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Diageo has officially opened its new Littleconnell Brewery in Newbridge, Kildare, marking a major expansion of its brewing operations in Ireland as part of a wider investment programme approaching €1 billion over the decade.

The facility, located on a 40-acre site, represents an investment of almost €300 million and was completed in under 18 months. The brewery runs entirely on 100% renewable electricity.

Diageo said the project supported around 650 construction jobs and has created more than 50 permanent skilled roles.

The site will produce a range of beers including Rockshore, Harp, Smithwick’s and Kilkenny, alongside licensed brands such as Carlsberg, supplying both Irish and international markets.

Diageo chief executive Sir Dave Lewis highlighted rising demand for Guinness and Guinness 0.0, describing the opening as a key step in expanding capacity.

He said: “The demand for Guinness and Guinness 0.0. is surging... 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.”

A second phase of development at the Littleconnell site has also been confirmed, with Diageo planning an additional investment of approximately €400 million for a new facility dedicated to Guinness and Guinness 0.0 production. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and will more than double total site capacity once complete.

Colin O’Brien, category head of global beer supply at Diageo, said the site would play a central role in global growth and export expansion.

He said: “Ireland plays a key role in Diageo’s global beer supply, and Littleconnell is central to enabling future growth in Guinness exports. 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."

"Littleconnell, together with the developments at St James’s Gate, will enable growth in overall beer exports from Ireland and help us deliver on Diageo’s Spirit of Progress sustainability commitments.”

Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia also welcomed the development, saying: “The opening of Littleconnell Brewery is a significant milestone for Ireland’s food and drink industry, as it is a fantastic endorsement of our skills and capabilities in this sector, and will drive export growth".

"Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Diageo’s investment in this lighthouse project as this innovative brewery sets a new standard for industry globally, in the use of new technologies which will reduce energy and water use.”

The wider investment programme includes upgrades at St James’s Gate in Dublin and Diageo’s Belfast packaging operations, alongside further decarbonisation initiatives at St James’s Gate.

Diageo said the Littleconnell facility incorporates advanced brewing and process technologies designed to reduce environmental impact, with expected savings of up to 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually compared with a similar-scale plant.