Set out on a whiskey trail around the island of Ireland.
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Irish Whiskey Museum
Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin
Morning What better way to start your trip than with a visit to the Irish Whiskey Museum, tucked into a historic building opposite Trinity College. Your tour guide will take you through four rooms, each representing a different period in Irish history and showing how closely linked the spirit has always been with the story of this island. Finish the tour by becoming a true whiskey expert with a tasting of three or four different Irish whiskeys. The classic museum tour takes one hour. Discounted rates of €17 per person are available for groups of 10+ and pre-booking is recommended. Lunch Just around the corner in a handsome redbrick building is O’Neill’s Pub & Kitchen. There’s been a pub on this spot since 1713 and O’Neill’s carries on the tradition of hospitality with a nice variety of lunch options, served up in cosy surroundings. Afternoon Dublin has become a real hotspot for whiskey distilling with a number of new boutique operations joining the old established names like Jameson’s Distillery. It will be difficult to fit in a visit to each but whether you head for the Pearse Lyons Distillery, the Dublin Liberties Distillery, Roe and Co or the Teeling Distillery, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the best whiskey being made today. You’ll also gain an understanding of just how integral the distilling industry has been to Dublin city. Overnight Head to the trendy Bison Bar on Wellington Quay for slow-cooked barbeque with no frills and plenty of flavour. Then stay overnight at the Paramount Hotel, just a short walk away in Temple Bar.
Powerscourt Waterfall
Powerscourt House
Morning Leave Dublin behind and head south for County Wicklow where you’ll pay a visit to Powerscourt – one of Ireland’s great estates. Set against a dramatic backdrop of the Sugarloaf Mountain, this great house and its magnificent gardens (voted No. 3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Geographic) are one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions. The estate also boasts Ireland’s highest waterfall, located just 6km from the house. Powerscourt is open year-round. Tours are self-guided and audioguides are available in English, Spanish, German, French and Chinese. Groups can avail of discounted rates and pre-booking is recommended. Lunch At the Avoca Terrace Café in Powerscourt House you can expect glorious views and home-cooked food such as soups, salads and sandwiches. Then after lunch, take some time to browse the craft and interior shops in Powerscourt House. Afternoon Set within the Powerscourt Estate is one of Irish whiskey’s new kids on the block. Powerscourt Distillery takes advantage of the underground lake of pure water that lies beneath the estate and the skills of Master Distiller Noel Sweeney to produce its Fercullen portfolio of whiskeys. In the visitor centre in the carefully restored Old Mill House, you can sample those whiskeys and take a tour of the distillery to see where the magic happens. Look out for the old water turbine, which has been preserved under a glass floor in the visitor centre – a reminder of how history is blended in to the modern whiskey experience here. Tours of the distillery last from 50-75 minutes, depending on the tour selected. For group bookings, contact the distillery directly. Overnight Enjoy good food and live music at The Enniskerry Inn in the pretty village of Enniskerry, just a short drive from Powerscourt. Set menus for groups are available and it’s recommended you book ahead if your group is large. Stay the night at the Summerhill House Hotel, a beautiful country house hotel just outside the village.
Kilkenny city
Morning When Bernard and Rosemary Walsh established the Walsh Whiskey Distillery in 1999, they were determined to honour the past by recreating recipes from the 19th century, a golden age of whiskey distilling in Ireland. Since then, the Walshs have played their part in the renaissance of Irish whiskey with their quirkily named Writer’s Tears and The Irishman brands. On a tour of their distillery, set amidst the rural beauty of County Carlow, you can observe the distilling of pot still, malt and grain whiskeys and meet the team responsible for producing them. Lunch Stop in to Foodworks in the medieval heart of Kilkenny city. Much of the food served here comes from their own farm outside the city, where they have a smokery, grow their own vegetables and herbs and even rear rare breed pigs. Afternoon Next up is a distillery that has created a symbiotic relationship between two ancient Irish traditions: farming and distilling. At Ballykeefe Distillery, outside Kilkenny city, Morgan Ging is reviving a lost traditions of the small farm distillery – on land his family has farmed for generations. All the grain used to make Ballykeefe’s whiskey is grown, harvested and distilled here and whatever is left over is used to feed Morgan’s herd of cattle. Both farm and distillery place a high value on sustainability and employ sophisticated technology and eco-friendly practices to manage their carbon footprint. On the distillery tour, you’ll be taken through every part of the brewing and distilling process, you’ll get to meet the Master Distiller and find out more about Ballykeefe’s single malt, pot still and rye whiskeys, which are currently maturing and are due for release in August 2020. Tours run twice a day from Monday to Friday but groups should contact the distillery directly to book. Each tour takes approximately one hour and the distillery is closed to the public from November to February. Overnight Return to Kilkenny city for the night where you can dine at Petronella, located in the charmingly named Butterslip Lane and stay at the Kilkenny River Court Hotel.
