The Distilleries of Ireland
Irish whiskey is the fastest growing spirits category in the world and Ireland now has more working distilleries than at any point in a century. Some are ancient, some opened last year, and the good news for travelers is that Ireland Whiskey Tours can take you to experience them.
The Irish Whiskey Trail
What Makes Irish Whiskey Different
There are three main signatures: Irish whiskey is typically triple distilled, which makes it lighter and smoother than most Scotch. Peat is rarely used, so smoke is the exception rather than the rule. And Ireland has a style nobody else has: single pot still, made from a mash of both malted and unmalted barley, which gives it a spicy, oily, unmistakable character. Add three years minimum maturation on the island of Ireland and that is the legal definition, more or less.
The Distilleries We Visit
- Jameson Distillery, Midleton, County Cork. The home of Irish whiskey and where Redbreast, Powers and Green Spot are made.
- Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Dublin. The first new distillery in the city in over 125 years.
- Slane Distillery, County Meath. Whiskey made in the courtyard of a working castle in the Boyne Valley.
- Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery, County Offaly. Triple distilled, triple blended, and a great visitor experience.
- Kilbeggan Distillery, County Westmeath. Licensed in 1757 and the oldest working pot still in the world.
- Old Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim. Licensed to distil since 1608, on the Causeway Coast.
- McConnell's Distillery, Belfast. Whiskey making back in Belfast after a century of absence.
- Plus the craft distilleries along the Wild Atlantic Way and beyond, where a lot of the most interesting work is happening right now.
Build Your Own Irish Whiskey Trail
There is no single ticket for the Irish Whiskey Trail, and that is precisely why it is worth doing with us. We know the geography, the opening hours, the tasting formats, and which distilleries will open a door that is not available to book on their website. Tell us how many days you have and what you like drinking, and we will route it.
THE MOST COMMON
QUESTIONS
What is the Irish Whiskey Trail?
It is the informal route linking Ireland's working distilleries and whiskey visitor experiences across the island, from Midleton in Cork and Teeling in Dublin to Tullamore, Kilbeggan, Slane and Bushmills in the north. Unlike the Kentucky Bourbon Trail there is no single official passport, so most travelers build a route with a guide.
How many whiskey distilleries are in Ireland?
More than forty are now operating across the island, up from a handful in the 1980s, and new ones open regularly. Around a dozen have full visitor experiences worth building a day around.
What is single pot still whiskey?
It is Ireland's own style, distilled from a mash of both malted and unmalted barley in a pot still. The unmalted barley gives it a distinctive spicy, creamy character you will not find in Scotch or bourbon. Redbreast and Green Spot are the classic examples.
Can we visit multiple distilleries in one day?
Yes, with sensible geography. Dublin comfortably supports two or three in a day. Elsewhere, two is realistic and more enjoyable. Your driver-guide with Ireland Whiskey Tours keeps the schedule and, more importantly, does the driving.
If your question is not here, call us. USA toll free 1-844-204-7470, Ireland +353 87 708 5947, or email info@irelandwhiskeytours.com.