best irish whiskey distillery tours

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20 Irish Whiskey Distillery Tours You Should Consider for Your Trip to Ireland

My first tour of an Irish whiskey distillery was Bushmills in County Antrim.

It was a blustery day in November. Snow was spitting from the sky and I was wrapped up in my Big Bird yellow jacket.

Instead of swinging on the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, we opted to get out of the weather and try a bit of Irish whiskey (a very good decision I’d say).

As we collected our tickets for the tour and began exploring the Bushmills memorabilia in the large entrance hall, the lovely hostess asked if I wanted a hot toddy.

If I wasn’t warmed up already, I certainly was by the time my drink was done. Perfectly hot whiskey, water, honey, cinnamon and clove.

Even though we don’t drink too much, I am tempted to make some for the holidays this year. I don’t think Joe would mind. :-)

In 2017 we went to the Dingle Distillery–so you’d think I’ve had enough. But I’m already working on our plans for our next trip to Ireland, and I am definitely planning another tour.

Thinking that we’ll do something a little less well-known, I am loving the sound of Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin.

Housed in St. James church, the tour includes the traditional Irish whiskey distillery bit, but also history/tour of the church and cemetery.

Sounds right up my alley.

20 Irish Whiskey Distillery Tours

Earlier this year, I put together a list of breweries that you can tour in Ireland. It’s become quite a popular reference, so I thought a distillery tour list was due.

You should know that the Irish whiskey business is booming (so book ahead to guarantee your spot).

I’ve included a few distilleries at the bottom of this list that don’t have tours (or offer them quite yet). But, check their websites for info, because many seem to be making plans.

Irish Whiskey in County Antrim

Old Bushmills Distillery 2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland Multiple tours during the day (number dependent on time of year). First come first serve basis.

Irish Whiskey in County Carlow

Walsh Whiskey Distillery at Royal Oak Royal Oak, Clorusk Lower, Co. Carlow Tours operate every day of the week except Monday. Book online, call +353 59 9186653 or email  [email protected] .

Irish Whiskey in County Cork

Jameson Distillery Midleton Distillery Walk, Midleton, Co. Cork Multiple tours each day (number dependent on time of year). Book online.

West Cork Distillers Marsh Road, Skibbereen, West Cork, Co. Cork West Cork Distillers doesn’t operate standard tours, but tries to accommodate interested visitors. Call +353-28-22815 or email [email protected]

Irish Whiskey in County Down

The Echlinville Distillery Echlinville House, 62 Gransha Rd, Newtownards, Co. Down, Northern Ireland Distillery tours mostly on Saturdays, two to three times a month. Check website for availability. Book online.

They also have a really cool Festive Afternoon Tea option with traditional afternoon tea (well, traditional tea + whiskey) in the Echlinville House, which includes a tour of the Distillery. (Steph’s note–love this).

Irish Whiskey in County Dublin

Pearse Lyons Distillery 121-122 James’s Street, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin Tours run every day every hour on the hour. Book online or buy tickets at the door.

Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, Co. Dublin Tours run every day every hour on the hour. Book online or buy tickets at the door.

Teeling Whiskey 13-17 Newmarket, Merchants Quay, Dublin 8, Co. Dublin Tours occur multiple times per day every day of the week. Book online.

Irish Whiskey in County Fermanagh

Boatyard Distillery 3 Tully Bay Marina, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh Tours available. Book online in advance. Full visitor’s center experience opening in 2018. Check website for details.

Irish Whiskey in County Kerry

The Dingle Whiskey Distillery Farranredmond, Dingle, Co. Kerry Multiple tours during the day (number dependent on time of year). Email [email protected] or call +353-66-4029011 to schedule.

Irish Whiskey in County Kilkenny

Ballykeefe Distillery Kyle, Ballykeefe, Cuffsgrange, Co. Kilkenny Tours are Monday-Friday at 2 PM and 4 PM.

Irish Whiskey in County Leitrim

The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim Vistior Experience Center is under construction. Check website for updates.

Irish Whiskey (ok, Irish Gin) in County Louth

Listoke Gin School Whitethorn House, Ballymakenny Rd, Listoke, Drogheda, Co. Louth An elaborate and informative class on Gin distilling (complete with tour, tasting, and bottling your own). Book online. Runs multiple Fridays and Saturdays each month.

Irish Whiskey in County Mayo

Connacht Distillery Belleek, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tours are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM. Book in advance by emailing [email protected] or call +353 (0)96 74902.

Irish Whiskey in County Meath

Slane Castle Distillery N5, Slanecastle Demesne, Co. Meath Tours occur multiple times per day every day of the week. Book online.

Boann Distillery Lagavooren, Platin Rd., Drogheda, Co. Meath Visitor Centre is opening soon. Check website for details.

Irish Whiskey in County Offaly

Tullamore D.E.W. Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Tours occur every day multiple times a day. Book online.

Irish Whiskey in County Waterford

Renegate/Waterford Whiskey Grattan Quay, Waterford, Co. Waterford Tours by appointment during the week in the morning. Email  [email protected]  for more information.

Irish Whiskey in County Westmeath

Kilbeggan Distillery Lower Main St., Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath Multiple tour options dependent on the depth of information you want. All offered at various times during the day. Book online.

Other Irish Whiskey Distilleries

Blackwater Distillery Unit 3 Cappoquin Enterprise Park, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

Cape Clear Distillery  Cape Clear Island, Skibbereen, Co. Cork

Carrick Mill Distillery , Derrylavan Carrickmacross Co. Monaghan

Glendalough Distillery Unit 9 Newtown Business and Enterprise Centre, Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co. Wicklow. No Tours until 2019.

Great Northern Distillery Carrick Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Lough Gill Distillery  Hazelwood House, Sligo, Co. Sligo

Powerscourt Distillery , Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow

Shortcross Gin  Rademon Estate Distillery, Downpatrick, Co. Down, N. Ireland

Sliab h Liag Distillery   Ionad Fiontraíochta Shliabh Liag, Line Road, Carrick, Co. Donegal

The Quiet Man Distillery 10 Rossdowney Road, Co. Derry, Northern Ireland

Tipperary Boutique Distillery Newtownadam, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

Tell me, have you been to an Irish whiskey distillery tour? Are you planning one for your next trip? Have you already been to one you loved? I want to know it all. Share in the comments below. :-)

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14 comments.

20!! Wow I’ve got a ways to go. We have done Jameson in Midleton (twice ?), Kilbeggan and Tullamore. We tried to do Bushmills but the day we were there very high winds prevented tours because slate tiles were being blown off the roof—too dangerous!! However, at the reception desk they did give us a nice small bottle of Bushmills since we couldn’t do the tour. I obviously need to put a few of these on my itinerary for 2018!! ?

I know! I’ve got a ways to go to! 2 down 18 to go. Haha! There are quite a few that are at the top of my list. I’m wondering how long it will take me to get to ’em (and how many new ones will open up in the next few years!).

Well that was nice that Bushmills at least gave you a little parting glass. :-)

My wife and I toured both Jamison’s in Midleton and Kilbeggan. Both were good tours, Jamison’s was guided and Kilbeggan’s was self-guided. We also visited the tasting room/store for Tullimore D.E.W. but not the distillery itself. I agree that even if you are not a whiskey drinker, taking a distillery tour is lots of fun. On my 2018 trip I’ll be over-nighting in Midleton and will visit the store even if I don’t take the tour,.

They really are a lot of fun. Just learning about the process and the stories of each distillery (which often is more about the people and the community than it is about the whiskey itself) is worth the price of admission without the gratis drink at the end. Enjoy your time in Midleton! So much to see in that area that many miss. I bet you’ll love it!

Go to Tullamore. Made outside of Tullamore for years, they have returned their operations to their town of origin. Great whiskey and a very good tour. The town of Tullamore is probably worth a stop for some of its pubs. Not a long drive out of Dublin if you’re looking for an easy day trip.

Love this Lee! I’ve had so many of my one-on-one clients go to Tullamore and say the same thing. It’s high on my list to visit!

I would think the best distillery tours and tastings are in the small independent distilleries. Many of the Irish distilleries are owned by big international companies and lack the charm of the local independents. Similar to visiting distilleries in Scotland, the best ones are the small ones that do everything in house on a small scale. I’m interested in your list because a lot of these are not ones you here about.

I couldn’t agree with you more Mark. I love, love, love small and intimate experiences. The guides aren’t typically hired to just do the tour–they are usually involved with the actual process. This is true for lots of experiences in Ireland I think.

I am really intrigued by Nephin Distillery–while they’re just getting up and going, the strong community vibe and the hospitality of the owners really seems to shine through in the website.

Glad to hear the list was helpful!! :-)

Thank you for compiling this list. My husband works at a distillery here in the States, and I have just discovered that balancing our Ireland trips between hill-walking and distilleries makes us both happy. A gin distillery we hope to visit this year is http://thebearadistillery.ie/our-story/ in Castletownbere.

My husband took the day long Irish Whiskey Academy class at Midleton last year and learned so much from it. It is not cheap, but for a deep dive into understanding the science and chemistry of distilling, it was well worth the cost.

Welcome Susan! I am hope it’s helpful. :-) That distillery looks great! I’ll have to add it to the list. Thank you!!

I have heard nothing but absolutely wonderful things about all the tours Midleton does. That one is still on our bucket list, but we love Cork so I don’t think it will be on there long. :-)

We are planning a trip in May 2020 and would love to do dinner distillery tours. Of course Jameson, but would also like to do Teelling, Bushmills and Tulamore DEW. Thanks for the great info!

Welcome Suzie!! I think you’ll love them. I’d put a plug in for Pearse Lyons or Kilbeggan too! They are fantastically atmospheric and historic.

Great list, Planning a whiskey run to Ireland in May and just browsing to see the various ones. You have a great list.

will watch it carefully.

If you haven’t done it yet, the Whiskey Museum in Dublin is fascinating. It talks about different types of Irish whiskey, where they came from, and how they’ve survived the decades. Plus…samples!

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10 great whiskey distillery tours in Ireland

Find out what makes these whiskey distillery tours so unique.

There's no better way to understand the craft behind Irish whiskey than to take a distillery tour

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We take our whiskey seriously in Ireland. We break it out at celebrations and funerals, on cold winter nights and as a “cure” for any ailment you can imagine. But what makes this beloved spirit unique? 

Simply put, Irish whiskey cannot be made anywhere else. Our  mild maritime climate impacts evaporation as the whiskey matures and interacts with the cask, creating a truly distinct beverage. And in order for the spirit to be sold as authentic Irish whiskey, it must have gone through the distilling and maturing process wholly in a distillery on the island of Ireland. Which brings us to those distilleries.

As John Callely of Whiskey Island puts it: “No two distilleries are the same. There are farm distilleries, there are island distilleries, there are distilleries in the middle of town and distilleries totally off the beaten track”. Each has its own approach to making Irish whiskey, he says, but what unites them is the knowledge and passion of the people who work there. 

Want to learn more about the art of Irish whiskey? Start with these amazing distillery tours.

Jameson Distillery, County Cork

The field-to-glass process is a term you’ll hear a lot when it comes to whiskey distilleries, and the Jameson Distillery is no exception. Your tour guide will explain how ingredients are sourced and talk you through the distillation process as you let your senses take in the aroma of the whiskey-filled oak casks. Jameson Distillery is home to the world’s largest pot still, and the level of confidence in their whiskey is just as impressive. When your tour ends with a taste test – Jameson whiskey alongside two others – they’re in no doubt which one you’ll like best! Tours here range from the standard distillery experience to the Distiller’s Apprentice, which offers a behind the scenes look at the business of producing great whiskey.

Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim

It’s the world’s oldest licenced whiskey distillery (with records going back to 1608). It’s the oldest working distillery on the island of Ireland. And the Old Bushmills Distillery is also one of the few distilleries in the world to distil, blend and bottle its whiskey under the same roof. Bushmills produces whiskey that is firmly rooted in place – made with water drawn from the River Bush, which flows over the basalt rocks of the famous Causeway Coast . You can learn about the long history of this famous distillery as you take in either the Bushmills Distillery Tour or the premium Tour and Tasting.

