Team
McGill’s Brewery, founded by Joe McGill, is nestled in the Gaeltacht region of Murreigh, Waterville, on the Iveragh Peninsula in South Kerry, Ireland. As the area’s first microbrewery, McGill’s crafts unique beers that celebrate South Kerry’s rich heritage, culture, and local legends. With a commitment to quality, each batch is handmade in our small brewery, where we perfect traditional Irish beer styles with state-of-the-art brewing techniques. We invite you to taste the spirit of our region in every sip. Sláinte agus fad saol agat – Health and long life to you!
Joe McGill
Owner/Head Brewer/Experience Manager
Born and raised a few miles from the brewery Joe had been home brewing for years and was also educated in the process of starting your own brewery by renowned German brewing company Spiedal. In addition, he carried out extensive research into the business of Craft Brewing in Ireland and completed a two-part radio documentary entitled ‘Cheers to Craft Beers’ the story of Irish Craft Beer. Joe has a degree in Business Studies and Marketing in addition to a Masters in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Limerick.
He became a member of the Marketing Institute of Ireland in 2004 and has completed the Bill Keating Broadcasting course. Joe completed the prestigious RTE Doc on One Radio Production training at the RTE Radio Centre. He starred in Discover Ireland’s Go Campaign screened worldwide which showed Kerry as a unique holiday destination. Joe was a News Journalist and News reader with Radio Kerry having previously managed West Limerick 102fm which is the largest community radio station in Ireland, from 2011 to early 2016. In addition to making documentaries he presents a weekly speech programmes on Radio Kerry called ‘The Saturday Supplement’. He is also a lead tutor at the Kerry College/Radio Kerry Broadcasting in Radio, Podcasting, and Journalism.
Joe married Mags in 2018 right across the road from the brewery in St Finian’s church. He opened the doors of McGill’s Brewery in the Summer of 2019 and hasn’t looked back since!! Joe’s primary focus at McGill’s Brewery is to produce high quality beers and an experience for the visitor that they will find nowhere else. Having produced countless documentaries about the area; his local knowledge is endless, and he loves to tell the stories of the area to people when they visit.
John Duggan
Assistant Brewer/Experience Guide
Born in County Galway John moved to Waterville a few years ago from Dublin. John is the consummate community man and has been involved in many community groups throughout his life with a particular focus on educating and entertaining young people. A gifted craftsman John designs and makes all the props for major events that take place during the year in Waterville. He joined McGill’s Brewery in recent years and has brought his unique energy and positivity to the company driving it forward.
Mags McGill
Packaging/Experience Guide
Mags was born and raised in Dromid a few miles from the brewery. Like her husband Joe; Mags also makes documentaries. She is particularly passionate about the Irish language and teaches Irish in two local national schools. Mags ensures that the Irish language is promoted at the brewery and forms part of the visitor experience. In addition, Mags helps in all aspects of the business-like bottling, labelling, and the visitor experience.
Marianne McGill
Packaging/BOSS
Marianne is Joe’s Mom. She is also passionate about the Irish language and like Mags is fluent. Marianne or ‘Mom’ as she is known helps in many aspects of the business and is always there to lend a hand especially on bottling day!!
