O Brother Brewing Ireland – Craft Beer with Heart, Flavour and Family Spirit
At TheCru.ie, we love showcasing independent Irish breweries that are not only brewing great beer, but also shaping the future of craft beer Ireland. O Brother Brewing Ireland is a perfect example. A family-run brewery based in County Wicklow, this bold and creative operation has built a name for itself through expressive hop-forward beers, consistent quality, and an unshakeable dedication to flavour, community, and craft.
O Brother Brewing was founded in 2014 by brothers Barry, Brian, and Paddy O’Neill — hence the name. With backgrounds in business and a shared love for great beer, the trio set out to turn their passion into a purpose. From a small brewhouse in Kilcoole, they began experimenting with modern American-style beers at a time when the Irish beer scene was just beginning to open up.
What started as a leap of faith has grown into one of Ireland’s most respected independent breweries. Known for their hazy IPAs, bold stouts, and creative collaborations, O Brother Brewing Ireland has remained true to its roots while constantly pushing its limits.
O Brother is proudly based in Kilcoole, County Wicklow — just south of Dublin and close to the coast. The setting suits the brewery’s ethos perfectly: grounded, independent, and quietly ambitious. Wicklow’s dramatic landscapes and natural beauty often find their way into the brewery’s branding and beer names, connecting the product to place in a meaningful way.
While the brewery has scaled over the years, the team has kept things personal. You’ll still find the O’Neill brothers involved in every part of the business, from recipe development and can design to packing orders and pouring pints at festivals. This hands-on approach is part of what makes the O Brother brand feel so authentic and approachable — it’s craft beer with a human touch.
The brewing philosophy at O Brother Brewing Ireland is straightforward: make the beer you want to drink, and make it well. That means no shortcuts, no gimmicks, and no compromises on flavour. The team focus on hop-forward styles like IPAs and pale ales, but also love to experiment with stouts, sours, lagers, and barrel-aged creations.
Each beer is brewed with the best possible ingredients — including speciality malts, New World hops, and carefully selected yeast strains. O Brother beers are unfiltered, often unpasteurised, and full of life. Whether you’re cracking open a juicy NEIPA or sipping a dark, velvety porter, you’ll find balance, boldness, and bags of character in every can.
They’re also known for their vibrant can artwork and playful naming — a nod to music, pop culture, and the brothers’ creative influences. Every release feels like a story, which makes them as fun to explore as they are to drink.
The O Brother range is constantly evolving, but a few signature beers and seasonal hits have become staples of craft beer Dublin fridges and taps.
The Chancer – A juicy, hazy pale ale with citrus and tropical hop notes. Soft, easy-drinking, and packed with flavour — a perfect session beer.
Dreamcatcher – A hop-forward IPA with mango, grapefruit, and pine resin, balanced by a smooth malt body.
Nightcrawler – A robust porter with notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a hint of sweetness. A winter favourite, but perfect all year round.
The brewery is particularly strong when it comes to modern hop-forward beers — juicy, hazy IPAs with big aromas and soft, pillowy textures. These beers regularly feature in craft beer Ireland online orders and are sought-after by drinkers who appreciate freshness and flavour above all else.
O Brother Brewing Ireland has picked up a loyal following across the country and has been widely recognised for its contribution to Irish craft brewing. Their beers have received acclaim in Irish and international beer competitions, but more importantly, they’ve earned the respect of peers and fans alike.
You’ll often find O Brother pouring at Irish beer festivals, collaborating with other top breweries, and taking part in industry events that help move the scene forward. Their reputation for consistency, innovation, and transparency has made them a trusted name in both retail and hospitality.
The brewery’s growth hasn’t come at the expense of its identity. They’ve scaled up their production capabilities in recent years but have kept control over quality and stayed fiercely independent. That’s no small feat in an increasingly competitive landscape, and it’s a testament to the brothers’ commitment to the craft.
From a small corner of Wicklow, O Brother has made a big impact. They’ve helped define the standard for modern Irish brewing — proving that local beer can be world-class, and that authenticity and creativity go hand in hand.
As more drinkers discover the joy of independent beer, O Brother continues to lead the way — showing what’s possible when passion and skill come together.
Support Irish craft beer by exploring more from the best Irish breweries.
Ready to discover the best of O Brother Brewing Ireland? 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 stock a fresh selection of their most popular releases, along with exciting seasonal specials and one-off cans when available.
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 after a juicy IPA, a smooth stout, or something a little experimental, O Brother Brewing delivers high-quality, flavour-packed beers with personality.
O Brother Brewing Ireland is proof that family-run, independent brewing is alive and well in Ireland — and producing some of the best beer you’ll find anywhere. Add them to your next order and experience the magic that happens when three brothers follow their passion — one pint at a time.