Hinch Distillery, County Down

Hinch Distillery produces its fine range of triple distilled whiskeys on the beautiful Killaney Estate near the Mourne Mountains . But for visitors, what’s even more impressive is the purpose-built distillery building that allows you access to every aspect of the distillation process. Follow your tour guide through the ingredients room, into the mash house, the still house (the copper pot stills are named after local mountains; Donard, Croob and Wee Binnian) and the spectrum room, before finishing your tour in the bespoke tasting area where you get to sample some superb whiskey.

Teeling Whiskey Distillery, County Dublin

Teeling Distillery is where whiskey spirit meets family spirit. The first Teeling Distillery was set up in 1782 and the craft has been passed down through the generations. Jack and Stephen Teeling opened this new award-winning Teeling Distillery in 2015 just down the road from the original distillery site in The Liberties . Jack even named the pot stills after his three daughters, and you can spot them during your interactive distillery tour. If you’re looking for something really special, try the Bottle Your Own experience – yes, you’ve guessed it. You get to fill a bottle of Teeling Whiskey directly from the cask as a memento of your visit.

Another family affair, Micil Distillery was named in honour of this whiskey-crafting family’s great great great grandfather Micil Mac Chearra. Six generations and 170 years later, they’re still distilling spirits using family recipes, craft, knowledge and time-honoured techniques. Micil started his whiskey journey on the Connemara hillside, but in 2016 Micil Distillery became the first legal distillery in Galway in over 100 years. The distillery offers a range of tours, from the whiskey experience to the cocktail masterclass and also offers private tours.

Powerscourt Distillery, County Wicklow © Shutterstock

This distillery on the grounds of the magnificent Powerscourt Estate is home to Fercullen Irish whiskey and is a delightful blend of old and new. Pass through the old stone entrance building and you’ll find yourself in the ultra-modern distillery where the serious business of whiskey distilling takes place. But for all the contemporary sheen, the team here still relies on tried and tested traditional methods. Tours will take you through the distillation process and end with a whiskey tasting. A great option for foodies is the tour and food-paired whiskey tasting. Not only do you get to sample the spirits, but you also have the chance to taste some of the local artisan products such as farmhouse cheeses and charcuterie.

Echlinville Distillery, County Down

Nestled in the drumlins of Ireland's northeast, the Echlinville Distillery has made its mark as the producer of the award-winning Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. This is a true field-to-glass distillery. The owners have farmed this land for generations and grow their own barley, which is malted and used to create their range of spirits. The distillery will bring you along on this journey with a selection of tours ranging from the Tour and Tipple experience to food pairing tours to private and group tours.

8. Waterford Distillery , County Waterford

In Waterford city , on the banks of the River Suir, you’ll find the Waterford Distillery – the world’s largest producer of organic and biodynamic whiskies. It’s all about terroir here – a term that encompasses the mysterious interactions of plant, soil, site and microclimate. This is what controls the flavour of the barley and it’s why this distillery has developed sophisticated technology to distil its whiskey using the finest grain from over 40 farms in Ireland’s south east. Take the Terroir Tour and all will be revealed.

Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery, County Offaly

Tullamore Distillery has been distilling Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey – named after stable boy turned distillery owner Daniel E. Williams – since 1829 and they’re pretty good at it. You’ll discover this as you sip your welcome Irish coffee at the start of the distillery tour. Listen as your guide talks you through the distillation to maturation process and introduces you to the people behind the scenes in this state-of-the-art distillery. And when you get to the taste test – you can taste whiskey straight from one of their casks – you’ll have no doubt at all.

Rademon Estate Distillery, County Down

History is everywhere on the Rademon Estate, from the original estate house which dates back to 1667 to the 19th century stone obelisk that dominates the skyline. But the distillery in which Shortcross Irish whiskey is created is strikingly modern. Pick from a range of tours (Rademon is also well-known for its craft gin) and enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of a working distillery. The tasting at the end is a bonus!

Where do you want to go?

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Powerscourt distillery.

The home of Fercullen Irish Whiskey

The Powerscourt Distillery, set in the garden of Ireland in Enniskerry Co. Wicklow was designed and constructed by a Scottish engineering group called Forsyths , one of the world leaders in the supply of distillation equipment.

It is a classic 3 pot still distillery, allowing Powerscourt to distil, malt and potstill whiskey using both classic and traditional triple and double distillation methods. At full capacity the distillery has the potential to distil over 3 million of bottles of whiskey per year, or lay down the equivalent of 40 barrels of spirit per day.

For the frist time in over 100 years, single malt Irish whiskey is being distilled and produced right here in the heart of Wicklow and the team at Powerscourt are dedicated to creating and crafting some of the finest Irish whiskeys for future generations to enjoy.

Powerscourt Distillery Tour & Tasting €25.00 pp

A bespoke 1 hr. guided tour of our distillery and bonded maturation warehouse, followed by delicious tasting of three of our award-winning Fercullen Irish whiskeys.

Distillery Tour & Whiskey Food Pairing €45.00 pp

A 1.5 hr guided tour of our distillery & warehouse, followed by a unique food & whiskey tasting, from charcuterie to fine Wicklow cheese.

Discover a full sensory experience

Powerscourt Distillery offers a unique Irish whiskey & local food pairing experience. Resident food historian and Food & Beverage specialist Santina Kennedy takes visitors on a local food adventure, an authentic taste of Ireland’s Ancient East . Choosing from the finest local artisanal foods to pair with and complement the signature range of Fercullen Irish whiskeys, Santina has pioneered the Whiskey Food pairing for Powerscourt Distillery and the concept is growing in its appeal all the time. Engaging a with whiskey fans & visitors making it more accessible to join the wonderful world of Irish whiskey through Santina’s food innovative pairings & collaborations.

Santina has gained much acclaim and international recognition for her passion and persuasion in sharing the joy of Irish Whiskey Food pairings.

An rud nach leigheasann im ná uisce beatha níl aon leigheas air.

This is one of Santina’s favourite ancient Gaelic proverbs, the meaning of which translates to: What butter or whiskey does not cure cannot be cured. She says “These were the two best things an Irish home could have in the larder. The phrase shows not only the reverence the Irish have for their local dairy products and, of course, their whiskey, but it also hints at something that has always existed but is now being more fully appreciated: the combination and intersection of Irish food, drink, and culture.”

Santina points to the superb raw materials at the heart of Irish cuisine. “We have the best dairy produce in the world; we have a fantastic culture of producing artisanal, family-farm produced food items.” All of which can work with Irish whiskeys.

This work has been showcased through national and international media including The Irish Times , Lonely Planet , Forbes Magazine, various RTE shows including Nationwide, The Summer Show, Catherine Fulvio Celebrates . She has also featured on PBS shows such as Ireland: County by County and Ireland with Michael.

Santina is passionate about enhancing Ireland’s status as quality food & drinks tourism destination by incorporating a high quality, authentic food offering into the country’s already renowned reputation for beverage and hospitality culture.

Checkout Her Recent Activity Below

https://www.businesspost.ie/life-arts/talking-terroir-santina-kennedy-of-the-powerscourt-distillery-on-the-food-and-drinks-of-her-native/

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/experience-ireland

https://quench.me/longform/irish-whiskey-

https://thegloss.ie/fact-whiskey-is-no-longer-just-a-mans-drink-powerscourt-distillery/

https://www.rte.ie/player/series/the-summer-show/SI0000012894?epguid=IH000415400

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• History and heritage

You can now sample your drink of choice from the very source, with many modern distilleries and the purpose-built visitor centres at their heart offering uniquely immersive tours and experiences to suit every palate and pocket.

The history of Irish distilling

The origins of all whiskey (or ‘fuisce’, from the Irish ‘uisce beatha’ or ‘water of life’) trace back to the 12th-century Irish monks who began experimenting with Arabic distilling techniques. By its 19th-century peak, Irish distilling reigned, with over 100 whiskey distilleries operating throughout the country and many of them exporting abroad.

During the 20th century, Prohibition, Irish Temperance and wars (both real and trade) saw Ireland lose its pole position to Scotland. That luck has turned and the early 21st century has brought a renaissance in Irish whiskey along with the distilling of other spirits old and new.

What had been four working distilleries in 2010 has jumped to 40 and counting. They are breathing new life into big cities and small towns alike, building bright new futures for historic country house estates, small family farms and reimagined industrial factories. Two thirds of today’s distilleries welcome visitors, and that healthy competition has channelled the best of the Irish imagination into some unforgettable experiences.

Distillery experiences

Want to learn the difference between Ireland’s signature styles of whiskey, from spicy single pot still to bright grain whiskeys? Or fancy diving into the social history of Irish whiskey production or fine-tuning your mixology skills for that next cocktail party? Maybe you’d like to concoct your very own botanical balance for a personalised bottle of gin?

Irish distilleries offer chance to meet the makers, learn hands-on skills from the shakers and get under the skin of unique localities all around the country. 

The heavyweights: Classic Irish whiskey distilleries

1 | jameson distillery midleton, cork.

For decades, you went to one place to witness Irish whiskey production: Cork's Jameson Distillery Midleton , where Dublin’s last two whiskey distillers, Powers and John Jameson, relocated in the 1970s. Today you can still get up close with the world’s largest pot still (with a capacity of 143,872 litres), taste whiskey straight from the cask during a whiskey maturation warehouse tour or go behind the scenes at a busy microdistillery where experimental distillations are pushing things forward.

 2| Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Dublin

If you can’t make it to Cork, the historic site of John Jameson’s former original distillery at Jameson Distillery Bow Street in the heart of Dublin 7’s atmospheric Smithfield neighbourhood offers a range of insights and experiences, from cocktail making to blending or bottling your own whiskey.

3 | Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery, Meath

Other big names have developed their own impressive attractions. Slane Distillery has transformed 18th-century stables on the grounds of Slane Castle into a modern facility with immersive, sensory whiskey tours that trace whiskey’s journey from grain to glass. You'll watch as the distillers use water from the nearby River Boyne and barley that's grown on the estate to create their triple casked whiskey.

4 | Roe & Co Whiskey Distillery, Dublin

Diageo’s Roe & Co distillery beside their Dublin HQ at the Guinness brewery offers imaginative experiences such as al fresco food trucks with paired cocktail menus, a blending experience and a flavours workshop to better understand your own unique palate and whiskey preferences.

5 | Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience, Offaly

At the recently reopened Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience you can sip an Irish coffee on arrival, ‘dip the dog’ to sample straight from the cask, or bottle your own customised whiskey, blended to your personal tastes.

Game-changers: new-wave Irish whiskey and gin distilleries

6 | teeling whiskey distillery, dublin.

Teeling Whiskey Distillery opened in 2015 as Dublin’s first operational distillery in 125 years, kickstarting the regeneration of the city’s historic Golden Triangle of distilleries. Their visitor experience explores that Spirit of Dublin legacy, taking you through the custom-built distillery floor, and concludes with a handcrafted cocktail at the Bang Bang Bar.

7 | Powerscourt Distillery, Wicklow

In a bucolic old mill house at a riverside country house estate, Wicklow’s Powerscourt Distillery features an intimate screening room and tours of the working distillery and maturation warehouse. Don’t miss their unique Distillery Tour and Food-Paired Tasting led by an Irish food historian and starring local cheese and charcuterie paired with Fercullen Irish Whiskey.

8 | Listoke Distillery, Louth

Detour deep into rural Co Louth for a sensory experience at Ireland’s first gin school, Listoke Distillery , which is as fun as it is fascinating – and a short spin from the historic high cross and roundtower at Monasterboice. A happy subplot of the Irish distilling story has been Ireland’s recent love affair with craft gins. You’ll leave knowledgeable on the history and production of gin, well fed on local artisan produce, and with your very own bespoke bottle to take home with you.

9 | The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney, Leitrim

In an old jam factory in Drumshanbo just outside the lively riverside town of Carrick-on-Shannon , the curious mind of PJ Rigney has been creating award-winning spirits like Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin since 2014. The Shed Distillery’s purpose-built visitors centre will engage all the senses on a Curious Journey tour, before enjoying a complimentary tasting in the Honey Badger Bar, set in their botanical glasshouse. Enjoy local Leitrim flavours like boxty with bacon at the excellent Jackalope Café.

10 | Ballykeefe Distillery, Kilkenny

Small can be mighty too, as proven by Ireland’s family-run microdistilleries. The field-to-glass operation at Ballykeefe Distillery is reviving the tradition of family farm distilleries and a tour here explores their commitment to environmental protection, carbon neutrality and sustainability, as well as sharing the secrets of their distiller.

