Our Story

25 Years on the
Grand Canal.

Family-run, community-rooted, and genuinely proud to be Kildare's original brewpub. Here's where we came from, what we stand for, and how to find us.

25+
Years on the Canal
4.5
Google Rating
#1
Restaurant in Sallins
35+
Staff on the Team
1,152
Customer Reviews
How It Started

Born on the Banks of the Grand Canal

Lock 13 started as a family-run pub in the heart of Sallins, County Kildare — looking out at the Grand Canal and the slow rhythm of the water. From day one, the idea was simple: great food, great drink, and a warm space where everyone genuinely feels at home.

We were never interested in being a chain. Never chasing the next location. What we cared about was the person in front of us — the local who came in every Friday, the family celebrating a birthday, the couple stopping off after a walk along the canal.

"Championing local produce, brewing beer on-site, and creating a warm space where everyone feels at home."

That ethos hasn't changed in 25 years. It just keeps getting better.

Our History

How We Got Here

2000

Lock 13 Opens Its Doors

A family-run pub on Canal View, Sallins. The canal, the community, and the craic — all present from day one.

~2010

The Food Gets Serious

Lock 13 evolves from a local boozer into a proper gastropub, building a reputation for locally sourced food and award-winning hot wings.

2017

Kildare Brewing Company Opens

We build Ireland's first purpose-built brewpub brewery right on our terrace. Lock 13 becomes a destination — not just for Kildare, but for craft beer lovers across Ireland.

2019

The Thirteen Opens Upstairs

A Prohibition-era speakeasy cocktail bar above the brewpub. Art Deco design, handcrafted cocktails, and an experience that Kildare had never seen before.

2021

Good Food Ireland Approved

Lock 13 is formally recognised as part of the Good Food Ireland collection — confirmation of what our regulars already knew.

2024

ProKulture Kombucha Launches

Our sister brand ProKulture Drinks Ltd launches a live-culture kombucha — now on the tap list at Lock 13 as our zero-alcohol option.

2026

Still Here. Still Growing.

25 years on and Lock 13 is still Kildare's original brewpub. Same values, stronger team, and an even better pint.

Kildare Brewing Company

Ireland's First Purpose-Built Brewpub Brewery

In 2017, we didn't just start buying craft beer from somewhere else — we built our own brewery on our terrace. Kildare Brewing Company was born, and with it, something that Ireland had never seen: a brewery purpose-built for a pub, brewing for the people sitting in that same pub.

Head Brewer Michael and his team brew small batches, rotating styles with the seasons, and always starting with the question: what do our customers want to drink right now? The answer is usually something cold, fresh, and made in Kildare.

Every pint of KBC you order was brewed metres from where you're sitting. It doesn't get fresher than that.

KBC Lager Pale Ale Electric Juice IPA Flanagan's Stout Citra Rua Red Ale
See the Full Tap List
What We Stand For

Three Things We'll Never Compromise On

Local First

Our beer is brewed in Kildare. Our food is sourced from local Irish producers. Our team are local people. When you spend money at Lock 13, it stays in the community.

Everyone Belongs Here

Lock 13 is for families, couples, solo visitors, groups, and everyone in between. The canal doesn't judge and neither do we. Warmth isn't a brand strategy — it's just who we are.

Quality Without Pretension

Good Food Ireland approved, but you can still come in your walking gear after a canal stroll. We take the craft seriously — the food, the beer, the cocktails — but we never take ourselves too seriously.

Recognition

Awards & Accolades

Good Food Ireland Approved

Member of the Good Food Ireland collection — recognising excellence in sourcing, cooking, and hospitality

#1 Restaurant in Sallins

Consistently rated the top restaurant in Sallins on TripAdvisor with 477+ reviews

Ireland's First Brewpub Brewery

Home of Kildare Brewing Company — Ireland's first purpose-built brewpub brewery, opened 2017

Visit Us

Hours & How to Find Us

Opening Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday4:00pm – 9:00pm
Thursday4:00pm – 9:00pm
Friday12:30pm – 10:00pm
Saturday12:30pm – 9:00pm
Sunday12:30pm – 7:45pm
The Thirteen Cocktail Bar opens Friday & Saturday evenings from 6pm. Follow us on Instagram for seasonal late nights and special events.
Brewery Tours run every Saturday & Sunday. Book in advance via the link above.

Get in Touch

Phone
045 850 500 — available from 4pm Wed–Sun

Find Us

We're on Canal View in Sallins — right on the banks of the Grand Canal. Free parking outside, 5-minute walk from the train station.

MAP Canal View, Sallins, Co. Kildare Open in Google Maps

Getting Here

By Train

Sallins/Naas train station is a 5-minute walk. Regular services from Dublin Heuston and Kildare.

By Car

Free parking directly outside. We're just off the main Naas road — easy to find, easy to park.

By Bus

Bus Éireann routes serve Sallins village. Check buseireann.ie for times.

Come and See Us

We'd Love to Have You

Whether it's a quick pint, Sunday lunch, or a special celebration — Lock 13 is ready for you.

Book a Table Plan a Private Event 045 850 500