Hercules Brewing Company

Taste the Yardsman range with the people who make it

The brewery's beer masterclass is described as a roughly 90-minute interactive session where the brewers walk you through the story of brewing while you taste the Yardsman beers. You can expect to sample across the range, from the 4.5% craft lager through the pale ales and IPA to the double stout. Because everything is built around tasting beer, these sessions are for adults aged 18 and over. Exact format, prices and dates change, so book ahead rather than assuming a session is on.

First Belfast brewery in 160 years Beer filtered through Irish linen Guided masterclass with the brewers Taste the full Yardsman range Over-18 only Booking advised

Good to know before you go:

Breweries like Hercules often run tastings, taproom nights and seasonal events, and dates change through the year. Check directly before you travel, and see what else is on across Northern Ireland for the same trip.

What to bring

🪪Photo IDYou need to be 18+ to drink — bring ID if you look under 25.

🚗A plan to get homeA designated driver or a lift, so everyone can enjoy a tasting.

👟Comfy shoesA working brewery tour means standing and a few stairs.

💷A few poundsFor the taproom and a bottle or two to take home.

Everything before you go

Getting in

By booked brewery tour or beer masterclass rather than free walk-in; contact the brewery first

Opening

Tours and masterclasses run on selected dates; check before you go

Tours

Around a 90-minute interactive beer masterclass with tastings (format and availability vary)

Age limits

Over-18, as sessions are built around beer tasting

Food

Tastings are the focus; food and a restaurant element have been offered alongside sessions but confirm when booking

Family-friendly

No, this is an adult brewery experience

Parking

On-site and nearby parking in the Harbour Estate; easiest reached by car

Accessibility

Industrial brewery setting; check access needs with the brewery when booking

How long to allow

About 90 minutes to 2 hours for a masterclass

Address

Hercules House, 5 Harbour Court, Heron Road, Belfast BT3 9HB

Questions

Before you go

Do I need to book?

By booked brewery tour or beer masterclass rather than free walk-in; contact the brewery first

Are there tours?

Around a 90-minute interactive beer masterclass with tastings (format and availability vary)

When is it open?

Tours and masterclasses run on selected dates; check before you go

Is it family-friendly?

No, this is an adult brewery experience

Is there food?

Tastings are the focus; food and a restaurant element have been offered alongside sessions but confirm when booking

Getting there

Hercules Brewing Company is at Hercules House, 5 Harbour Court, Heron Road, Belfast BT3 9HB. On-site and nearby parking in the Harbour Estate; easiest reached by car. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google Maps Official website See it on our map

Nearby

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The story

About Hercules Brewing

Hercules Brewing Company was launched in 2014 by founder Niall McMullan, becoming the first craft brewery to open in Belfast in roughly 160 years. In the mid-1800s the city had around 13 breweries, including an old one on Hercules Street that gives the company its name, but Belfast's brewing trade faded as the industry centred on Dublin.

The revived company set out to pay homage to that lost tradition. Its Yardsman beers are brewed in small batches with local ingredients and filtered through Irish linen, tying the beer to Belfast's history as a major linen producer and exporter. The range includes the Yardsman Craft Lager, Belfast Pale Ale, Session IPA, American Pale Ale and an Original Double Stout.