Beyond the cask: Other Irish distilleries

11 | rebel city distillery, cork.

Other distilleries around the country have introduced their own spirit schools, with a distinctive twist. At Rebel City Distillery in the old Ford factory in Cork City ’s docklands, where they make the award-winning Maharani Gin as well as akvavit and Ireland’s only absinthe, you can choose your own adventure at the Spirits School Experience and learn to craft your spirit of choice. Or if you prefer to sit back and let someone else do the work, choose their Afternoon Gin & Tea experience which includes a dive into the alchemy and artistry of distillation.

12 | Micil Distillery, Galway

Irish poitín has enjoyed a thrilling resurgence since it was legalised some 300 years after its 1661 ban. This clear and uncasked spirit has returned from the status of illicit moonshine to take its rightful place alongside other quality Irish beverages. Run by brothers Pádraic and Jimín Ó Griallais, Micil Distillery in Galway’s Salthill is the perfect place to rethink poitín; their educational visitor experiences draw on a distilling legacy started (albeit illicitly) in 1848 by their great-great-great grandfather, Micil Mac Chearra.

13 | Stillgarden Distillery, Dublin

Some distilleries are as creative with their products as their experiences. Stillgarden Distillery has brought new life to a Dublin 8 industrial estate just off the Grand Canal , where a multisensory botanical garden heralds the unique experience within, including a spritz experience featuring their own herbal liqueurs and a gin-themed afternoon tea.

From distilleries to historical sights, explore 25 unique experiences across the country. 

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Ultimate whiskey tasting experience, from whiskey novice to aficionado, there's a tasting mat for every palate, whiskey tours ireland, fully guided distillery tours & whiskey walks throughout ireland, corporate and events, group activities, team building, day tours, tailored whiskey and cocktail events, enquire about creating a bespoke event, gift vouchers available, give them a whiskey experience they'll remember, whiskey tastings & distillery tours.

Welcome to Experience Irish Whiskey, Ireland's premium whiskey experience, where we've got it all. From immersive whiskey tastings, fully guided distillery tours and whiskey walks to masterclasses and bespoke whiskey experiences tailored to you.

Whether you're a complete whiskey novice or a seasoned connoisseur, our whiskey tastings and tours have something for everyone to enjoy. Come join us as we delve into the vast history of Irish whiskey and the unique Irish culture that surrounds it. Relish the delights of the hidden gems and distillery exclusives of Irish whiskey we have on available for your pleasure. We are the perfect start to your evening or the ideal companion to your trip around the emerald isle. With hubs in Dublin , Galway and Killarney , our whiskey experiences are available throughout Ireland.

At the helm of our Irish whiskey experience is founder and resident whiskey expert Derek King. Derek has been immersed in the Irish whiskey industry as a global brand ambassador representing some of the most prestigious Irish whiskey brands (Slane, Powers to name a few), for the best part of a decade. With his unrivaled knowledge and passion for all things Irish whiskey he's the quintessential companion for your whiskey experience.

We look forward to enjoying the ultimate whiskey experience with you and sipping on some of the finest drops Ireland has to offer.

See you soon, slainté.

Whiskey tasting packages, classic selection, €60 per person, connoisseur's pick, €95 per person, prestigious pour experience, €250 per person, the killarney tasting experience, €75 per person, whiskey & chocolate, whiskey tasting & 4 course meal, €85 per person, whiskey tours, sip & stroll: historic walk dublin, cocktail masterclasses, cocktail class, €65 per person, irish coffee masterclasses, irish coffee class, €42.50 per person, on the lookout for a bespoke whiskey experience.

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Patrick Fox was a great guide and so informative! He was very knowledgeable on the whiskey we had and my husband liked his overall personality. I liked he didn’t mind we were a bit behind because of traffic. Would do this again next visit to Dublin! Highly recommend

An absolute pleasure to hear Derek share his vast knowledge of Irish Whisky. On top of his many interesting facts and insights, he is a charismatic and friendly human with a great sense of humour. A huge recommendation to try his tour.

We booked the classic whiskey tasting at the Swan Bar for my husband, my 19 year old son and myself. We were so glad we did, it was one of the best experiences of our entire trip! Derek is incredibly knowledgeable and fun, we felt we were sharing cocktails with a friend. We are whiskey novices and learned so much! It was a truly great time, and the Swan Bar was beautiful and welcoming. Just book it! You’ll love it!

I recently had the pleasure of visiting a renowned whiskey tasting experience in Dublin with a group of friends, and I must say it was an unforgettable journey into the world of whiskey. Our guide, Derek, proved to be an exceptional source of knowledge and made the entire experience truly exceptional. If you're a whiskey lover, this is an absolute must-visit destination in Dublin.

Derek’s whiskey tasting was a highlight of our trip to Dublin. He was flexible with scheduling and selected whiskey at multiple price points, including some very accessible, and affordable options (a rarity at some tastings). His interactive and conversational style ensured all of our questions were answered. His passion for his work is evident, and he’s only matched by his enthusiasm. Highly recommend.

Won't find a better Whiskey Tasting Experience. Had a wonderful night in M.P. Walsh, where Derek ran through some cracking irish whiskeys, gained a great insight into some old reliable and new emerging irish whiskies. Derek's knowledge was excellent, you would find it hard to beat Experience Irish Whiskey when it comes to having a fun night tasting the best Ireland has to offer in terms of whiskey.

Highly Recommended!! Derek is an amazing host with a crazy amount of knowledge and great delivery. He took us on a journey through Irish Whiskey with a particular emphasis on new emerging exciting Irish whiskey. He has a true passion for Irish Whiskey and the people behind the bottles which comes across throughout. A really great experience with a genuinely lovely guy. BOOK NOW!

Wonderful experience, a must for anyone visiting Ireland The experience was exceptional as Derek hosted us in a very authentic Irish pub and was extremely knowledgeable about whiskey. It was also great to be able to speak generally with a local about all things Ireland / Dublin. I would highly recommend for any visitor to Ireland.

Whether you’re a whiskey lover or not, the Irish whiskey experience is a great activity to do in Dublin alone or with a group of friends. The host, Derek, was very friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. You can learn a lot about whiskey history and try whiskey from different Irish brands.

I have done 2 tasting with Derek now and both have left me in awe. 1st was through The Village Whiskey Society and the knowledge he passed on to us was amazing. The overall set up was great and he was more than happy to entertain any questions (stupid or not lol) the whole group loved it. 2nd was for a friend's Stag. Derek was more than accommodating. We had a small group of whiskey and non whiskey drinkers. By the end of it he had educated and converted the non whiskey drinkers all while keeping everyone engaged and entertained. I can't wait for the next tasting.

Derek looked after my group when we visited Dublin just a few weeks ago in January. We were honestly blown away by his Irish Whiskey knowledge, enthusiasm, attention to detail and his professional but relaxed manner. We booked a tasting experience with him based on a solid recommendation from a friend and I can honestly say that it was even more enjoyable (and tasty) than expected. When I’m back in Dublin with another group, we would love to see Derek again. 100% would recommend Experience Irish Whiskey 🥃 Sláinte 🥃

A great evening spent with Derek as he explained the world of irish whiskey. He is a knowledgeable and passionate speaker on all things Whiskey. Would definitely recommend this experience if you are looking for an authentic irish whiskey experience 🥃🥃

Derek is such an incredible guide! He knows so much about whiskey, has a passion for it, and is really great at explaining things to less knowledgeable people. The tasting took place in a heritage pub in Dublin, and we all really enjoyed the experience and the setting! If you have a couple of hours, want to have fun, and also get a good understanding of this popular Irish drink, then search no further! This is a must do for you!

Stephanie O

From start to finish Derek was energetic and had a wealth of whiskey knowledge like no one i have met before. I have been to a number of whiskey tasting experiences in the past but none come close. Derek has pure passion for whiskey and brings you through the whiskey story connected to each brand but also adds in some history. Highly recommend for anyone interested in having a real whiskey experience.

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9 Best Dublin Whiskey Tours (Distilleries + Whiskey Tastings)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 8, 2023

If you’re looking to do a Dublin distillery tour or if you fancy trying a guided whiskey tasking in Dublin, you’re spoiled for choice .

In recent years, I’ve done each of the Dublin distillery tours (e.g. Teeling, Roe & Co. and Jameson) and they rarely disappoint.

I’ve also tried several of the guided whiskey tours in Dublin and, while some are excellent, others are just alright .

Below, you’ll find the both the best distillery tours in Dublin along with some whiskey tasting tours that are worth considering. Cheers!  

Table of Contents

Some need-to-knows before booking any Dublin whiskey tours

So, booking a tour is usually fairly straightforward , but I can’t begin to tell you the amount of times we’ve heard of someone booking onto one of the Dublin whiskey tours, only to be disappointed .

The below points may seem  obvious, but they’re worth being aware of before you make a booking (especially point 1).

1. Whiskey tours vs distillery tours

There’s a big difference between visiting a Dublin whiskey distillery and taking one of the many  Dublin whiskey tours. When you visit a distillery, you’ll take a guided tour. Guided whiskey tasting in Dublin usually involves trying different whiskies in one or more pubs .

2. Read the Ts&Cs carefully

Regardless of whether you’re doing a tour of the city’s top whiskey bars or you’re taking a Dublin distillery tour, make sure to read what’s included . On some, you’ll just get the guided tour, with no tasters included . With others, you’ll get samples included as part of the tour.

3. Time of day has a big impact on experience

If you’re taking one of the Dublin whiskey tours, it can be easy to aim for the latest slot so that you can follow up the tour with a night in one of the many pubs in Dublin . The only problem with this is that the pubs visited on these tours are also busier (unless they’re held in a dedicated room). If possible, aim for late afternoon , as places tend to be quieter.

The best Dublin distillery tours

Click to enlarge

The first section takes a look at the various Dublin distillery tours. And, thanks to a resurgence in distilling, there’s plenty to choose from.

Note: if you book a tour through one of the links below we  may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Courtesy Jameson Distillery Bow St, Dublin

Although Jameson moved the bulk of their operations down to Midleton in Cork in the late 1900s, the Jameson Distillery on Bow St. is still open.

Set inside what is arguably one of the most famous whiskey distilleries in Ireland , the distillery opened by John Jameson in the late 1700s.

Enter the impressive building and discover the story behind the world’s most famous Irish whiskey brands while sampling a variety of whiskeys. This is regarded as the best whiskey tour in Dublin for good reason.

Key info on this Dublin distillery tour:

• Cost: Around €30 p/p
• How long it lasts:  45 minutes
• It includes: Guided tour, whiskey tasting and a Jameson cocktail
• See reviews + book: Right here

2. Pearse Lyons Distillery

Photo left: Donal Murphy. Others: Killian Whyte (via Fáilte Ireland)

The Pearse Lyons Distillery is arguably the most unique whiskey distillery in Dublin, as you can see from the photos above.

It was founded by the late Pearse Lyons and the distillery is housed within the walls of an old church (the stained glass windows above should give you a sense of what to expect!).

Visitors will discover the story of Pearse Lyons, from his days working at the Harp brewery in Louth to his transformation of an old and dilapidated church in Dublin’s Liberties.

• Cost: Around €22 p/p
• How long it lasts: 1 hour
• It includes: Guided tour and a whiskey tasting including 3 whiskies

3. Roe & Co Distillery

Photos courtesy Diageo Ireland Brand Homes

Diageo’s Roe & Co Distillery is the newest whiskey distillery in Dublin, and you’ll find it a stone’s throw from the Guinness Storehouse . I had a drink here at the end of last year, and the place is very well kitted out.

Everything from the toilet to the seats at the bar feel plush, although the building has retained a nice rustic feel to it.

Those that visit can hear the story of George Roe (the legendary 19th-century whiskey pioneer) and dive into the golden era of Irish whiskey .

• Cost: Around €25 p/p
• It includes: Fully-guided tour, a choice of 2 workshops and a cocktail

4. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Photos courtesy Teeling Whiskey Distillery via Failte Ireland

The Teeling Distillery was, interestingly enough, the first whiskey distillery in Dublin to be built in 125 years when it launched a few years back.

You’ll find it finely plonked in what’s known as Dublin’s ‘Golden Triangle’, which was once a historic distilling district at the heart of the city.

