Heineken Ireland (Murphy's Brewery), Cork

Murphy's Brewery, located on the north side of Cork city, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1856 by the Murphy family, one of Cork's prominent merchant prince families. The brewery was built within the grounds of the 18th century foundling hospital on Leitrim Street and was named Lady's Well Brewery after a nearby well known for its supposed miraculous properties.

By the late 18th century, Cork had become an important center of the Irish brewing industry, with a small export trade to the West Indies and later to the English market in the 19th century. In the late 1880s, the Murphy's Brewery underwent a significant expansion and remodeling to accommodate improvements in brewing technology at the time. A new malt house, built at a cost of £4,640, was completed in 1889 and had five floors, two of which were used for storing barley.

Murphy's Irish Stout, first brewed in May 1889, is a dry stout or porter with a smooth and creamy texture and a subtle bitterness. The name "porter" comes from the market porters in London who favored the dark colored beer. Stout, a stronger beer, soon gained an important place in the market, and Murphy's became one of the prominent Irish stouts.

In 1983, Heineken International acquired all the assets of Murphy Brewery, ensuring a new lease of life for the brewery and protecting its valued traditions for the future. Today, the site serves as the main offices for Heineken Ireland, one of Ireland's leading beer and cider companies built on over 160 years of proud brewing heritage. Heineken Ireland's operations extend to Northern Ireland, and they continue to excite their customers with innovative new products and premium brand experiences. Despite being owned by Heineken International, Murphy's Irish Stout is still brewed at the original Cork brewery and remains a cherished part of Irish brewing heritage.