Dungarvan
Jameson Experience, Cork
Morning Terroir is a term more commonly associated with wine but the folks at Waterford Distillery have plans to make it just as relevant for Irish whiskey. They’re working to create terroir-driven single malt whiskey using the finest ingredients: pure water from ancient wells and barley grown on 61 different Irish farms in 19 distinct soil types and a variety of micro-climates. Visit their state-of-the-art distillery in Waterford city to find out just how science and nature are working together to produce the perfect whiskey. Tours are by appointment only. Lunch A warm atmosphere, friendly staff and good food make Merry’s Gastropub in Dungarvan a great spot for lunch. Afternoon One of the big hitters of Irish whiskey, Jameson has been distilling whiskey for over 200 years. At the Jameson Experience in Midleton, County Cork, you can take a guided tour of the Old Midleton Distillery or go for the Behind the Scenes Tour with visits to the Micro Distillery, Cooperage and Distiller's Cottage. Groups are welcome but pre-booking is essential and tours range from 75 minute to two hours. Overnight Dine at Market Lane in Cork city where ingredients are sourced from the nearby English Market and local producers. Stay at Maryborough Hotel and Spa in the suburb of Douglas.
Bantry Bay
Glandore Harbour
Morning Three towering copper pot stills showcased in the striking glass-fronted building leave you in no doubt that you’ve arrived at the Clonakilty Distillery. Here, the Scully family creates innovative whiskey and gin using barley grown on the family farm and wild botanicals harvested from the West Cork shores. The distillery tour lets you experience the smells, sounds and, of course, tastes of artisan whiskey distilling. Costs range from €15 to €22 per person and groups should book ahead. Lunch Eat at the Glandore Inn, Glandore and enjoy fresh local seafood and views of the charming fishing village of Union Hall. Afternoon Founded by three friends who were inspired by West Cork’s artisan food and drink heritage, West Cork Distillers creates its range of West Cork whiskeys (as well as vodka, poitín and gin) in Union Hall using equipment handcrafted by its team. It’s been shortlisted for Craft Distillery of the Year in 2017 by the World Whiskey Awards and offers tours each Sunday between 10am and 2pm, which must be arranged in advance. Overnight Savour the taste of seafood fresh from the Atlantic at O’Connor’s Seafood Restaurant in Bantry before settling in for the night in Seaview House Hotel, a beautiful country house hotel overlooking Bantry Bay.
Killarney lakes
Dingle Distillery
Morning Our first stop of the day is the Irish Whiskey Experience in the buzzing town of Killarney. Here, you’ll get a fascinating insight into the history and distilling process of Irish whiskey and, of course, the opportunity to sample some of the island’s best whiskeys. Groups are welcome and private tastings can be arranged. Lunch Eat at Treyvauds for flavoursome food with an international twist. Reservations are recommended. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from November to February. Afternoon Eclectic, quaint and rather beautiful, Dingle is ever-popular with visitors to the island of Ireland. On the outskirts of the town is yet another reason to come here. The Dingle Distillery flies the flag for small artisan distilleries, determined to revive traditions that recall Ireland’s heyday as a world leader of whiskey production. At Dingle, they use three distinctive, hand-crafted copper pot stills to create what the owners call "the ultimate Irish whiskey." Tours cost €15 per person and booking is essential. Overnight Dine at The Chart House Restaurant, where the food is local, seasonal and consistently delicious. Then head to the Dingle Skellig Hotel for amazing views and a luxurious night’s sleep.
Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Tigh Neachtain – Galway Whiskey Trail
Morning Get an early start and set off north along the Wild Atlantic Way. Our first stop of the day is in County Limerick - the Foynes Flying Boat Museum to be exact. It was here, way back in 1943, that the Irish coffee was invented by an innovative barman tasked with warming up travellers on a transatlantic flight that had been delayed. At the Irish Coffee Lounge, you can hear the full story and sample this famous beverage for yourself. Contact the museum directly to find out more about group rates. Lunch Vaughan's Anchor Inn in the County Clare village of Liscannor has more than earned its reputation for great seafood at reasonable prices, all served up in the cosy atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub. Afternoon You're passing through The Burren - an extraordinary Karst limestone region in County Clare so sit back and enjoy the views. If time permits, stop at the Poulnabrone Dolmen, Ireland's oldest dated megalithic monument. Once you hit Galway city, it's time to stretch your legs on the Galway Whiskey Trail, a self-guided tour around Galway's best whiskey bars and a chance to uncover the city's whiskey heritage. Overnight Eat at Dela, with its quirky upcycled decor and Scandinavian-influenced menu. Then retire for the night to The G Hotel, a gorgeously over-the-top experience, designed by Galway's milliner extraordinaire, Philip Tracey.
Lough Eske
Westport
Morning It’s hard to say what’s more notable about the Lough Mask Distillery, the rugged beauty of the surrounding County Mayo landscape, the handcrafted copper pot stills based on an ancient Alembic still design, or the rich flavour of its Loch Measc Single Malt Whiskey. Tours of the distillery run year-round from Monday to Friday. The tour costs €10 and takes one hour. Pre-booking is required. Lunch Stop in to the pretty Mayo town of Westport for lunch at the Cobbler’s Bar in the Wyatt Hotel and if time allows, take a guided tour of nearby Westport House, one of Ireland’s great stately homes. Afternoon Continue north along the Wild Atlantic Way to the Connacht Whiskey Company, where they make a fine single malt pot still whiskey. The distillery is an exercise in transatlantic partnership, with the American and Irish branches of the Stapleton family coming together to re-establish whiskey-making in the west of Ireland. The distillery building on the banks of the River Moy in Ballina, was once a bakery but now the grain delivered here is used to create a range of spirits, from whiskeys to gins and poitíns. Guided tours of the distillery are available from Wednesdays to Saturdays and booking is essential. If you have the time to stray inland a little, you’ll find two fine artisan distilleries that are well worth a visit. The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim creates award-winning gins, vodkas, liqueurs and now whiskey. NOTE: This distillery is currently closed for tours as they build a new visitor experience. This is due to open in 2020 so keep it in mind for future tours. Another star player is the Boatyard Distillery in the island town of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh. Here, John McGirr and his team produce fine gins and vodka in a stunning setting right on the banks of Lough Erne. Tours run every day except Sunday and should be pre-booked. Overnight It’s been a long day, so relax in the luxury of Harvey’s Point just outside Donegal town. Dine at the award-winning restaurant and enjoy a late stroll on the shores of Lough Eske.
Bushmills Distillery
Walled City Brewery
Morning Our first stop of the day is located close to one of the island of Ireland’s most impressive sights. Sliabh Liag Distillers takes its name from the towering Sliabh League Cliffs in southern Donegal. Moira and James Doherty produce a range of whiskies here, as well as poitín and An Dúlamán, their maritime gin (infused with local seaweeds). The Silkie is their blended whiskey, produced while they wait for their new whiskey distillery to be built. Their signature single malt sits maturing – waiting for its release in ten years (whiskey is a slow business). Tours of the distillery run from Monday to Saturday at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Discounted rates are available for groups of more than eight. Maximum group size is 12. Parking is available for cars but there is no space for coach parking. Lunch We’re off to the city where the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route meet – Derry~Londonderry. At the award-winning Walled City Brewery in Ebrington Square, you’ll find pintxos, a selection of craft beers, and if you’re so inclined, the chance to take part in a 1.5 hour beer tasting and story-telling experience – booking essential. This usually takes place at 3pm on Fridays between April and August but additional dates and times may be available upon request. Afternoon The pretty County Antrim village of Bushmills on the Causeway Coastal Route is the home of the Old Bushmills Distillery. One of the few distilleries in the world to distil, blend and bottle its whiskey under the same roof, it's also the oldest working distillery on the island of Ireland. So historical is this place that it uses water from nearby Saint Columb’s Rill – a river that's said to have been blessed by St Columcille. Tours of the distillery run year-round and cost £9. For groups of 14 or fewer, places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Groups of 15 or more can be pre-booked, subject to availability and will require a deposit. Overnight You won’t have to travel far to settle in for the evening. The Bushmills Inn offers cosy and comfortable accommodation and the restaurant is a local favourite, serving up fine food and wines.
