Black Donkey Brewing in Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon, has announced its closure after operating since 2014. Founded by Richard Siberry and Michaela Dillon, the brewery was Ireland’s first to use native wild yeast commercially.
Ireland’s alcohol licensing laws, described as costly and restrictive, prevented the brewery from operating a taproom or selling directly to consumers. Despite efforts to sell the business in 2024, no buyer was secured, leading to the decision to cease trading.
The brewery, known for beers like Sheep Stealer and Underworld, will wind down operations over the coming months while honouring existing commitments.
Richard Siberry shared: “Ireland’s archaic, and arcane alcohol licensing laws have stifled innovation, growth, and tourism potential in the independent brewing sector for far too long. Unlike our counterparts in the England, US, and mainland Europe, we have never had the ability to run a taproom or sell a pint on-site without navigating costly and convoluted legal and licensing barriers. Despite putting everything we had – personally, professionally, and financially – into Black Donkey, the environment for small producers had become untenable.”