The Teeling’s distillery opened its doors to the public in 2015 and has since played a key part in Dublin’s vibrant whiskey revival.

Those that visit Teelings can join a tour and discover the history behind Walter Teeling’s original craft distillery (it was located on Marrowbone Lane).

• Cost: Around €18 p/p
• It includes: Fully-guided tour of an operational distillery Tasting of the award-winning Teeling whiske

5. The Dublin Liberties Distillery

Photos via Dublin Liberties Distillery on FB

The Dublin Liberties Distillery is set in a modern, state-of-the-art distillery on Mill St., where it’s home to one of the lesser-known Dublin whiskey tours.

I’ve been hearing great things about this place for a while now. The visitor experience is said to be immersive and the guides, by all accounts, are excellent.

If you head off on the tour of this Dublin distillery, you’ll discover the history of Dublin’s Liberties district and you’ll get an insight into the distilling process that takes place.

• Cost: Around €17 p/p
• How long it lasts: 45 minutes
• It includes: Welcome drink, guided tour and whiskey tasting

Whiskey tasting in Dublin with a guide

Photos by Brian Morrison via Failte Ireland

The second section of our guide takes a look at the various Dublin whiskey tours that don’t  take you into a distillery.

Below, you’ll find everything from the Irish Whiskey Museum and the Whiskey Tasting Tour to much, much more.

Related read: Check out our guide to the most popular Irish drinks (from Irish stout and whiskey to Irish beers and plenty more).

1. Whiskey Tasting Tour of Dublin

This 2-hour whiskey tasting in Dublin takes your tastebuds on a food and drink adventure to The Lincolns Inn and the Palace Bar in Temple Bar (sample some of the best Guinness in Dublin ).

The tour is led by an expertly trained whiskey guide and you’ll sample 5 Irish whiskies along with cheeses, Irish bread and chocolate.

Key info on this whiskey tour in Dublin:

• Cost: Around €55 p/p
• How long it lasts: 2 hours
• It includes: Tasting of 5 whiskeys with cheese, soda bread and chocolate

2. The Irish Whiskey Museum

I visited the Irish Whiskey Museum a couple of years ago as a going-away present for a friend. If you, like me, wouldn’t be the biggest fan of whiskey, the tour at the Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin is a good way to ease yourself into it.

You’ll learn about the history of the drink from a very energetic guide, and you’ll get to sample a number of different whiskies, which helps you get a gauge of what you like and what you don’t.

The one thing that this Dublin whiskey tour confirmed for me is that you’d have to beat me to get me to take a sip of peaty whiskey ever again.

• It includes: Guided tour and a master whiskey tasting session

3. The Dublin Whiskey Experience

Next up is The Dublin Whiskey Experience . Led by an expert guide with 20-years experience in the hospitality sector, this tour packs a punch, going off reviews online.

The tour is €70 p/p and takes you around the city, trying different whiskies while taking in the history of whiskey in Dublin. 

• Cost: Around €70 p/p
• It includes: Guided tour and whiskey tasting

Whiskey tour Dublin: Which ones have we missed?

There are heaps of different whiskey distilleries in Dublin that you can drop into for a nosey around and a drink. I’ve no doubt that we may have unintentionally missed some great ones in the guide above.

If you’ve been on any Dublin whiskey tours recently that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below.

Or, hop into our guides on the best things to do in Dublin for more activities in the capital.

What is the best whiskey tour Dublin has to offer?

Personally, I think the Jameson Distillery Bow St, Roe & Co Distillery, Teeling Whiskey Distillery and the Pearse Lyons Distillery are the best Dublin whiskey tours.

What Dublin distillery tour is the best?

It’s widely regarded that the Jameson Distillery tour is the best. However, Teeling and Pearse Lyons both pack a punch, too.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Great article! Clear overview, super helpful!

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Get a taste of history by touring these 7 whiskey distilleries in Ireland

July 6, 2023 // By Wendy O'Dea

By Wendy O'Dea Los Angeles Local Expert July 6, 2023

In Gaelic, whiskey is called “Uisce Beatha.” If you sound it out (good luck!), the first part explains why it was eventually referred to as “whiskey” in English. The actual translation means “water of life,” which isn’t all that surprising given the number of distilleries dotted around Ireland (some sources say there are around 40, others nearly 70).

Believed to have been brought to Ireland by Christian monks somewhere between the 8th and 11th centuries, a number of these whiskey distilleries are found in Ireland’s Ancient East. This region is comprised of Ireland’s midlands and south and east coasts and is known for its rolling green hills, castle ruins, and many myths.

Today, there are a number of thriving distilleries in this region that are keeping up the country’s whiskey traditions. Many offer tours where visitors can go behind the scenes to see what really happens in a working distillery, as well as learn about their history, process, and products. And sample it, of course. Here are seven distilleries worth a trip to Ireland.

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Jameson’s Experience at Midleton Distilleries, County Cork

While there’s a distillery tour and whiskey tasting at the Jameson Distillery in Dublin (established 1780), whiskey actually hasn’t been made there since 1970. That magic happens in the town of Midleton in County Cork, near Ireland’s southern shores. It’s here that Jameson’s seven brands of whiskey are distilled, in a mix of old and new structures spread across 15 acres. The oldest buildings at Jameson Midleton once served as a woolen mill and military barracks and are home to one of the oldest pot stills in the world. Also on site is the Jameson micro-distillery where training and education take place, as well as experimentation with different recipes, barrels, and distillation techniques. It’s also where small-batch whiskeys, such as Method and Madness, are produced.

Ballykeefe Distillery, County Kilkenny

Close to the city of Kilkenny , the medieval capital of Ireland, Ballykeefe is a small, family-owned distillery that produces not only Irish whiskeys but also vodka, gin, and poitin (also known as Irish moonshine). Their tours (by appointment) walk guests through the entire operation, from the mill house to the brewhouse. They also share steps they’ve taken to minimize the environmental impact of their business and their commitment to carbon neutrality. As with most tours, this one concludes with a tasting in the visitor center, which once served as horse stables.

Dodonus at Highbank Orchards, County Kilkenny

For a unique twist, head to Highbank Orchards , where all kinds of spirits are being produced using their organically grown, non-GMO apples. In 2014, Highbank Orchards opened a small distillery — supposedly the smallest in Ireland — called Dodonus where various apple-based spirits are produced. These include apple gin, apple liquor brandy, and apple vodka. Teetotalers can sample cider, juice, or their organic, award-winning apple syrup.

Slane Distillery, County Meath

There aren’t many distilleries located directly on castle grounds, but Slane Distillery can make that claim as it's located within the stable block of Slane Castle. North of Dublin and only a few miles from where the infamous Battle of the Boyne unfolded, visitors can tour this working distillery and learn not only about its history and distilling process but also about current sustainability efforts. These include collecting and treating rainwater (on this very wet island!) for use in the distillation process.

Teeling Distillery, Dublin

Believe it or not, this is the only remaining working distillery within the city of Dublin — once the home of all things whiskey. The Teeling name has a long history in the world of whiskey and that interesting story (which dates back to 1782) is explained in detail on their tours. Tours wrap with a drink at a bar on the upper level, which is also accessible to visitors who prefer less talking and more toasting. (No tour is required to belly up to the bar.)

Tullamore Distillery, County Offaly

Nearly midway between Dublin and Galway in County Offaly, Tullamore Distillery opened in 2014; though, the brand itself dates back nearly 200 years. The distillery spreads across 58 acres, and tours start at the visitor center with a welcome Irish coffee. Later, during the Tullamore Distillery Tour , participants can sample this second-largest whiskey brand (after Jameson) straight from the cask and even have the option to craft their own whiskey blend.

Boann Distillery, County Meath

Just a short drive from the Hill of Tara and Newgrange (the latter being Ireland’s oldest astronomically aligned structure, which is believed to be older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids!), Boann Distillery takes its inspiration from the Boyne Valley and the nearby River Boyne. Water is drawn from the valley and barley is sourced from native farmers before being transformed into whiskey. Tours start at the visitor center, and visitors can order their favorite tipple at the on-site Boyne Brewhouse craft brewery and taproom.

There are plenty of other distilleries around Ireland’s Ancient East and across the entire island. Read more about these and other things to do in Ireland at discoverireland.ie .

About Wendy O'Dea

Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels . 

Read more about Wendy O'Dea here.

Connect with Wendy via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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9 Awesome Whiskey Tours in Ireland

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? Embarking on one of these whiskey tours in Ireland in 2023 promises to be an extraordinary adventure.

Hear tales and learn about the rich history of Irish whiskey, taste unique flavor notes from some truly remarkable distilleries, and discover why this beloved spirit has remained a popular libation for centuries.

From coastal cities to winding country roads, these nine amazing whiskey tours in Ireland will introduce you to the classic drink!

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Top Pics: Best Whiskey Tours in Ireland

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Private Irish Whiskey Tour: rural Ireland with Tullamore D.E.W.

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Skip the Line Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour in Dublin

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⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( 776 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 1 hour | ✅ Includes: Fully guided tour, whiskey tasting | 🥃 Book now

Fancy a tasting of some Irish whiskey? Then why not take this exclusive 1-hour tour at Teeling Whiskey Distillery in Dublin for an inside peek into one of the city’s working distilleries?

Learn from your guide about how each drop is lovingly crafted, and end with a sample to tantalize those taste buds! Oh, and don’t forget – leave your mark on their hip hangout area by signing the walls after you’ve stocked up at the gift shop.

This tour is shorter, so it’s perfect for those who don’t have much time during their trip. The ticket includes the fully guided tour and whiskey tasting.

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( 5 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 10 hours | ✅ Includes: Private full day tour, executive transport, bottled water on board, whiskey specialist, distillery experience at Kilbeggan Distillery, visit to Sean’s Bar, tour of Tullamore Distillery | 🥃 Book now

Experience a truly captivating and unique adventure through rural Ireland on this private whiskey-themed tour.

From the comfort of your hotel in Dublin, you’ll be whisked out to explore historic sites like one of the country’s oldest pubs (Sean’s Bar) and two renowned distilleries: Old Kilbeggan Distillery and Tullamore Dew Distillery. A day full of fascinating sights, free time for exploring, and lunch are all included!

This tour is perfect for those who want to have a full-day tour during their trip to Ireland. It includes multiple tastings throughout the day, and you’ll have a whiskey guide with you the entire time.

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars ( 533 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 4 hours | ✅ Includes: Expert local guide, skip-the-line entrance to Jameson Distillery Experience, skip-the-line entrance to Guinness Storehouse, 2 free drinks (Guinness and Jameson Whiskey) | 🥃 Book now

Cut the queue and take a guided journey through Ireland’s most beloved beer and whiskey hotspots! Learn all about the fascinating combinations of ingredients used in their acclaimed brewing and distilling processes while enjoying tastings of some world-famous brews.

Your guide will show you exactly why Guinness & Jameson are top o’ the line, so don’t miss out on this unique excursion!

For guests who want to explore more than one place but don’t want to get out of Dublin, this tour is perfect, at just four hours in length.

Irish Whiskey Tasting and Food Pairing in Local’s Ballina Home

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 2 hours | ✅ Includes: Whiskey, light refreshments, local guide, snacks | 🥃 Book now

Get ready to take a tour of delightful drinks! Indulge in the knowledge and flavor-filled journey through County Sligo with an Irish whiskey expert as your guide. Try samples from Ireland, Scotland , and beyond – it’s like visiting all two countries without leaving home!

Learn how different whiskeys pair best with certain foods for even more delectable delights or simply impress friends at happy hour. Either way, you won’t be sorry about this fantastic experience.

This experience is approximately two hours long and includes tastings, light refreshments, and snacks.

The Whiskey Trail Dublin Tasting Tour with Local Guide

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( 14 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 2.5 hours | ✅ Includes: Beverages, local guide, food tasting (deluxe only) | 🥃 Book now

Get a real taste of the Emerald Isle with this small-group tour around Dublin! Sample classic Irish whiskeys like Bushmills, Jameson, Wild Geese, and Connemara in some of the city’s coolest pubs.

Plus, get insider tips from your local guide about where to experience unforgettable nightlife moments. Limited to just 15 people for an intimate adventure – choose between two tailor-made itineraries.

