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Irish Whiskey Excellence: Must-Visit Distillery Tours 

Irish whiskey, or Uisce Betha in traditional Gaelic, has been distilled on the island since the Middle Ages. It was once the most popular spirit in the world, with Dublin producing over 10 million gallons per year alone. While these numbers have since declined, there is no denying the crucial role Irish distilleries play in the popularity of this historic drink. 

Thanks to its rich and robust flavor profiles, whiskey has cemented itself as one of the world’s most popular liquor, with a wide range of delicious and recognizable characteristics unique to each brand and maker. Whether you enjoy Monkey Shoulder from the shores of Scotland or Ireland’s Teeling small batch whiskey, visiting the distilleries that make these products possible will not disappoint. 

A Quick History of Irish Distilling

The origins of all whiskeys can be traced back to the 12th-century Irish monks who began experimenting with Arabic distilling techniques. By the 19th century, Irish distilling reigned supreme, with over 100 whiskey distilleries operating within the country, many of which exported their valuable products abroad. 

However, during the 20th century, prohibition, Irish Temperance, and war, both natural and trade-related, caused Ireland to lose its dominating grip on whiskey production to its neighboring country, Scotland. That luck has since returned, and the early 21st century has brought a resurgence in Irish whiskey along with the distilling and manufacturing of other beloved spirits. 

From four working distilleries in 2010, the country now boasts 40 active locations, with the number said to keep increasing. This new income revenue has brought life back into big cities and small towns alike, attracting visitors from around the world to experience Ireland’s magical charm. 

The Ultimate Experiences

For any Irish whiskey enthusiast, very few things will match the opportunity to learn about the signature styles of this iconic whiskey right in its backyard, giving you the chance to meet the makers in person and learn hands-on experience from the experts themselves.

Midleton Distillery Experience, Cork

For decades, if you wanted the chance to witness Irish whiskey in its making, you would only visit one place. The Midleton Distillery Experience in Cork was the destination of choice when Dublin’s final two whiskey distillers, Powers and John Jameson, decided to relocate in the 1970s. 

Today, you can still get up close with the largest pot still in the world, taste world-class whiskey straight from the cask during an informative whiskey maturation warehouse tour, and gain a sneak peek behind the scenes at a busy microdistillery where experimental distillations encourage progression and innovation. 

Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery, Meath

Slane Distillery has creatively transformed 18th-century stables on the grounds of the majestic Slane Castle into modern-day facilities with immersive sensory whiskey tours that trace the whiskey’s journey from grain to glass in an informative and creative way. 

Here, you can watch experienced distillers use water from the nearby River Boyne and barley grown on the estate grounds to create the famous triple-casked whiskey. 

Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Dublin

Teeling Whiskey Distillery, which opened in 2015, is Dublin’s first operational distillery in a whopping 125 years, kickstarting a brand new regeneration of the city’s historic Goldern Triangle of distilleries. 

Their informative visitor experience explores the long and rich history of the Spirit of Dublin Legacy. It then takes you through a custom-built distillery floor and concludes with a delicious handcrafted cocktail at the on-site Bang Bang Bar. 

When You Reach Your Whiskey Limit 

While Irish whiskey is arguably the most popular beverage originating from this island country, its rich and robust flavor may not be everyone’s preference. The good news is that Ireland has a collection of distilleries that focus on creating other much-loved spirits and famous historical favorites. 

Micil Distillery, Galway

Traditional Irish poitín has enjoyed an exciting resurgence since it was finally legalized nearly 300 years after its original 1661 ban. This clear and uncasked spirit has since returned to take its rightful place alongside other quality and beloved Irish beverages, shaking its illicit moonshine status once and for all. 

The Micil Distillery, run by the Griallais brothers in Salthill Galway, is a fantastic place to reacquaint yourself with this unique beverage. Their informative visitor experiences showcase the legacy of this distilled spirit from the moment their great-great-great grandfather first created it. 

Rebel City Distillery, Cork

Selected distilleries around the country have begun introducing their own spirit schools, offering visitors the unique opportunity to craft a spirit of choice. At Rebel City Distillery, in the old Ford Factory along Cork City’s docklands, they produce award-winning Maharai Gin alongside Akvavit and Ireland’s only absinthe. 

You can partake in the creative process and learn how to craft your own spirit or leave it to the professionals and instead enjoy their Afternoon Gin & Tea experience, which includes a dive into the world of alchemy and the artistry of distillation. 

Listoke Distillery, Louth 

For an adventure that moves away from the traditional whiskey distilleries that are synonymous with Ireland, take a detour deep into the rural Co Louth region to visit Ireland’s first gin school at Listoke Distillery. 

Many people are unaware of the surprise subplot that has extended from the Irish distilling story: the country’s recent love affair with craft gin. Lovers of this divisive spirit liquor will leave this location not only gaining valuable knowledge and insight into the history and production process of gin but also well fed on delicious local produce and with their own bespoke bottle to take home and enjoy.