A Chat With Irish Brewing Pioneer Shane Long

BeoirFest: Let's Talk Beer

In this episode, we sit down with Shane Long, a legend in Irish brewing and the founder of both Franciscan Well Brewery, one of Ireland’s first microbreweries, and the brand-new Changing Times Brewery in Dublin. Shane shares his incredible journey from entering the industry in the 1990s when “craft beer” wasn’t even a term, to building and selling Franciscan Well to Molson Coors, and now launching his latest venture with a consortium of Dublin publicans.

We explore the early days of Franciscan Well, including the challenges of convincing the Irish market to embrace craft beer and how international awards helped establish their reputation. Shane also delves into his experience working with a global beer giant, the valuable insights he gained, and why he eventually stepped away to start something new. At Changing Times, Shane is redefining the brewery model by partnering with local pubs, focusing on approachable, sessionable beers designed to adapt to customer preferences.

This episode offers a deep dive into the evolution of Ireland’s beer scene, the lessons Shane has learned over 27 years in the industry, and his vision for the future of brewing. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or curious about the Irish beer landscape, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

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