The experience is approximately 2.5 hours long and includes beverages and a local guide. Food tastings are included in the deluxe-only experience.

Discover Dublin’s Whiskey Distilleries: Private Tasting Tour

⏳ Tour length : 3.5 hours | ✅ Includes: Whiskey specialist host, private transportation, private tastings in 3 distilleries | 🥃 Book now

Take your taste buds on a tour of the Irish whiskey scene with this exclusive private tasting experience. Sip from some of Dublin’s hidden gems and famed pubs – all in an intimate atmosphere for only you and your group to enjoy!

Round off the night at a reserved table to sample whiskeys crafted by a centuries-old tradition. This tour is approximately 3.5 hours long and is truly perfect for those wanting a more intimate tour experience, thanks to the small group size.

Jameson Distillery Guided Experience with Whiskey Tasting in Dublin

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( 1562 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 45 minutes | ✅ Includes: Signature Jameson Ginger and Lime drink, whiskey tasting, local guide | 🥃 Book now

Take an immersive journey into the world of Irish whiskey at Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Dublin! This guided tour will show you why Jameson has become iconic, from exploring centuries-old distillation techniques to sipping a glass of whiskey.

With insight from expert guides, experience history come alive right before your eyes – cheers! The experience is short and sweet at just 45 minutes long, making it perfect for those who aren’t spending very long on the Emerald Isle. It includes a signature drink.

Whiskey Tasting Tour of Dublin

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( 91 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 1 hour and 45 minutes | ✅ Includes: 5 whiskey tastings, professional guide, small group size | 🥃 Book now

Take your tastebuds on the ultimate excursion in Dublin! Sample Ireland’s treasured whiskey with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

From strolling in the footsteps of Jonathan Swift to sipping sublime whiskeys, it’s an unforgettable journey through some of Dublin’s most iconic bars and pubs – a perfect blend for any connoisseur looking for liquid gold!

This tour is about an hour and 45 minutes long and includes five different whiskey tastings. There’s a small group size for an intimate experience.

Premium Whiskey and Food Tasting in Dublin

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( 46 reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 1 hour and 45 minutes | ✅ Includes: Professional guide, 5 whiskey tastings, Irish chocolates, Irish farmhouse cheeses | 🥃 Book now

Experience Dublin’s incredible whiskey heritage like never before! On this guided tasting tour, explore famous hostelries and try top-notch whiskeys fit for a king. Learn about their intricate flavors while sipping expertly curated pairings of Irish cheese and chocolates. What could be better?

Then top off the experience with arrival in Temple Bar – ready to continue your royal treatment around town! This tour is approximately one hour and 45 minutes long and includes five tastings plus pairings.

Final Thoughts: Ireland Whiskey Tours

There’s no better way to experience Ireland than taking a whiskey tour. From sweetly floral notes to smoky and robust aromas, you can immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich whiskey-making tradition while experiencing serene countryside surroundings.

So, pour yourself a glass of whiskey and book the tour you have been dreaming about. Experience history and taste some of the best whiskies in all of Europe. Just remember that when it comes time to sip – Sláinte! Cheers!

Now what are you waiting on? Book one of the best whiskey tours in Ireland today!

More IRELAND posts

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, you’re in luck! I studied abroad there and have tons of Ireland posts. Explore them below!

• 13 Scenic Lakes in Ireland
• 13 Best Coffee Shops in Dublin, Ireland
• 12 Enchanting Best Waterfalls in Ireland
• Day Trip From Dublin to Kerry With Paddywagon Tours!
• 8 Incredible Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin, Ireland
• 6 Best Day Trips from Galway, Ireland
• Ultimate Guide to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland

Finn Mccools Tours Review: Cliffs of Moher from Dublin

• Top 5 Cheap Eats in Dublin, Ireland
• 8 Best Ireland Pub Tours for Travelers

KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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Tour and Tasting experience at Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Located a stones throw away from Dublin City centre, against the backdrop of a city steeped in whiskey history, Teeling Whiskey Distillery opened its doors in 2015 as the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years. Why not enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of our distillery while enjoying a weekend in Dublin or a day out exploring with friends and family?

Teeling Whiskey Distillery is a fully operational distillery which offers a range of different experiences for anyone looking to taste our award-winning Irish whiskeys . All of our tours are fully guided and offer visitors the chance to experience the complete whiskey-making process with one of our Teeling Whiskey Ambassadors. All tours conclude with a tasting of our award-winning Teeling Whiskeys, with a selection of tasting options available to suit the novice and aficionado alike. After your tour you can  enjoy a tasty Teeling treat at our Distillery Bang Bang Bar , we have a wide range seasonal handcrafted cocktails we are sure you are going to love.

TEELING TASTING TOUR

Our Teeling Tasting takes you through the complete production process of our fully operational distillery and concludes with a tasting of our flagship Teeling Small Batch and our extremely popular seasonal Teeling Ice Tea . One of our Teeling Whiskey Ambassadors will guide you through how to pick up all of the aromas and flavours of our Teeling Small Batch and let you know how to craft one of our delicious Teeling cocktails at home.

TEELING TRINITY TASTING TOUR

Our highly popular Trinity Tasting allows you to taste three very unique styles of Teeling Whiskey. Our Trinity range of Irish whiskeys includes our flagship Teeling Small Batch, Teeling Single Grain and Teeling Single Malt . These three Irish whiskeys represent everything that we do here at Teeling Whiskey Distillery and focus on challenging the conventions of what is considered Irish whiskey while also pushing the boundaries in terms of flavour. Your Teeling Whiskey Ambassador will guide you through the entire tasting process, breaking down what goes into making each one of these award winning whiskeys.

DISTILLERY SELECT TASTING TOUR

Our Distillery Select Tasting Experience takes you through four very unique styles of Irish Whiskey. Included on the tasting is our Teeling Small Batch, Teeling Single Malt, Teeling Single Pot Still , and our Teeling Distillery Exclusive . This tasting allows you to immerse yourself in  four award-winning Irish whiskeys that lead with flavour. At the end of your fully guided tour and tasting you will be given the chance to compare and contrast these four very unique whiskeys allowing you to pick out all of the subtle flavours and aromas.

FILL YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE

Our Fill Your Own Experience is a fully private tour with one of our Teeling Whiskey Distillery Ambassadors who will take you through the entire production process of our award-winning distillery. After your tour you will take a private tasting where you will get the chance to experience our limited range of distillery exclusive whiskeys. Included on the tasting are our flagship Teeling Small Batch, Teeling Distillery Exclusive, Teeling Distillery Exclusive Single Pot Still , and our Teeling Distillery Exclusive Single Malt . The final two of these whiskeys are extremely limited as they are single casks exclusive to our Distillery Gift Shop . At the end our your tour and tasting you will bottle and label your very own bottle of Distillery Exclusive Single Pot Still directly from the cask and bring home for you to enjoy.

Teeling Whiskey Distillery is open 7 days a week for tours and tastings. Each our our tour experiences takes approximately an hour, where your Teeling Whiskey Distillery Ambassador will guide you through the entire production process and tasting. A language app is available in a number of international languages to accompany your full guided tour experience. Booking in advance is advised in order to ensure you have the perfect time at Teeling Whiskey Distillery. For any questions regarding our Tour, Tasting and Distillery please make sure to email [email protected] and one of the team will get back to you to help.

For more updates on all things Teeling, including new releases, events and offerings please sign up to our  mailing list here . You can also follow us on social media!

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Discover the true history of Irish Whiskey

Take a journey back through time at the irish whiskey museum, explore tours, discover irish whiskey tours our guided tours our experiences.

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How It Started

Our journey.

The Irish Whiskey Museum opened its doors to whiskey lovers from across the world in 2014. We tell the complete and unbiased history of Irish whiskey and its importance in Ireland’s turbulent past. Housed in a historic building in the city center, the museum is comprised of an extensive whiskey bar, historic exhibits, a tasting room, and a retail area filled with whiskey and souvenirs. We work with over 30 whiskey brands across Ireland and Northern Ireland, portraying the different distillation methods and styles of whiskey.

There's something for everyone

Guided tours, independent of all brands, central location, plan your visit, in the heart of dublin.

Listen, learn and laugh during guided tours of the Museum. Walk throughout the building where each of the 4 different rooms represents a different period in Irish history. Finish the tour by becoming a true whiskey expert with a tasting of three or four different Irish whiskeys. Other tours, such as the Whiskey Blending Experience and the Irish Coffee Masterclass experience, are also available. Or visit our shop and speak to one of our whiskey experts and find the perfect whiskey for you!

Discover the story of Irish Whiskey

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The perfect venue in Dublin City Centre, book your very own private space at the Irish Whiskey Museum. From bars to banquets, conferences to cocktails, the Irish Whiskey Museum is an ideal venue for your event in Dublin. Contact us today, let us know what you need and let us put your event together.

We are centrally located beside Trinity College and the main shopping districts in Dublin city, making us a convenient spot for lunches, meetings, entertaining or private events. We cater for parties of 1-120, whether you are looking to rent a room or the entire building.

A glimpse of 'The Irish Whiskey Museum'

A glimpse of ‘the irish whiskey museum', excellent reviews, what our customers have to say.

“One of the best experiences that was very personalized. Both our tour guide and people behind the bar were passionate about what they do. They were also more than welcome to fill us in on the history behind Irish coffee or whiskey we had after.”

“Great comprehensive tour, not a fan of whiskey and I still recommend highly! Briain was extremely knowledgeable, personable and funny. Great to pair with other tastings in Dublin.”

Katina Vosinas

“The deluxe tour was a great experience. Amazing value for money and Ellen was a brilliant host!”

Tom sanderson

119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 E620

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The Heart and Soul of Irish Whiskey

Midleton distillery experience.

Discover the Heart and Soul of Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery Experience. Home of seven iconic brands – Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare, The Spot Whiskeys, Method and Madness and Knappogue Castle. The passion behind every drop lives here. Immerse yourself in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable stories.

Midleton Distillery Experience is a one-of-a-kind whiskey experience that takes you beyond process and taste and brings you to the very essence of Irish whiskey. Taste, learn, shop, and take in the magic of Midleton. We look forward to welcoming you!

You may also like

Bow st distillery.

Founded by John Jameson in 1780, today the former factory stands as a monument to Irish Whiskey.

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• Whiskey Tours of Ireland

Whiskey tours of Ireland including visits to the great whiskey distilleries and tasting centres all across Ireland.

What are whiskey tours of ireland.

Irish whiskey, "Uisce Betha" in traditional Gaelic (meaning water of life) has been distilled on the fair isle of Ireland since the middle ages . It was once the most popular spirit in the world with Dublin alone producing over 10 million gallons per annum. Although a decline in the early 1900s forced the closure of most of the great whiskey distilleries of Ireland a massive resurgence in popularity in modern times has allowed some to reopen and even more new distilleries to flourish. Today you can tour many of these wonderful Irish Whiskey distilleries and hear how this fine Irish "aqua vitae" is produced and of course sample some of its rare and wonderful flavours.

Some ideas for your Whiskey tour of Ireland

Discover Ireland Tours, the number one Destination Management Company (DMC) in Ireland have been helping plan leisure and special interest tour itineraries for the 35 years. In the tour business since 1989 our experience and knowledge is unmatched . With this in mind we have put together a small summary of the most popular and interesting tour stop ideas and also some of our personal favourites. Our catalogue of tour ideas ranges far beyond what is found here and will certainly contain something to match your clients needs. Contact us today to see what we can do for you!

Jameson Experience

Located in Midleton county Cork, the Jameson experience and distillery is home to the best selling Irish Whiskey in the world. Originally established in Dublin in 1810 by John Jameson and his son (also John) this world renowned whiskey is now produced in Cork using barley sourced from a radius of 50km or less around the distillery.

A decline in sales due to the Irish war of Independence and also the American prohibition caused a huge decline in sales but the company managed to struggle on and is now stronger than ever. A tour of the Jameson Experience in Middleton country Cork is a must for any itinerary for whiskey tours in Ireland. Contact us today to add this to your clients tour.

Tullamore Dew Visitors Centre

With close to a million cases a year sold around the world Tullamore Dew is the second most popular Irish Whiskey on the planet. First established in 1829 in Tullamore, County Offaly the Tullamore Dew distillery closed in 1954 from which point it was produced in Cork. It is now once again back in its home town after a break of 60 years and stronger than ever.