Carlingford
Strangford Lough
Morning You’ve got some choices to make today because this part of the island has so much to offer whiskey lovers that you’d be hard-pressed to fit it all in one day. If you take a detour to the Ards Peninsula, you’ll come across the Echlinville Distillery, which became Northern Ireland’s first licensed distillery in over 125 years when it opened in 2013. As well as its popular range of gins, Echlinville makes whiskey with an impressive backstory. The Dunville Irish Whiskey brand was established in 1801 and became one of the world’s favourite whiskies. But the arrival of Prohibition in the US decimated the company’s largest market and it ceased production in 1935. Thanks to Shane Braniff of Echlinville, Dunville Irish Whiskey is back on the market and winning awards. Visit the distillery on the impressive Echlinville Estate in County Down where the Tour and Tipple option costs £15 per person and takes 1.5 hours. All tours must be pre-booked. Or Head straight for the Rademon Distillery outside the historic town of Downpatrick, in County Down. Home of the well-known Shortcross Gin, Rademon also produces fine single malt and single pot still Irish whiskies, double distilled in bespoke copper pot stills to create a fuller bodied spirit. Tours of the distillery can be organised to suit your group. Lunch Stop in for a seafood lunch at the Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum, where all shellfish is sourced from the restaurant’s own shellfish beds. Afternoon More choices to make. Head to the Killowen Distillery in County Down where two handmade artisan stills named Christoir and Broc are used to create traditional spirits with a contemporary twist. They distil whiskey, gin and poitín here, against the looming backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. A tour of the traditional small batch distillery will take in not only the production process but also the history and culture of this part of the island. Tours cost £15 per person and are limited to groups of 15. Pre-booking is recommended. Or Set your course for the Cooley Peninsula, a place filled with myth and legend. Here, in the medieval town of Carlingford, County Louth, you’ll find the Cooley Distillery. One of the first of the island of Ireland’s new whiskey distilleries, Cooley was set up in 1989 and since then has made it a mission to revive many historic whiskey brands and distilling techniques. The distillery building is not currently open to visitors but on the Cooley Whiskey Tour in nearby Martin’s pub (a short walk from the distillery building), you can meet the staff of Cooley’s, learn more about its heritage and brands and sample some of its whiskies. Tours last for two hours and must be pre-booked. Overnight Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford and dine at nearby Ghan House.
Kilbeggan Distillery
Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre
Morning Slane Castle on the banks of the River Boyne in County Meath, has been home to the Conyngham family since 1703, not to mention being a unique concert venue that’s hosted the likes of Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones. Now, the Conynghams have teamed up with the family behind Jack Daniels to create Slane Distillery, where they produce Triple-Casked Slane Irish Whiskey. Tours of the distillery and the castle are available – and you can do a two-hour combined tour for the full experience. Groups must be pre-booked but discounted rates are available and groups are limited to 25 people. Lunch You won’t need to travel far for lunch. The Gandon Room at Slane Castle (named after one of the principal architects of the castle, James Gandon) offers a set lunch menu for groups that features the best of local produce. Afternoon Head towards the centre of the island now for an afternoon with two of Ireland’s whiskey legends. Kilbeggan Distillery is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world, and they explore the slow process of creating great whiskey through a range of tours that last from one to three hours. Tours cost between €14 to €85 and must be booked in advance. Just 15 minutes away, on the banks of the Grand Canal, is the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery. Guided tours are available in the original 19th century bonded warehouse and will take you through the history and craft involved in distilling whiskey. Tours run for 45 minutes and are also available in French and German. Pre-booking is essential to avail of discounted rates. Minimum number per group is 15 and maximum is 45. Overnight Enjoy an early dinner at The Blue Apron Restaurant, an exceptional restaurant in Tullamore and then head back to Dublin and stay at Clontarf Castle on Dublin’s north coast – just a short drive away from the airport.
This is a sample itinerary to offer suggestions and ideas for planning trips. You can contact your local Tourism Ireland representative here for further information. Please note, any mention of specific product on this itinerary is meant to be used only as an example and does not represent an endorsement of that product by Tourism Ireland.