Changing Times Brewery has been launched in Glasnevin, along the banks of the Royal Canal, backed by the families behind some of Dublin’s best-known pubs, as well as publican Benny McCabe and brewer Shane Long.
The new €1.8 million brewery has been launched in Dublin and aims to convince pub-goers to change their minds and try some ‘new, refreshingly Irish’ beers.
“We set up this brewery to give pub-goers something new, something locally brewed, authentic and refreshingly Irish,” said Willie Aherne of the Palace Bar on Fleet Street. “Our customers were saying they were in the mood for change, and that we should be brewing our own range of beers.
“We listened and took note. This led to conversations with other families of publicans, whose customers were saying the same things, and eventually we decided to create this brewery, so we could make those customer suggestions a reality. Effectively, the concept for Changing Times Brewery was born over the pub counters.”
He added, “We look forward to giving our customers a taste of that something new, that change they have been looking for.”
Initially, Changing Times’ products will be stocked in its founding members’ bars: the Palace, the Long Hall, the Swan, the Bankers, Arthur Mayne’s in Donnybrook, Devitts, Doheny & Nesbitt, Sheehan’s, Lemon & Duke, the Bridge 1859, the Blackrock, the Bank, McSorley’s, Darkey Kelly’s and the Ferryman.
It is expected to be expanded to additional pubs in the coming weeks. For its launch, the brewery will be providing two products: Daydreamer Lager and After Hours Pale Ale.
“Our light and refreshing Irish draught products are brewed near the Royal Canal in Glasnevin, using quality Irish ingredients from the best producers,” said brewer Long.
“Combining high-calibre hops, barley, malt, yeast and more, with the insights of our customers, we’ve been able to develop drafts with a great taste that we believe will help change people’s minds and become their regular pint.”
From launch, there will be nine people working with Changing Times, including two full-time positions and seven other affiliated roles. The team behind the brewery also hopes to expand the product range in early 2025.
“Change has been good for modern Ireland,” said Paul Sheehan of Sheehan’s pub, Chatham Street. “We’re no longer a country that is stuck in our ways or who does things just because that’s the way they have always been done. That is the spirit behind Changing Times – there’s always time for something new.”