Located in the heartlands of Ireland the The Tullamore Dew visitors centre opened its doors in 2012 and now runs tours and tastings all year round. To sample the fine flavours of this most Irish of Irish Whiskeys. Located in a former bonded warehouse of the original distillery the visitors centre is the perfect stop a whiskey tour of Ireland.

Killbeggan Distillery

Founded in 1757 the storied history of this distillery follows the fate of so many of the great early Irish Whiskey producers. It closed its doors in 1954 due to the economic climate of post civil war Ireland. Nearly 250 years after it first opened it started production again in 2007 and is once again producing some of the most flavoursome whiskeys in Ireland.

Today the visitors centre located in the original distillery building and housing the original pot stills from the 1800's (one of which is sill in use in the new distillery making it the oldest operational pot still in the world). It is a thriving stop on the Irish Whiskey tour circuit. Contact us today to see what we can do for you and your clients on a whiskey tour of Ireland.

Bushmills Distillery

First licenced in 1608 the Bushmills distillery located in the far north of Ireland in County Antrim. Every bottle of Bushmills Irish whiskey is made from water drawn from a tributary of the River Bush. This along with being in near continuous production since 1885 has made Bushmills one of the pre-eminent Irish Whiskeys of our times.

The Bushmills Visitors centre located in the Distillery (which is only a stones throw away from the famous Giants Causeway in County Antrim) has become a famous attraction in its own right. A full tour of the Distillery and Visitors centre detailing the production and history of Bushmills (along with a tasting) makes this a great stop on the Irish Whiskey Trail.

Pearse Lyons Distillery

At Pearse Lyons Distillery, whiskey is only part of their story. Whether you are an intrepid whiskey enthusiast, culturally curious or just an inquisitive Dubliner, you are sure to enjoy a journey through 800 years of history at St. James with their local storytellers. They are open 7 days a week and is a 5 minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse.

Their fully guided distillery tour gives an insight into the whiskey heritage and stories behind the iconic Dublin district known as The Liberties. Visitors can also touch, taste and smell every step of the distilling process, meet with their distillers and taste their signature Pearse Irish Whiskey.

Some more ideas for whiskey tours in Ireland:

Teeling Distillery

A relative newcomer to the Irish Whiskey market but with a strong family history in the Whiskey Business this Dublin based Distillery has won numerous awards since opening their doors. Their visitors centre and tours of the Distillery are a pleasant stop on any tour of Ireland.

Irish Whiskey Museum

Located right in the centre of Dublin the Irish Whiskey Museum offers comprehensive tours and presentations on the history and culture of Irish Whiskey production including tastings and appreciation courses. You even get to blend your own whiskey to take away!

Dingle Distillery

With their first whiskeys coming on the market in 2016 the Dingle Distillery is definitely the youngest distillery on our list. This "artisan" style distillery is located on the beautiful Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Tours of this distillery are available year round.

We also offer Special Interest Tours of Ireland , which include Agricultural Tours , Performance Tours , Faith Based Tours , Student Tours and Incentive Travel to Ireland to name just a few.

Why not add Scotland?

Fancy a tour of the Scottish Highlands to round off the trip? Perhaps a visit to some of the famous Scotch distilleries? Ireland and Scotland have a shared history and culture so it only makes sense to visit while you are here.

Our high standards extend across the sea so by working with our expert partners we can also arrange Multi-Country Tours to Scotland, Wales and England . Contact us today to see what we can do for you!

Let us Quote your tour

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[email protected] from USA / Canada: 011 353 21 437 3624, from Europe: +353 21 437 3624

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Working with Us - How it Works

Your inbound tour operator for ireland, planning the perfect tour.

If you already have an itinerary in mind then let us quote, and your clients can take advantage of the great rates we get at the accommodations and attractions all across Ireland.

Or we can design the ideal itinerary for your clients. Every itinerary we design is unique, and starts with a conversation with you so we can fully understand the needs of your group. Specialist visits required? Not a problem at all, our range of contacts is unrivalled in the industry and we are uniquely positioned to provide custom special interest tours of Ireland .

Executing the Perfect Tour

As soon as your guests arrive in Ireland, we take over and look after the accommodation, logistics, entertainment and well-being of your group. Your very own authentic and knowledgeable Irish Driver-Guide or Expert Tour Manager is always on hand to provide information about the attractions and local flavour. Always friendly and approachable, your group will have plenty of 'craic' with your professional guide. Your clients are in good hands.

These are your guests. We will brand everything with your name, with us hidden in entirely in the background. Our aim is to make sure they cannot thank you enough for such a great Irish Experience.

Tell us about your group's ideal tour of Ireland

The first thing is to get in touch and let us know what you are thinking of. Perhaps we can help with suggestions, ideas, and rough expectations of costs too.

We listen and design a custom tour to match

Let us know what you'd like, and we'll get an exact itinerary together for you. Be as exact or general as you like. If you already know the itinerary you'd like then just let us know, we can arrange it all for you. Less hassle for you, and better rates for your clients due to the great rates we enjoy with attractions and accommodations across Ireland.

Once you're happy, we arrange everything except your flights

We are experts in all things Ireland, so if you'd like us to suggest and plan for your clients please just ask. Everything from leisure tours to technical special interest tours , we can use our expertise to create the perfect itinerary, whatever your groups needs.

You relax and your clients enjoy their dream vacation in Ireland

We'll make sure your clients enjoy the perfect tour & a truly seamless experience whilst in Ireland.

We operate completely in the background on your customized tour. They are your clients, and they'll receive wonderful service with a the tour that's branded in your name.

Accommodation in Ireland

Historic Castles & Luxury Manor Houses, three, four & five star Hotels or quaint B&B's and Farmhouses. Our contacts and friends are all over the country and we can provide accommodation to suit all. The buying power we have ensures the best prices for you and your guests. Our accommodation options are flexible and customizable , we can work with you to design a unique tour with lodgings tailored to your needs.

Three, Four & Five star Hotels

Our Hotel selection can be customised to you and your clients budget. From lively and centrally located to historic, quaint or secluded.

Castles & Luxury Manors

Ireland is steeped in history. We have the contacts to provide access to some of the finest Castles & Manors in the country.

Irish Farmhouses & B&B's

If your guests want to get close to real Ireland, then quaint B&B's & Farmhouses that dot the countryside are available.

Hostels & Homestay

Popular on our student and educational tours of Ireland , hostels and homestays offer a unique cultural experience as well as a great value option.

Attractions in Ireland

Access to all ireland has to offer.

We can arrange entry or access to all of Ireland's attractions and are always available to recommend attractions for you and your clients itinerary.

Whatever your tastes or interest

As special interest tour suppliers we can provide tours for any age or interest group, have a look at our customisable special interest tours and see what tours we can offer.

Leisure Tour Experts of Ireland

Organising special interest tours has not only made us experts in technical and niche tours but has also made us superior when it comes to providing Leisure Tours in Ireland.

Our Vehicles & Driver-Guides

Any sized group.

From private cars to large coaches, and everything in between, we can provide the ideal vehicle or vehicles for your group. Many vehicles feature tinted windows, guest fridges, air conditioning and leather seats. Should you require something extra-luxurious please just ask.

Safety & Comfort

Our driver-guides have a pristine record of ensuring the guests' safety, comfort and entertainment, and it is their desire to bring fulfilment to all members of your group that set us apart from other DMC's in Ireland. Many vehicles have been downsized, giving your clients extra legroom and comfort.

An Irish Welcome

Our Driver-Guides and Tour Managers are passionate about Ireland, its heritage, and its people. Always on hand to give your clients the inside track on what is the best place for a pint of Guinness or to let you know about the seldom seen gems of Ireland .

Vehicles we can provide:

• Private Car: ideal for groups of 1 - 3
• Minibus: groups of 4 - 8, great for families and groups of friends
• Small Coach: groups of 9 - 16
• Medium Coach: groups of 17 - 30
• Large Coach: groups of 31 - 50
• Multiple coaches: groups of 50+

What We Can Include

Our responsibilities as your destination management company for ireland, customized itinerary.

As a leading Irish DMC we don't do "off-the-shelf" tours of Ireland, all our itineraries our fully customized to each unique group and every itinerary starts with a conversation with you.

Accommodation

From budget to 5 star luxury, contemporary to historic, Ireland has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all groups. We provide the best options at the best rates.

Driver-Guide / Tour Manager

Engaging and highly knowledgeable, our expert-driver guides & tour managers will bring the vibrant history and culture of Ireland to life for your group.

Attractions

Historic, cultural, iconic, expansive, vibrant; the range and variety of things to see in Ireland is quite incredible. We will plan and arrange everything here to bring the best of Ireland to your group.

Our large range of vehicles, from private cars for two 2 to large coaches for groups of 100+, offer superior comfort for your clients as they journey into Ireland's past and present.

Client satisfaction

As a leading business-to-business inbound tour operator , our job is to make your clients very happy. With everything branded in your name, our aim is to ensure your clients are extremely satisfied and return to you for their next tour.

Why Choose us

Let us be your inbound tour operator for ireland, local knowledge.

Operating since 1989, we are the leading Irish destination management company , with unrivalled local knowledge. From the iconic sights to the unknown gems, we are your experts for all things Ireland.

Purchasing Power

Our scale and supplier relationships give us excellent purchasing power, giving your clients the very best rates. Booking through us is not only wonderfully easy, but also better value that booking hotels and attractions direct.

Unrivalled Contacts

After 35 years in business our contacts throughout Ireland are industry-leading, including a huge range of specialist options for niche tours.

Branded in Your Name

We are a business-to-business Irish inbound tour operator , and your clients will only see your name. Our aim is to give your clients the best possible experience, giving you the repeat business.

Effortless Tour Planning

As your one-stop solution for everything Ireland, you can relax. Our expertise is here to plan and deliver everything for you and your clients. If you already have an idea of the itinerary then let us quote, and if you would like us to design one for you, well that's what we're here for.

Proven Results

35 years in business and the reputation as Ireland's leading ground handling agent have not come from nothing. Get in touch today and let us show you what we can do.

Why not add some leisure to your tour of Ireland...

Tell us your ideas for Leisure and Vacation Tours?

Our Range of Special Interest Tours of Ireland:

We also offer Leisure Tours all across Ireland North and South .

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from USA / Canada: 011 353 21 437 3624, from Europe: +353 21 437 3624

from Europe: +353 21 437 3624

Fax from USA / Canada: 011 353 21 483 4531, from Europe: +353 21 483 4531

Fax from Europe: +353 21 483 4531

Office Address: Discover Ireland Tours, 14 Church Hill , Carrigaline , Co. Cork , P43 F886 , Ireland .

Educational Tours in Ireland Ltd, Trading as "Discover Ireland Tours", is an independent Irish Destination Management Company (DMC), established in 1989. Registered in Ireland, Company number 183844.

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Bushmills Irish Whiskey

Aged in Oloroso sherry casks

High single malt component, matured in sherry casks

We've been here for 400 years and don't plan on leaving soon

Triple Distilled

Our whiskey.

There's a Bushmills for every occasion.

County Antrim, Ireland

The Distillery

The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world

Made with Black Bush

Black Fashioned

The new standard

Made with Carribbean Rum Cask Finish

Caribbean Highball

Appetite meets refreshment

We've been at it since 1608

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‘It was 24 hours a day of hatred’: whiskey distillery on Crumlin Road Gaol site stirs memories of the Troubles

The former prison, which housed 2,000 republicans and loyalists at the height of the troubles, is now home to stills that can make 610,000 litres of whiskey.

'There’s 60,000-70,000 people come through here a year. It’s amazing.' Former IRA prisoner Joe Doherty, one of eight escapees from the jail in the 1981 breakout, at the new distillery. Photographs: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

It is a smell that reminds Joe Doherty of the illegal poitín he once made in prison.

Standing in front of three enormous whiskey stills in Belfast’s newest distillery, the former IRA man looks up and points to the spot where he attempted his first jail break more than 50 years ago.

“It took us six weeks to cut through those bars,” he says. “Me and a guy from Co Clare blackened our faces and went out the window at three o’clock in the morning ... We got caught going over the wall.”

Doherty is on the second floor of the old A-Wing in the former Crumlin Road Gaol in the north of the city, where he was imprisoned three times during the Troubles.

