(l-r) Brothers and co-founders of O Brother Brewing Brian, Barry (CEO) and Paddy O’Neill in Belmont Demesne at the foot of the Sugarloaf mountain in Co Wicklow. O Brother Brewing has announced that it is relocating its brewery to the majestic surroundings of Belmont Demesne. The move will help the craft brewing firm boost annual output to 2 million pints over the next 5 years and reach over €3m in annual revenue by 2027.
Photo: Jason Clarke
Family-founded craft beer firm has big plans for a new home in stunning Wicklow location
O Brother Brewing today announced that it is relocating its brewery to the majestic surroundings of Belmont Demesne in county Wicklow. As the company enters its tenth year in business, it’s taking up residence alongside the property’s Georgian walled garden, first established in 1780. This move, which will also see a visitor centre established on-site, marks a key milestone for the business and its future, as it moves ever closer to achieving €1m in annual revenues.
Founded by brothers Barry, Brian, and Paddy O’Neill, O Brother Brewing began its journey when the founders took a bold step away from secure jobs to pursue their passion, which has proved a worthwhile risk to date. Currently employing 6 people the business expects to more than triple its workforce over the coming years. Today, O Brother Brewing has established a strong customer base not only here, in the highly competitive Irish market but also abroad, with exports now comprising over 30% of sales.
Belmont Demesne is a stunning estate near Greystones in county Wicklow which has been cared for by many generations of the Brabazon family. It attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy the beautiful forest and scenery on foot or on mountain bikes, and its natural beauty and historical significance make it an ideal location for O Brother Brewing’s next chapter.
The move to Belmont Demesne will allow the brewery’s production, brand and team to grow in the coming years, with plans to boost output to 2 million pints over the next 5 years and reach over €3m in annual revenue by 2027, according to CEO Barry O’Neill. However he says there’s far more than just beer in the pipeline: “This is a landmark moment for O Brother Brewing. At Belmont, we will not only have the space to brew even more fresh beer, but also the opportunity to offer an unrivalled customer experience. Our visitor centre and tours will showcase our brewing process and allow customers to taste the freshest craft beer. Visitors will be able to get a true feel for what O Brother Brewing is about.
“We’re developing a location where families and friends can come and enjoy the surroundings of Belmont Demesne, sample top quality beer brewed with spring water coming down from the Sugarloaf, enjoy delicious food prepared right here on site and maybe some musical entertainment too. When I think about the amazing bike tours, our pump track and forest trails that are here on the estate, and the big plans we have to make the most of the natural assets this beautiful place offers, it’s fair to say that there is simply no better location for O Brother Brewing.”
Barry is keen to pay tribute to the Brabazon family, who have been supportive of the idea since he pitched it several years ago. David Brabazon says the partnership with O Brother begins another chapter in his home’s history: “We’ve worked hard in recent years to diversify what Belmont Demesne has to offer in terms of produce, farming and recreational facilities. Welcoming Barry and the team onto the site is another step on our mission to ensure this special place offers our visitors and community an attractive and interesting location for many years to come. We are really looking forward to working together with O Brother”.
The 580 sq m. brewery is being installed in part of an existing agricultural shed which is being repurposed as O Brother’s new home and is being fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment, to facilitate the planned expansion in production levels. Work is underway to transfer production to the new site and is expected to be complete in the new year.
O Brother beers are naturally unfiltered and unpasteurised, with styles spanning fresh, juicy pale ales and IPAs to rich stouts. Offerings include “The Chancer,” “The Sinner,” “The Dreamcatcher,” and “The Nightcrawler,” available on draft and in cans. O Brother Brewing beers are available on tap at a select number of bars across the country, including locally, at the much-loved Harbour Bar in Bray, and across all good craft beer stockists nationwide, including O’Brien’s, Supervalu, Centra, and Circle K stores.