Born Of Our Land.
Our fearless approach to challenges is the very foundation upon which we thrive.
Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co. respects people who have the courage to embrace life, show resilience and make brave decisions. We hold great admiration for those who strive to do better and do more with life.
Guided by the example of our predecessors and inspired by our community, Killarney is ushering in a new era of brewing and distilling in Ireland. We make decisions that others may shy away from, and driven by courage and conviction we face obstacles with authenticity and honesty. Just like the town of Killarney, we evolve, adapt, innovate, and ultimately progress.
Our Bold Story
United by their Kerry roots while living in Chicago, our founders shared a common philosophy of life and a dream to elevate the beer industry in Ireland. Their transformative journey instilled in them the values of hard work and resilience, igniting their passion for crafting exceptional beers and spirits. Inspired by their forefathers’ courage and fearlessness, they returned to Killarney to turn their vision into reality.
On a flight from Chicago to Ireland, they sketched their business plan on a napkin, sparking the flames of inspiration. In 2015, The Taproom on Muckross Road marked the remarkable beginning of their journey, where they embraced their shared heritage and set a progressive path to inspire future generations.
Building upon their past and the vibrant Killarney community, they fearlessly expanded the business, establishing a new home in Fossa. In 2022, they proudly unveiled Ireland’s largest independently owned brewery, distillery, and visitor centre – a testament to their unwavering vision and passion for crafting extraordinary experiences.
Their story exemplifies the power of sharing dreams, where a simple conversation around a table over a beer can transform into a reality. Killarney Brewing and Distilling Co. stands as the living embodiment of that truth, with Chicago holding a special place as the birthplace of their dream.
1092
1845 – 1852
2011
United by their love for Killarney and shared values, our founders meet in Chicago and lay the groundwork for Killarney Brewing & Distilling through their initial business plan.
2015
The Killarney Brewing Taproom opens its doors on Muckross Road, providing a space for beer enthusiasts to indulge in our offerings.
2022
The new home of Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co. opens it’s door to welcome visitors in Fossa, on The Ring of Kerry, marking a significant milestone in our journey.
Our Team
At Killarney, challenges are faced without fear, hard work is a given and all embrace new thinking and ways of doing things. Our team is spirited and dynamic and motivated to create the best experience and products for all to enjoy. Each member has made their own bold choices to progress in life. Collaboration between our brewers and distillers is unique to us and a source of pride. Our team is driven to bring out the best in each other and together usher in a bold new standard of brewing and distilling.
Kerr Petrie
Hailing from the picturesque county of Cork, Kerr’s journey began as an engineer, honing his skills at renowned biotechnology companies Ipsen and Novartis. It was during his tenure at the global drinks giant, Diageo in 2012, that Kerr’s fascination with spirits production truly blossomed. Immersed in Diageo’s malt distilling group in Speyside, Scotland, his role saw him covering twenty-eight malt distilleries across the country. A brief detour to the US Virgin Islands saw him refining his craft at the Captain Morgan Distillery, solidifying his passion for distilling.
In 2018, Kerr returned to Ireland to pursue his passion for whiskey making. He joined Irish Distillers in Midleton, Co. Cork, where he played a role in the production of Pot and Column Still whiskey. However, his thirst for new challenges drove him westward to Killarney.
Kerr now assumes the leadership of our cutting-edge distillery, where our three impressive pot stills are prominently displayed for all visitors to see at our distillery. This bold and transparent architectural design ensures that every visitor is captivated by awe-inspiring views at every corner, symbolising Kerr’s own daring choices in his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Michael Bank
Mike, our Master Brewer hails from the United States. His fascination with brewing led him to pursue it as his career. With extensive experience working at microbreweries worldwide, he settled in Ireland after notable roles at Long Trail Brewing in Vermont and Ithaca Beer Company in New York. Most recently, he spearheaded the transformation of Oyster Bay Brewing in Long Island into a rapidly growing craft brewery.
As a respected member of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling and the Master Brewers Association of the Americas, Mike has received numerous accolades. Under his guidance, Killarney Brewery has gained global recognition, earning prestigious awards such as gold for the Rutting Red Ale at the Brussels Beer Challenge and grand gold for the Spailpín Saison at the Frankfurt International Trophy competition.
Taking a bold leap across the Atlantic to Killarney, Mike now leads one of Ireland’s most innovative breweries. With his spirited team, he constantly thinks outside the box, pushing boundaries driven by an unwavering passion for beer. Experience their creativity firsthand at our state-of-the-art brewery, where a warm welcome awaits you on the brewery floor.