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In 1981, his face appeared on “Wanted” posters at airports and train stations after he and seven other IRA prisoners escaped from “The Crum” dressed as prison guards and solicitors.

Former IRA man Joe Doherty in the top right photograph of a 'Wanted' poster seeking information about escapees from the Crumlin Road Gaol in 1981

A dramatic daytime shoot-out outside the Victorian jail led him to flee to the United States a year later; a street corner is named after him in New York. He was arrested in 1983 serving beer to three FBI agents in Clancy’s Bar in Manhattan.

Today, the 69-year-old community worker watches “master distiller” Graeme Millar pop open a brass cuboid box and rubs clear liquid on his hand.

“You can get the waft; it’s a strong, fruity aroma,” says Millar.

He roars with laughter when Doherty says it reminds him of “Long Kesh poitín”.

In that prison on the outskirts of Lisburn, he recalls putting a raspberry or gobstopper in to add flavour.

“My ma used to smuggle a couple a pair of nylons in and then you’d strain it out ... I was a plumber and did all the piping. I’d be up all night sitting watching it go drip, drip, drip,” he says. “I wished it had come out like that, though.”

Former IRA prisoner Joe Doherty and Graeme Millar, McConnell's Irish Whiskey Master Distiller. Photographs: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Crumlin Road Gaol, once dubbed “Europe’s Alcatraz”, was constructed during 1846-1850, and housed more than 25,000 prisoners, including suffragettes, Éamon de Valera, Rev Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams. It closed in 1996. Seventeen men were hanged there, the last in 1961; 15 of the bodies are buried in unconsecrated graves within the prison walls.

The adjoining C-Wing opened as a tourist attraction in 2007 and became an instant hit with overseas visitors fascinated by the city’s “terror trail”.

“You’ve just missed four big buses full of Americans, there were hundreds of them. There’s 60,000-70,000 people come through here a year. It’s amazing,” says Doherty, greeting The Irish Times in the former A-Wing yard and garden that is now a car park.

The former prisoner was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment two days after the 1981 escape for his role in the murder of the most senior ranking SAS officer to be killed in Northern Ireland’s conflict, Capt Herbert Westmacott. He has given joint talks with loyalists to youth groups in the prison and previously did tours.

Doherty was released from Maze/Long Kesh prison after serving out the remainder of his sentence following his deportation from the United States in 1992. He was released in 1998 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

Doherty blesses himself every time he passes the row of houses where Westmacott was killed in a gun battle between the SAS and the IRA on the Antrim Road in 1980.

“Some people say to me: ‘Why are you doing that?’ I tell them; I’m blessing his soul. At the end of the day, he was a victim of the conflict as well,” he says.

At the height of the Troubles some 2,000 republicans and loyalists were imprisoned or remanded in the imposing grey basalt building, often four to a cell.

Joe Doherty outside the former Crumlin Road Gaol in north Belfast

“It was dog eat dog,” says former loyalist prisoner Colin Halliday, who was remanded in the former C-Wing for 10 months in 1991.

Halliday was a member of the Ulster Defence Association and has delivered post-conflict talks with Doherty in the prison.

“At that time, you were locked up 23 hours a day every second day; the republicans got out the other day. You ate in the cell, you slept in the cell, you went to the toilet in the cell. You were lucky you got showered once a week,” says Halliday.

“It was 24 hours a day of hatred. When I was there, two loyalist prisoners were murdered in the canteen when a bomb exploded on a Sunday afternoon. That’s how bad it was.”

[  An Irishman’s Diary about two escapees from Crumlin Road Gaol  ]

The new McConnell’s Irish Whiskey distillery opened at the end of March – 1,800 people have already visited – following a £30 million (€35 million) investment and seven years of planning.

In just over 20 months, it has been transformed from a pigeon infested, derelict republican wing of the jail to the largest Irish whiskey-making operation seen in Belfast since the late 1930s.

On A-Wing’s third floor, Doherty can’t believe his former cell is between a new 16-seater cocktail bar and conference room. “Look at how it’s transformed itself – it’s really strange,” he says.

Joe Doherty

The idea for a distillery was proposed by Belfast lottery winner and bus driver Peter Lavery more than a decade ago; Lavery went on to help establish Titanic Distillers, which opened in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter last year.

It wasn’t until a group of American investors, known as the Belfast Distillery Company, submitted planning application in 2019 for Crumlin Road Gaol that the idea began to gain traction again with its $20 million investment; four years ago, the US company relaunched the McConnell’s Whiskey brand, whose Belfast roots date from 1776.

Some original numbers remained on the old cell doors when the company acquired the building, which Millar says he painstakingly tried to match up.

“We have installed this 30-tonne malt silo – this is standard distillery equipment but it’s not located in any other place like this on the planet,” he says.

Chief executive of Belfast Distillery Company John Kelly and McConnell's Irish Whiskey master distiller Graeme Millar

The stills can make 610,000 litres of “new make” spirit but will “not find a way to the bottle” until five years at least, says John Kelly, chief executive of McConnell’s, who went to St Malachy’s school behind the prison walls in the 1980s.

“We would have the capacity to make enough for four million bottles a year and hope to employ 50 people,” he says.

The north Belfast man admits he got “goosebumps” when he stood outside the jail after agreeing to head the project, which included the working distillery and visitor centre.

“I thought: ‘My god, 40 years later, I have come across the wall from St Malachy’s into the actual prison itself,’” he says.

He felt the day the bottles, pictures and trays were put into the new building was “like a milestone”.

John Kelly of Belfast Distillery Company

US Special Economic Envoy Joe Kennedy, First Minster Michelle O’Neill and three other Stormont Ministers attended last month’s official opening; about £2 million has been given to the project in government grants.

As this reporter leaves the distillery, a bus full of tourists from Tennessee stream in for their prebooked whiskey tour.

For Colin Halliday, the “horrors” of the prison shouldn’t be forgotten. “I’m sure there has to be a better place for a distillery than the Crumlin Road Gaol; this is my personal view. I understand that it will create employment for people and contribute to the economy, but I think it should be remembered for what it was and what happened on those wings,” he says.

Glancing up at the Grade A listed building, Doherty thinks the project “can only be a good thing” and that two unused wings could be used for another purpose.

“It’s giving people work and brings them into the city; we used to blow factories up, now Sinn Féin are getting businesses to come in here – and this distillery is a business,” he says.

Visitors can also “come and reflect on once upon a time when people were imprisoned here”.

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Everything you need to know about English whisky

It might lack the reputation of Scotland, Ireland or the US, but England is currently producing some of the world’s most interesting whiskies. What’s more, whisky-lovers are beginning to take note.

What’s happening in the world of whisky?  

In news that might surprise some north of the border, the English whisky scene has been calmly fermenting into an unlikely yet innovative cradle of quality whisky-making.

Err… that doesn’t sound right.  

Actually, England has form in whisky distilling, which dates back to the early 1800s. In 1887, there were four significant whisky distilleries below the border. However, the bottom soon fell out of the over-inflated UK whisky market, and in the early 1900s, the last English whisky distillery, in East London’s Lea Valley, closed. Today, however, there are at least 49 distilleries in operation or being built and it’s estimated that by the end of 2024 there’ll be 50,000 whisky casks maturing in English warehouses — from the top of Northumberland to the tip of Cornwall — and that the value of these stocks will exceed £1bn. Despite sailing into some challenging economic headwinds (such as Brexit and rising production costs), sales of English whisky went up by nearly a third in 2022 and it’s reckoned that capacity will grow to 3.6 million litres per annum this year. It’s a drop in the barrel compared to Scotland, Ireland and the US, but English distillers are exporting to more than 32 markets around the world — even north of the border.

What distinguishes English whisky from Scotch, Irish and other world whiskies?

Diversity. The embryonic English whisky scene is immensely eclectic. Not hamstrung by history nor tethered so tightly to tradition as their neighbours, English distillers are able to innovate with measured abandon. The vast majority of distilleries (97%) are making single malt whisky, but around a quarter are also using other grains, too, including rye, oats and other local ingredients. Drawing on a wide array of global whisky scenes, they’re also embracing pioneering ageing techniques, modern distilling processes and, crucially, celebrating provenance — collaborating with local producers, partnering with neighbouring brewers and using ‘indigenous’ ingredients.

But is it any good?  

It is. Distilleries from England have scooped quite a few distinguished industry gongs — ahead of distilleries from all over the globe. The Lakes Distillery won Best Single Malt Whisky   at the World Whisky Awards in 2022 and more recently, Best Distillery of the Year at the 2023 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition. Back in 2018, in an effort to raise standards and encourage collaboration, a number of distillers came together to create the English Whisky Guild. Now with two dozen members, it serves as a unifying force for English whisky producers. What’s more, in 2022, it submitted a geographical indication (GI) application for English single malt whisky to the UK government. The application, in true English tradition, is currently waiting in a queue.

Where to drink English whisky

1. Whiskyside , Yorkshire   Located on the site of a disused swimming pool within a holiday park, this is thought to be the only bar dedicated entirely to English whisky — it boasts the largest collection in the country.

2. Cotswolds Distillery   Cotswolds does a cracking, indeed award-winning, tour and tasting experience. The cafe, with its summer terrace, is a picturesque place to relax and sip its wonderful whiskies, too.

3. Milroy’s of Soho   This imbibing institution is a one-stop shop for whiskies from all over the world and its collection of English whiskies is as comprehensive as you can find anywhere — all overseen by very knowledgeable staff.

Three English whisky's to try

1. Cotswolds Peated Cask Single Malt Whisky Using floor-malted barley grown just 15 minutes from the distillery, Cotswolds makes high-quality whiskies, including this wonderfully balanced small-batch expression matured in ex-peated quarter casks.

2. Wire Works Virgin Oak White Peak whiskies are mashed, fermented, distilled and matured deep in the Derbyshire Dales on the banks of the River Derwent, within an incredible 19 th -century former wire works. This lightly peated single malt exemplifies the brand’s artisan approach.

3.   Circumstance   Single Grain Estate Whisky The core expression from this acutely innovative Bristol-based distillery features four different grains, a trio of different brewing yeasts (including mead) and is aged in three different casks (ex-bourbon, new European oak and oloroso).

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6 Things You Didn’t Know About Jameson Irish Whiskey

• by Beth Squires
• May 18, 2024

Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey brand, selling 31 million bottles annually. Owned by French beverage group, Pernod Ricard, since 1988, the brand has expanded exporting 90 percent of the 4.7 million cases of Jameson whisky produced each year. If you’ve ever been curious about this monumentally popular Irish whiskey, we explore Jameson’s origins, distillery history, and production. Here are six things you didn’t know about the iconic Jameson brand.

1. John Jameson came from Scotland 

John Jameson the brand’s namesake, was born in Alloa, Scotland in 1740. Originally trained as a lawyer, Jameson moved to Ireland in the 1770’s, with his wife Margaret Haig (daughter of Scottish distiller John Haig). 

Margaret’s cousins, the Stein family, founded Dublin’s Bow Street distillery in 1780, employing Jameson as general manager before he acquired ownership in 1805. In 1810, the distillery was officially renamed as ‘The John Jameson and Son Irish Whiskey Company’ – the brand was quickly nicknamed as Jameson whiskey.

John Jameson passed away on the 3 rd of December 1823, at the age of eighty-three. Four of Jameson’s sons followed him into the distilling business in Ireland, with John Jameson II taking over the Bow Street site. 

William and James Jameson partnered with the Steins to found Dublin’s Marrowbone Lane distillery, originally calling the business Jameson and Stein, before it was subsequently renamed, William Jameson & Co. 

Despite a rivalry that emerged between the Bow Street and Marrowbone Lane Jameson distilleries, the Jamesons became the dominant distilling family in Ireland.

2. Jameson Irish Whiskey hasn’t been produced in Dublin since 1975 

When the Bow Street distillery was established in 1780, over 100 breweries and distilleries were operating in Dublin, provoking fierce competition. Under John Jameson’s management, the distillery prospered and expanded, becoming a ‘city within a city’. 

By 1870, the Jamesons employed hundreds of workers in the surrounding Smithfield area, including coopers, carpenters, blacksmiths, painters, and stonemasons. By the 1880s, the Bow Street distillery site stretched across almost 6 acres of Dublin’s city center.

