Prior to this, the site was owned by Franciscan friars who also brewed beer before they were dissolved during the Reformation in 1537.

[4][5] The site is a visitor centre and brewery tour that covered the location's history, the brand evolution, a bar and tastings, visual effects including holograms, and a gift shop.

The well was dedicated to St Francis and is located about 45 metres to the northeast of the friary and is now underneath one of the brewery buildings.

Many years later in 1705, the land was leased to John Smithwick and Richard Cole, who started a brewing business.

[8] The site operated as a brewery until December 2013, when all brewing was moved to St James's Gate in Dublin.