Diageo opens US$351.1M Littleconnell brewery in Ireland as part of US$1.2B investment drive 

IRELAND – Beverage giant Diageo has officially opened its new Littleconnell Brewery in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, marking a major milestone in its long-term investment strategy in Ireland’s brewing sector. 

The facility represents an investment of nearly €300 million (US$351.14M) and forms part of Diageo’s wider capital programme of approximately €1 billion (US$1.17B) across the island of Ireland between 2020 and 2029. 

The brewery was officially opened by Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and was constructed in under 18 months on a 40-acre site. It is powered entirely by 100% renewable electricity, reinforcing Diageo’s sustainability commitments. 

Supported by Enterprise Ireland, the project created around 650 construction jobs and has generated more than 50 permanent highly skilled roles, contributing to regional employment and industrial development. 

The Littleconnell Brewery will produce a range of beers including Rockshore, Harp, Smithwick’s and Kilkenny, as well as licensed brands such as Carlsberg, supplying both domestic and international markets. 

Sir Dave Lewis, Chief Executive of Diageo, said: “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.” 

The company has also confirmed plans for a second facility at the site, with an additional investment of around €400 million (US$468.25M) expected over the next three years. Construction of Brewery 2 is scheduled to begin in 2026. 

The new facility will be dedicated to the production of Guinness and Guinness 0.0 and is expected to significantly increase overall production capacity to support global demand. 

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

He added: “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.” 

As part of its broader investment programme, Diageo has also completed upgrades at St James’s Gate and its Belfast packaging facility to expand capacity and support Guinness 0.0 production. 

The Littleconnell site incorporates advanced brewing technologies designed to reduce energy and water consumption.  

The company estimates the facility will reduce carbon emissions by up to 15,000 tonnes annually compared with similar-scale plants, supporting its long-term sustainability goals. 

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