Founded in 1981, Hilden Brewery in Lisburn is the oldest independent brewery in Ireland. It is to be found in the grounds of Hilden House, a Georgian manor once home to the Barbour linen company. Here it was that Thomas Andrews, ill-fated designer of the Titanic (the ship left from Belfast, 15 minutes up the road), was married to a Barbour sister. To mark the regeneration of Belfast’s riverside Titanic Quarter, a special pale ale was commissioned from the brewery. Other prominent guests at the house have included William Wordsworth and Edward VIII.
There is an informative and enlightening tour available at the Hilden Brewery, which is open Tuesday to Sunday all year round. Here, you’ll be introduced to the brewing process, the history of this famous place and, of course, you’ll be invited to sample numerous beers. These include the Headless Dog – a pale hoppy ale made from Munich malt and named after the ancient graffiti of a headless Labrador found on the brewhouse wall, or the Hidden Halt – a strong Irish red ale.
This makes for an inviting dining venue. The Hilden Brewery has a fantastic restaurant, fully licensed of course, in the converted stables. Serving both traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine made from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, it is a perfect way to spend an afternoon when in the Lisburn area. The staff will naturally be more than happy to recommend a suitable craft beer to enjoy with your meal. All beers are available on draught.