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In 1966, Jamesons merged with John Power & Son and the Cork Distilleries Company to form the Irish Distillers Group, when the emergence and growth of Irish whiskey required a larger production capacity. On 5 th June 1970, the last pot still whiskey was distilled at Jameson’s Bow Street site – although the distillery remained operational until 1975. 

From July 1975, production shifted to the Irish Distillers Group’s Midleton Distillery complex in County Cork – which now produces whiskey for brands including Jameson, Powers, Redbreast, Green Spot, and Midleton Very Rare.

The Old Jameson Distillery at Bow Street reopened as a museum in 1997. Between 2007 – March 2016, the distillery underwent a $12.6 million renovation, which saw the attraction awarded the ‘World’s Leading Distillery Tour’ at the 25 th World Travel Awards in 2018. 

While Jameson’s whiskey is no longer distilled onsite, since 2016, Bow Street has been equipped with a functioning maturation warehouse, where the Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old undergoes a finishing period before being bottled at cask strength.

3. Jameson’s Bow Street distillery was occupied during the Easter Rising 

In April 1916, an armed insurrection by Irish Republicans, known as the Easter Rising, began in order to liberate Ireland and its people from British rule. While the uprising was occurring, the Republican rebels captured Jameson’s Bow Street site stationing a sniper on the distillery roof to oversee street fighting on nearby North King Street. Many rebel-controlled buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged, although Bow Street remained relatively unscathed. 

Jameson’s company records and payroll accounts for April 24 th -29 th 1916, during the uprising state ‘All Employees Paid in Full’ – evidencing that the distillery employees were provided for during the turmoil.

4. Jameson uses locally sourced barley 

The Jameson brand uses a combination of malted and un-malted barley, which is locally sourced from Southern Ireland, working with over 200 farmers within 50 miles of the Midleton distillery . Jamesons sources grain from farmers with barley plots ranging from 15 to 700 acres. 

The barley is combined with a local water source, drawing water from the Dungourney River which flows through the grounds of the Midleton distillery. A starchy bi-product produced during the whiskey distillation process is repurposed as feed for local cattle – with the Jameson brand endorsing sustainable and eco-friendly production. 

The Irish whiskey is distilled in copper pot stills three times to ensure its smoothness.

5. Jameson Irish Whiskey wasn’t sold by the bottle until 1963 

Before 1963, Jameson whiskey was only sold in bulk by the cask. Rather than dedicate limited resources to covering bottling costs, in the early years Jamesons sold casks to bars, bonders, and grocers domestically who would subsequently bottle the whiskey for bar sales or shop customers. 

While the brand provided labels for bottles, and required cask customers to sign an annual agreement of good practice the system was open to exploitation –including mislabelling and watered-down casks. By 1963, Jameson was exporting to 68 markets worldwide, including exporting 15,000 cases annually to the United States. 

Despite having partnered with a London bottling operation to supply export markets for many years, domestically Jameson did not take definite control of the spirit quality until 1963, when a bottling plant was installed at the Bow Street site – and ‘Jameson Ten’ became the first expression bottled at the distillery.

6. The Jameson motto means ‘Without Fear’

On every bottle’s brand label, the Jameson family’s heraldic crest can be seen – including the motto ‘Sine Metu’, which translates to ‘Without Fear’. Allegedly John Jameson’s forebears were granted the coat of arms in recognition of the family battling and pursuing pirates along Scotland’s west coast in the 17 th century – hence the ship which is also depicted on the arms. 

Adopted by John Jameson’s Irish whiskey, the ‘Sine Metu’ motto has proven apt – the brand has survived the restrictions of two world wars, the Irish Civil War, and the challenge of American Prohibition . Jameson’s latest rival is Irish mixed martial artist Connor McGregor, who declared his own whiskey brand ‘Proper Twelve’ would overtake Jameson in American sales – it hasn’t. 

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If you’ve ever been curious about this monumentally popular Irish whiskey, we explore Jameson’s origins, distillery history, and production.

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Spanish explorer Bernardo de Miranda y Flores traveled the land los Balcones (Spanish for balconies) in 1756. ILLUSTRATION: PETER AND MARIA HOEY

Whiskies With Unusual Monikers and How They Came About

May 15, 2024 –––––– David Fleming , , , ,

The origin of the names of most whiskies is pretty easy to fathom—usually founders’ names like Jim Beam, Jack Daniel, and George Dickel—or recognizable locations like Bardstown or Breckenridge. But sometimes you come across names and have no clue about their provenance. Frankly, if we love the whisky, most of us don’t spend much time thinking about the meaning behind its name. Just for the fun of it, we’ve taken a look at some of whisky’s more unusual names, and precisely what they mean.

Buffalo Trace

The earliest American pioneers forged through the wilderness on paths first trod by buffalo herds—called buffalo traces—and Buffalo Trace Distillery is built on an ancient buffalo crossing along the Kentucky River. The distillery has had a number of name changes in its history. Once owned by E.H. Taylor, it was named O.F.C. in 1870, and then was renamed George T. Stagg Distillery in 1904. It was purchased by Sazerac in 1992 and became Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1999. The place was given National Historic Landmark status in 2013 and can lay claim to being the oldest distillery in America, with whiskey made at the site for nearly 200 years.

Spanish explorer Bernardo de Miranda y Flores traveled the Texas Hill Country in 1756 and called the land los Balcones—the Spanish word for balconies—here used by Miranda to describe Hill Country’s step-like terrain that resembles a series of rising balconies. The word has since been used to name a variety of regional features, including the Balcones Escarpment, a wall of rock extending from Waco west to Del Rio, and the Balcones fault line, where Waco-based Balcones Distillery sources its water. Following the lead of scotch whisky makers who sometimes named their distillery for its water source, the company became Balcones Distilling. Its label is an artist’s view of the fault line’s tectonic plates.

Compass Box

In preparing to found Compass Box in 2000, John Glaser sought a name to illustrate his new company’s mission of doing things differently. His first choice was Orion, inspired by the constellation that had fascinated him as a child. But his father noted that it sounded too much like “O’Ryan,” and that everyone would think he was an Irish whiskey maker. So Glaser searched for other constellations. He came across Pyxis Nautica, which is a small constellation whose name represents a mariner’s compass—sometimes translated as compass box. Glaser liked the distinctive sound of the name, its reference to a ship’s compass, and its connection to exploring. Compass Box it was.

This name has two different origin stories. One account credits Rufus Mathewson Rose, an Atlanta-based businessman who founded the R.M. Rose Co. Distillery in the 1860s, naming his Four Roses bourbon brand after himself, his brother, and their two sons. Today’s owners only acknowledge the one about Paul Jones, Jr., who acquired the brand and registered the Four Roses name as a national trademark in 1888. Jones fell in love with a Southern belle and wrote to propose marriage prior to a grand ball. If her answer was yes, she should wear a corsage of four red roses at the ball. She did indeed wear the corsage, and Jones eventually honored his wife by naming his bourbon after her response to his overture.

Driftless Glen

“Driftless” is a term used by geologists to describe land that lacks glacial drift—the silt, sand, clay, gravel, and rock that glaciers or their meltwater usually left behind. The Driftless Area of Wisconsin is a prime example of this. It’s a rugged expanse of land that also possesses what’s said to be the largest concentration of cold-water streams in the world. Brian and Reneé Bemis founded Driftless Glen Distillery in this area, in Baraboo, Wisconsin along the banks of the Baraboo River, to be precise. It’s a land of peat bogs and sandy soil good for growing wheat, with a generous aquifer. Hence the name became Driftless Glen, though Baraboo would have been a pretty good one too.

Widow Jane limestone mine is part of the Rosendale Mines in the upstate New York town of Rosendale, about 100 miles north of the Brooklyn home of its namesake, Widow Jane Distillery. The mine dates back to the early 1800s; its limestone was used to build the Washington Monument, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, among other famous structures. It was abandoned more than 50 years ago, but its aquifer is still in use—as a source of limestone mineral water used by Widow Jane to proof its whiskeys. Visitors may take self-guided tours of the mine during the warmer months of the year.

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Jameson Distillery Storms Abuja, Set To TakeWhiskey Lovers On Unforgettable Journey

LAGOS – The Jameson Distillery is set to WidenTheCircle even further into Abuja as it prepares to take whiskey lovers on an exhilarat­ing journey of pure excitement and immersive experiences that only the iconic Jameson Irish Whiskey can offer.

This exciting 3-day celebra­tion will be held at Doxa Park, Abuja, from Friday, 24th to Sunday, 26th of May, 2024, with a promise to infuse Abuja with a touch of Irish charm and the smooth taste of triple distilled Irish whiskey, setting the stage for the celebration of the spirit of Jameson in a truly unforgettable manner.

Led by passionate Jameson Brand Ambassadors who em­body the spirited personality of Jameson, this three-day event offers attendees a plethora of engaging events, and activities sure to delight whiskey lovers and casual enthusiasts and im­merse them in the true essence of Jameson and its rich heritage. There is definitely an experience for everyone!

Throughout the event, guests will gain insights into the metic­ulous production process that sets Jameson apart – from the carefully selected grains to the art of distilling, maturing and of course tasting! Attendees will embark on a journey through the heart and soul of Jameson Irish Whiskey, gaining a deeper appre­ciation for the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every bottle.

The Jameson Distillery on Tour doesn’t stop at education; it extends to indulgence as well. Attendees can look forward to a delightful selection of Jameson cocktails, gourmet junk food, amazing artist performances, several games and limited-edi­tion merch/collectibles. James­on is partnering with resident Abuja platforms; OfTheBuj, Abuja Eats, and Guava Island, each carefully selected to make the Jameson Distillery on Tour atmosphere a truly wholesome hotspot for residents of Abuja

#JDOTAbuja will have expe­riences for everyone, creating an atmosphere truly reflecting the spirit of Jameson.

To attend this amazing event, all you have to do is go to the Jameson Nigeria website james­onwhiskey.com and register or click the link in bio @JamesonN­gr on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Join the Jameson Distillery On Tour, drink responsibly, and celebrate in style!

Pernod Ricard Nigeria is the local affiliate of Pernod Ricard, a global leader in wines and spirits. Pernod Ricard holds a compre­hensive portfolio of premium and luxury brands, with 16 out of the top 100 spirit brands in the world, including Jameson Irish Whiskey, Beefeater Gin, Martell Cognac, Seagram’s Imperial Blue Whisky, Absolut Vodka, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet Scotch Whisky, Olme­ca Tequila, Malibu Liqueur, and Mumm Champagne.

About Jameson Irish Whis­key, founded in 1780 by John Jameson, Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world.

Produced in the distillery in Middleton, County Cork, from malted and unmalted Irish bar­ley, Jameson’s blended whiskeys are triple-distilled, resulting in exceptional smoothness.

Whisky Flight 0001 - South Africa's Helden Distillery The Whiskey Lore® Podcast

• Documentary

Happy World Whisky Day 2024! Today is the perfect day to release a brand new Whiskey Lore series called "Whiskey Lore's Whisky Flights." As usual, I, Drew Hannush, am expanding the boundaries of what a whisky podcast can be.  For years I have traveled to distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, talking to founders, distillers, and tour guides. This led to two best selling travel books (Experiencing Irish Whiskey and Experiencing Kentucky Bourbon) where I revealed the secrets of planning the perfect distillery get away. But books take a long time to write and publish and I have so many experiences I want to share.  So now, through "Whiskey Lore's Whisky Flights" you can pack yourself away in my virtual suitcase, as we travel together and learn about great craft distilleries all over this planet. It's something that is made possible, thanks to the power of podcasting, my storytelling, and a bit of imagination.  Join me on my first stop today, in a non-traditional whisky distilling region, South Africa, as we meet Pieter Van Helden and find out why knowing science is an important element in making whisky, and we'll find out more about the town of Parys, where the distillery is located, and maybe inspire you to visit. As a companion to this podcast, check out the brand new distillery guide that is rapidly being built at whiskey-lore.com/travelguide. Here, you can build wish lists of your favorite distilleries and build your own whisky trail. And if you own a craft distillery, reach out to me at whiskey-lore.com/contact to see how we can feature your distillery. Enjoy our first flight! It's going to be a wild and fun journey of discovery. Cheers and sláinte mhath Drew

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