The brewery and pub are located on the north bank of the River Lee, on the site of an old Franciscan monastery from 1219,[1] and the monastery walls (including the eponymous well)[2] now surround the beer garden adjacent to the pub, where contemporary fermentation vessels are also visible.

[1] While the Franciscan Well beer brand was acquired by Molson Coors in 2013,[1][4] the pub and brewery are still in the hands of the original owners.

[5] Beer brands originated in Franciscan Well include Chieftain IPA, Rebel Red, Shandon Stout (created in partnership with Jameson distillers),[1] Well Hazy, Archway Lager, and Friar Weisse.

In 2016, the packaging was rebranded from the original image of a monk, and several of these brands were selected for nationwide and overseas distribution in 330ml cans.

Many brewing collaborations have been done since with the likes of Jameson and famed Cork soft drinks producer Tanora