Cool Down with These Top 5 Summer-Friendly Beers
When the sun finally shows its face on the west coast, there’s only one thing for it: find yourself a sunny spot, sit back, and crack open one of our Top 5 cold ones. At Western Herd, we know a thing or two about brewing beers that hit just right when the weather warms up.
And let’s be honest — when the sun shines in Ireland, it’s an event. You drop everything, you find the nearest patch of grass or coastline, and you make the absolute most of it. Because as every Irish person knows, summer can sometimes peak in April and disappear by June! No there’s no time to waste.
So, whether you’re beach-bound, BBQ-ing, or just enjoying that rare blast of vitamin D in the back garden, here’s our countdown of the Top 5 Western Herd Beers to cool you down this “summer” — for however long it may last!
5. Blue Jumper West Coast IPA
When the sun’s out, you want a beer with a bit of bite — and Blue Jumper delivers. Our West Coast-style IPA is packed with bold citrus, lush tropical fruit, and a punch of pine, finishing off with that classic, satisfying bitterness that West Coast fans know and love. It’s a proper nod to the American originals, but brewed right here on the wild Atlantic edge. It’s the ideal beer for those days when the sun’s blazing, the tunes are on, and you’re feeling just that little bit bold yourself.
ABV: 6.2%
Best enjoyed: Cold, crisp, and ideally somewhere you can see the sea (or at least pretend you can).
Food pairing: Grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, or anything smoky — the bold bitterness cuts beautifully through big flavours.
4. Flora and Fauna Double IPA
Ok, hear us out on this one — you might not think of a DIPA as a “summer sipper,” but Flora and Fauna is deceptively refreshing and a full-flavoured celebration of nature’s bold side. Despite its bigger punch, it’s incredibly smooth, with waves of mango, pineapple, and a hint of pine that scream summer holidays. Sip slow, savour every drop, and maybe have a nap after.
ABV: 9.45%
Best enjoyed: Post-adventure, feet up, sun still lingering in the sky.
Food pairing: Strong, spicy foods — think buffalo wings or a punchy blue cheese burger. Flora and Fauna’s boldness stands up beautifully to heat and rich flavours.
3. Spanish Point American Ale
Named after one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in Clare, Spanish Point is our American Pale Ale with a real sense of adventure. It’s a refreshing yet full-bodied brew, brimming with bright citrus, juicy tropical fruits, and a clean, crisp finish — perfect after a day spent exploring the shoreline.
The name is a nod to the Spanish Armada ships that wrecked along this wild, beautiful coast in 1588. Luckily, you don’t need to survive a shipwreck to enjoy this one — just a bit of sunshine and a thirst for good times.
ABV: 5.9%
Best enjoyed: With sandy toes, salty hair, and a front-row seat to the Atlantic Ocean.
Food pairing: Fresh fish and chips or a zesty fish taco — the citrus notes in Spanish Point lift seafood beautifully, and that crisp finish keeps things light and lively.
2. County Clare Pale Ale
When the sun’s shining and the plan is to keep the good times rolling, you need something full of flavour but light enough to last the day — enter County Clare Pale Ale. This pale ale delivers all the big, bold character of a West Coast IPA — think bursts of citrus, juicy tropical fruits, and a crisp, clean bitterness — but at a much more manageable strength. Whether you’re perched on a headland, stretched out on the grass, or just dreaming of the coast from your back garden, County Clare Pale Ale brings the seaside adventure to you.
ABV: 4.2%
Best enjoyed: On a sunny afternoon when the only thing on the to-do list is “another one?”
Food pairing: Grilled chicken skewers or a fresh, herby salad — the citrusy hops cut through nicely, keeping everything crisp, clean, and refreshing.
1. Loop Head Pilsner
There’s something special about reaching the edge of the world — and few places capture that feeling like Loop Head, the most westerly point in Clare. Inspired by the fresh Atlantic air and wide open skies, Loop Head Pilsner is our crisp, clean take on a classic. It’s light, refreshing, and with just the right amount of hoppy bitterness to keep things interesting — exactly what you want in a summer beer. Pilsners are made for long, sunny afternoons: bright, snappy, and endlessly drinkable. When you’re chasing the last rays of the day, this is the pint to have in hand.
ABV: 4.5%
Best enjoyed: Out in the open air, with nothing but blue sky and sea spray for company.
Food pairing: Fresh prawns, calamari, or classic beer-battered fish — the crispness of Loop Head Pilsner is the perfect match for lighter seafood dishes.
Ireland’s weather may be a bit of a wild card, but that’s all part of the fun.
When the sun’s out, the pints are out — no excuses!
Stock up on your Western Herd favourites, chase the sunshine, and toast every golden hour you can get.