The Big Interview

‘You have to really love the beer, that gets you through’ – Seamus O’Hara, founder of Carlow Brewing

In an industry where many small operators fail, the Carlow Brewing company is seeing in its quarter century in rude health. Founder Seamus O’Hara sees integrity of product, responsible exploration of new ideas and growing critical mass as crucial to the craft beer firm’s success

Seamus O’Hara, Carlow Brewing: ‘There are definitely easier things to do. If you’re in this business, you have to have a bit of a passion for it.’ Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke

In an industry where many players have entered and exited, Seamus O’Hara, founder of Carlow Brewing, is still going 25 years after he first started his craft beer company.

Today Carlow Brewing employs 65 people and has over 25 beers and ciders including O’Hara’s Pale Ale, White Haze IPA, and 51st State IPA sold in various bars, off-licences and supermarkets.

Craft breweries have never had it easy. Usually small in nature, they have to compete ...