They made some very fine brews.

But it looks like the Franciscan Well will be no more in 2026; the brewery is set to close within weeks.

In a statement issued this this afternoon, a Molson Coors spokesperson confirmed the news, which will impact 15 employees.

“It is with a heavy heart that today we announce we will cease production of the Franciscan Well brands early in the New Year and as a result, propose to close our Franciscan Well brewery in Cork. This decision has not been taken lightly, and we are providing our 15 impacted employees with every support.

“Over the past decade we have invested in the Franciscan Well Brewery and the brand portfolio, most recently refreshing the visual brand identity in November 2022, and releasing new product development with Well Hazy in early 2023 and the Docklands Series in 2024.

“Unfortunately, despite great work from the team, in the face of a challenging craft beer category and other economic pressures impacting our customers and consumers, it has not been possible to grow the brands to the level needed to sustain the brewery as part of our UK and Ireland production network. Our local distribution partner will be working with customers in the coming weeks.”

The brand has entered into a consultation process with impacted employees and said it will work through the process “with integrity and respect for everyone affected”.

“We will seek redeployment for all displaced employees wherever possible.” they added.

“We understand the special place the Franciscan Well brewery and brands have in the local community and remain open to conversations with interested parties about the future of the brewery and brands.”