.
Whether you’re new to craft beer or a seasoned collector, there’s something in the Lough Gill range that will grab your attention — and likely earn a spot in your rotation.
Lough Gill Brewing Ireland has earned a strong reputation both domestically and internationally. Their beers have appeared at festivals across Europe and the US, and they’ve collaborated with breweries in Norway, the UK, and beyond. This international reach hasn’t come at the expense of their Irish roots — if anything, it’s helped shine a spotlight on Sligo as a brewing destination.
Their beers have been awarded medals at major competitions and are widely praised for their balance, creativity, and quality. But more than awards, Lough Gill is known for its consistency and the trust it has built with beer drinkers. In a crowded craft beer Dublin scene, their beers stand out on shelves and tap lines for all the right reasons.
The brewery has also played an important role in reviving Sligo’s brewing history and giving the region a strong voice in the craft beer Ireland movement. They’re passionate about community, local ingredients, and celebrating the stories of the west of Ireland through modern brewing.
Support Irish craft beer by exploring more from the best Irish breweries.
Ready to explore one of Ireland’s most dynamic independent breweries? Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15. We’re proud to offer a regularly updated selection of Lough Gill Brewery Ireland beers — from their fresh IPAs to their bold barrel-aged stouts.
Order your craft beer online for delivery or for collection in our craft beer Dublin shop, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15. Whether you’re stocking the fridge, picking out a gift, or building a cellar of special bottles, Lough Gill brings something unique to every order.
Lough Gill Brewery Ireland has made its mark by staying true to its roots while embracing innovation. From the lakes of Sligo to beer fridges across Ireland, their beers are a celebration of quality, creativity, and bold Irish brewing. Add some to your next order and discover what the west of Ireland has to offer — no passport required.