Franciscan Well Brewery was founded in 1998 by Shane Long on a historic site along Cork's North Mall, where the land's history stretches back over 800 years to 1219 — originally connected to a Franciscan monastery. From the outset, the brewery operated as both a brewpub and a microbrewery, combining traditional Irish pub culture with hands-on craft beer production in the heart of Cork City. In 2013, the brewery was acquired by global beverage giant Molson Coors, marking a significant shift in its ownership while the brand continued to operate under its original name. Franciscan Well built its reputation as one of Ireland's pioneering craft breweries, distinguishing itself through innovative limited-release beers and a strong connection to local Cork influences. The brewery's portfolio spanned a range of styles, and it became known for creative collaborations — most notably a partnership with Jameson Irish Whiskey for the Caskmates Stout Edition, in which stout was aged in whiskey barrels before the casks were passed on to Jameson. Despite a rebrand in 2022 and new product developments in 2023 under Molson Coors, the brewery announced it would cease production in early 2025, bringing an end to over two decades of brewing on the North Mall.