Diageo Opens Littleconnell Brewery as Guinness Demand Drives Further €400m Expansion Plans

Diageo has officially opened its new Littleconnell Brewery in Newbridge, County Kildare, as part of a near €1 billion capital investment programme across the island of Ireland between 2020 and 2029.

New Kildare Brewery Strengthens Irish Brewing Capacity and Sustainability Investment

Representing an investment of almost €300 million, the brewery was officially opened by Micheál Martin. The facility was constructed in under 18 months on a 40-acre site and is powered by 100% renewable electricity.

The project accommodated approximately 650 jobs during construction and has created more than 50 highly skilled permanent roles.

Brewery Expansion Planned to Support Guinness and Guinness 0.0 Growth

Diageo also confirmed plans for an approximate €400 million investment for the development of a second brewery at Littleconnell over the next three years, with work due to begin in 2026.

The new facility, known as Brewery 2, will be dedicated to the production of Guinness and Guinness 0.0 and will more than double total site capacity.

“The demand for Guinness and Guinness 0.0. is surging. Today Diageo is proud to unveil our new state of the art brewery at Littleconnell, part of our €1 billion investment in Ireland. How fitting that it’s in County Kildare, the birthplace of Arthur Guinness,” said Sir Dave Lewis, Chief Executive, Diageo.

The Littleconnell Brewery will produce ales and lagers including Rockshore, Harp, Smithwick’s and Kilkenny, alongside licensed beers such as Carlsberg, supplying both Irish and international markets.

Sustainability Technologies Designed to Reduce Energy and Water Use

Littleconnell incorporates advanced brewing and process technologies to reduce energy and water use. The company said the brewery’s design is expected to avoid up to 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually compared with a similar-scale facility.

“Ireland plays a key role in Diageo’s global beer supply, and Littleconnell is central to enabling future growth in Guinness exports,” said Colin O’Brien, Category Head – Global Beer Supply at Diageo.

“This site is part of Diageo’s near €1 billion investment programme that strengthens capacity, builds resilience across our brewing network and supports the global growth of Guinness and Guinness 0.0 from Ireland. Littleconnell, together with the developments at St James’s Gate, will enable growth in overall beer exports from Ireland and help us deliver on Diageo’s Spirit of Progress sustainability commitments.”

Investment Highlights Ireland’s Role in Global Brewing Operations

“Today’s opening of Diageo’s new Littleconnell Brewery in Co. Kildare is a powerful vote of confidence in Ireland and in our future as a world-leading, sustainable food and drink exporter,” said Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD. “This landmark facility forms part of Diageo’s near €1 billion investment in Ireland between 2020 and 2029, underlining the central role Ireland plays within the company’s global brewing network and highlighting the strength of our agri-food and drinks sector on the international stage.

“By choosing to invest at this scale in Ireland and to lead the way in next-generation, low-carbon brewing, Diageo is supporting skilled jobs, regional development and export growth, while helping Ireland advance its climate ambitions through innovation.”

“The opening of Littleconnell Brewery is a significant milestone for Ireland’s food and drink industry, as it is a fantastic endorsement of our skills and capabilities in this sector, and will drive export growth,” said Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland.

 “Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Diageo’s investment in this lighthouse project as this innovative brewery sets a new standard for industry globally, in the use of new technologies which will reduce energy and water use.”