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Your Questions,
Answered

Whether you’re planning your first visit, curious about our brewing methods, or wondering what makes our Belgian-style beers special, we’ve gathered the most common questions to help you make the most of your Mescan experience.

Everything You
Need to Know

We know that discovering a new brewery can bring up lots of questions – and that’s perfectly normal! From understanding what makes our slow-brewed Belgian-style beers special to planning the perfect Mayo adventure around your brewery experience, we want you to feel completely informed and excited about connecting with Mescan.

Below you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often, organized by topic to help you find exactly what you need. Whether you’re wondering about our unique brewing process, curious about our food pairings, or planning to explore the stunning Mayo countryside, we’ve covered the essential information to enhance your understanding and experience.

About Our
Beers

Our Belgian-style beers are crafted using traditional methods that prioritize patience over speed, resulting in complex flavors that develop over months rather than weeks. Here’s what makes our approach to brewing unique and why our beers taste different from typical craft offerings.

What makes Mescan beers different from other craft beers?

Our beers are crafted using authentic Belgian brewing methods that require 2-3 months of slow maturation – much longer than typical craft beers that are ready in weeks. This patient approach, combined with natural ingredients and traditional techniques, creates deeper flavors and smoother character that simply can’t be rushed. We’re also exclusively vegan-friendly and focus specifically on Belgian-style beers rather than trying to brew everything.

Are your beers vegan-friendly?

Yes! All Mescan beers are completely vegan-friendly. We use traditional Belgian methods that don’t require any animal-derived fining agents, so you can enjoy our entire range with confidence.

What beer styles do you brew?

We focus exclusively on Belgian-style beers, including our flagship Blond beer plus seasonal and specialty brews. Our core range represents the best-loved Belgian beer styles, each crafted with the same traditional methods and patience that characterize authentic Belgian brewing.

How long do your beers take to make?

Our beers mature slowly over 2-3 months, compared to many craft beers that are ready in just a few weeks. This extended brewing and conditioning time allows complex flavors to develop naturally and creates the smooth, distinctive character our beers are known for.

Do you use any artificial ingredients or additives?

Never. We use only natural ingredients and traditional brewing methods. No shortcuts, no artificial additives – just time, patience, and the finest natural ingredients we can source.

Visiting the
Brewery

From booking your first tour to knowing what to expect when you arrive, these answers will help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable brewery experience. We’ve covered everything from practical details to what makes our visits special.

Do I need to book in advance for all experiences?

Yes, all brewery experiences – tours, courses, and private group visits – must be pre-booked. We don’t accept walk-ins as this allows us to provide the best possible experience for each visitor and ensure our small groups receive personal attention.

What's the minimum age for brewery visits?

All participants must be 18 or older for any brewery experience. Please bring valid photo ID as we check everyone’s age. Unfortunately, children cannot accompany adults on any of our brewery experiences due to licensing requirements.

Is the brewery wheelchair accessible?

We’re committed to welcoming all visitors. Please contact us when booking to discuss specific accessibility needs so we can ensure the best possible experience for you. We’ll work with you to accommodate your requirements wherever possible.

Can I buy beer at the brewery?

Absolutely! We have beer available for purchase at the brewery, perfect for taking home bottles of your favorites or trying styles you haven’t experienced yet. You can also purchase gift vouchers for our experiences.

What should I wear for a brewery visit?

Dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes suitable for walking around a working brewery. The temperature can vary throughout our facilities, so layers are recommended. For brewing courses, wear practical clothing you don’t mind getting a little wet or flour-dusty.

Location
& Getting Here

Planning your journey to Mayo? These details will help you navigate to our brewery and make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Ireland, whether you’re driving from Dublin or flying in from abroad.

How far is the brewery from major Irish cities?

We’re approximately 3 hours from Dublin, 2.5 hours from Cork, 1.5 hours from Galway, and 3.5 hours from Belfast. The closest airport is Knock Airport (45 minutes), with Dublin and Cork airports about 3 hours away.

Is there parking at the brewery?

Yes, we provide free on-site parking for all visitors. Our car park accommodates cars, motorcycles, and small buses. For larger tour buses, please contact us in advance to arrange suitable parking.

Can you recommend local accommodation?

We’re happy to provide personalized accommodation recommendations based on your preferences and budget. Westport (10 minutes away) has excellent hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses, and there are beautiful options throughout the Mayo area with stunning views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.

How do I get to the brewery using public transport?

The easiest route is to take Bus Éireann or Irish Rail to Westport, then a short taxi ride (approximately €15-20) to the brewery. We can provide local taxi company recommendations and help coordinate your transport.

Booking
Information

Understanding our booking process, policies, and available options helps ensure a smooth experience from reservation to visit. Here are the practical details that make planning your Mescan experience straightforward.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak tourism season (May-September) when our small group sizes mean experiences fill up quickly. Popular times like weekends and holidays book fastest.

What's your cancellation policy?

Tours and courses: Full refund if cancelled 48+ hours in advance, 50% refund if cancelled 24-48 hours in advance, no refund for cancellations less than 24 hours. Private groups require 72 hours notice for full refund. Weather-related cancellations receive full refunds or rescheduling options.

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes! Gift vouchers are available for all our experiences and are valid for 12 months from purchase. They can be bought online or by contacting us directly – perfect for beer lovers or anyone interested in unique Irish experiences.

Can I purchase your beers online?

Yes, we offer online sales for delivery throughout Ireland. Visit our online shop to browse our current range and have Mescan beers delivered directly to your door.

Planning Your
Mayo Adventure

Your visit to Mescan places you perfectly to explore some of Ireland’s most spectacular attractions. These questions help you understand how to combine your brewery experience with the natural beauty and cultural richness that surrounds us.

What else is there to do in the area?

You’re perfectly positioned to explore some of Ireland’s most spectacular attractions! Croagh Patrick (15 minutes), Achill Island (1 hour), Westport House (10 minutes), the Great Western Greenway, and stunning Clew Bay are all nearby. We’re happy to help plan itineraries that combine your brewery visit with other Mayo experiences.

Where can I find your beers around Mayo?

Our beers are available in carefully selected pubs, restaurants, and off-licences throughout Mayo and beyond. Many stockists are perfectly positioned along popular tourist routes. Use our interactive stockist map to find the nearest location to enjoy a Mescan while exploring the area.

Do you recommend staying overnight in the area?

Absolutely! Mayo has so much to offer that most visitors find they want more time to explore. We can recommend accommodation options and help you plan a perfect Irish west coast adventure with the brewery as your base.

Food &
Dietary Requirements

Food pairing is central to our brewing philosophy, and we want everyone to enjoy our experiences regardless of dietary needs. Here’s how we accommodate different requirements and enhance your beer tasting with carefully selected food pairings.

Do you serve food at the brewery?

Our tours include light snacks paired with beer tastings, while our brewing courses feature a full lunch of local meats, cheeses, breads, and salads. Private group experiences include premium charcuterie and local cheese pairings. We don’t operate a full restaurant, but we’re happy to recommend excellent nearby dining options.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes! Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking, and we’ll ensure your food and tastings are suitable. We’re experienced in accommodating various needs including gluten-free, vegetarian, and other restrictions. Our beers are naturally vegan-friendly.

Do you offer food and beer pairing recommendations?

Absolutely! Food pairing is central to our brewing philosophy. During visits, we’ll guide you through pairings with our provided snacks, and we’re always happy to provide recommendations for enjoying our beers with meals at home or in local restaurants.