Planning a trip to Ireland and thinking about visiting a distillery? With dozens now open across the country, choosing where to go can feel overwhelming.
Irish whiskey has been produced here for over 1,000 years, and today it’s one of the fastest-growing spirits in the world. From famous names to smaller craft producers, there’s a huge range of experiences to choose from.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best distilleries in Ireland to visit, along with tips to help you choose the right one for your trip.
- Best Distilleries in Ireland to Explore
- Top Irish Distilleries to Explore
- Which distillery should you visit in Ireland?
- Irish Whiskey Explained
- A brief history of Irish Whiskey
- How is Irish Whiskey made?
- Types of Irish Whiskey?
- FAQs about visiting distilleries in Ireland
- Final Thoughts on Distilleries to Visit in Ireland
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Best Distilleries in Ireland to Explore
The best distilleries in Ireland to visit are Midleton (Cork), Jameson Bow St. (Dublin), Bushmills (Antrim), Dingle (Kerry), and Teeling (Dublin). Each offers a different experience, from historic sites to modern craft distilleries.
While many of the best distilleries in Ireland are whiskey distilleries, there are one or two dedicated to producing other spirits, either separately or alongside whiskey.
Many of the top Irish distilleries are found in the south, in the Republic of Ireland, but one of the most famous is in Northern Ireland.
Irish Distilleries map
Top Irish Distilleries to Explore
Kilbeggan Distillery, Westmeath
Location: Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath (around 1 hour from Dublin)
What it’s known for: One of the oldest licensed distilleries in Ireland, with a history dating back over 250 years.
Why visit:
- Step back in time with one of Ireland’s most historic distilleries
- See original equipment and learn about traditional whiskey production
- Explore the on-site museum alongside modern distilling
How long to allow: Around 90 minutes (allow extra time if visiting the museum).
Best for: Those interested in history, and families. This is a great stop if you’re breaking up the drive between Dublin and Galway.
Official website:
Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Kilbeggan Distillery website.
Discover the Kilbeggan and Tullamore Dew Distilleries on a private day tour.
Planning your trip? See my Ireland itinerary guide here.
Midleton Distillery, Cork (for the Jameson Experience)
Location: Midleton, County Cork (around 30 minutes from Cork City)
What it’s known for: Home to some of Ireland’s biggest whiskey brands, including Jameson, Redbreast, Powers and Midleton Very Rare.
Why visit:
- One of the best-known distillery tours in Ireland (the Jameson Experience)
- Walk through the original distillery with immersive exhibits
- See the world’s largest pot still
- Learn how multiple iconic Irish whiskeys are produced on one site
- This is the main production site for many of Ireland’s best-known whiskeys.
How long to allow: Around 75 to 90 minutes for the tour.
Best for: First-time visitors, whiskey lovers, and anyone exploring Cork or the south of Ireland.
Official website: Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Midleton Distillery website.
Book your visit to the Jameson Experience today.
Still planning your trip? See my Ireland Travel planning guide here.
Dingle Distillery, Kerry
Location: Dingle, County Kerry (on the Dingle Peninsula)
What it’s known for: One of Ireland’s best-known craft distilleries, producing small-batch whiskey, gin and vodka.
Why visit:
- A true craft distillery experience with a small, hands-on feel
- Learn about the full process from grain to glass
- Tastings include a mix of whiskey and gin
- Located in one of the most scenic parts of Ireland
How long to allow: Around 60 to 75 minutes.
Best for: Scenic road trips, Wild Atlantic Way itineraries, and those looking for a smaller, more personal experience.
Official website: Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Dingle Distillery website.
Planning your Wild Atlantic Way Route? See my Wild Atlantic Way guide here.
Bushmills Distillery, Antrim
Location: Bushmills, County Antrim (near the Giant’s Causeway)
What it’s known for: The world’s oldest licensed distillery, with a history dating back to 1608 and continuous whiskey production.
Why visit:
- One of Ireland’s most historic and iconic distilleries
- See a working distillery with traditional methods still in use
- Guided tours with tastings included
- Easy to combine with the Giant’s Causeway and Antrim Coast
How long to allow: Around 60 to 90 minutes.
Best for: History lovers, first-time visitors, and anyone exploring Northern Ireland or the Causeway Coast.
Official website: Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Bushmills Distillery website.
This is one of the easiest distillery visits to combine with a Causeway Coast itinerary.
Visit Bushmills and the Giant’s Causeway on a day trip from Belfast.
Planning your trip? See my Ireland itinerary guide here.
Teeling Distillery, Dublin
The new Teeling Distillery in Dublin was the first new distillery in Ireland to open in 125 years in 2015 by Jack and Stephen Teeling, whose father John Teeling founded the Cooley Distillery in 1987. However, the Teeling family’s relationship with whiskey started way back in 1782 when ancestors of the current generation started a distillery in Marrowbone Lane.
Arguably the best distillery in Dublin, Teeling is a popular attraction, welcoming over 350,000 visitors per year. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery offers fully guided tours in which visitors can see all the stages involved in producing Irish whiskey. Guided tasting is also offered with a whiskey expert and there is a variety of tasting experiences to choose from.
Tours operate daily from 10am to 5.40pm and cost between €15 and €150.
Visit the Teeling Distillery, as well as two others, on an Irish Whiskey Trail in Dublin. Book this tour HERE.
Tullamore DEW Distillery, Offaly
Location: Tullamore, County Offaly (in the Irish Midlands)
What it’s known for: One of Ireland’s most popular whiskey brands, with production returned to its original home in Tullamore.
Why visit:
- Learn the story of Tullamore D.E.W. and its revival in the Midlands
- Guided tours through a modern working distillery
- Range of tasting experiences, from short visits to more in-depth tours
- Easy to pair with Kilbeggan or as a stop between Dublin and Galway
How long to allow: Around 90 minutes (longer for extended experiences).
Best for: Midlands road trips, whiskey lovers, and those travelling between Dublin and the west of Ireland.
Official website: Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery website.
This is a great stop to break up the drive across the Midlands.
Visit Tullamore D.E.W. and Kilbeggan on a combined distillery tour.
Planning your Ireland itinerary? See my Ireland itinerary guide here.
Slane Whiskey Distillery, Meath
Location: Slane Castle Estate, County Meath (in the Boyne Valley, around 45 minutes from Dublin)
What it’s known for: A modern distillery set on the historic Slane Castle estate, producing triple-casked Irish whiskey.
Why visit:
- Unique setting within the grounds of Slane Castle
- Interactive tour blending whiskey production with local history
- Option to combine a distillery and castle visit
- Easy day trip from Dublin alongside Boyne Valley sites
How long to allow: 2 to 2.5 hours (longer if combining with the castle tour).
Best for: Day trips from Dublin, history lovers, and those exploring the Boyne Valley.
Official website: Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Slane Distillery website.
This pairs well with a visit to Newgrange or Trim Castle.
Planning your trip? See my Ireland travel planning guide here.
Powerscourt Distillery, Wicklow
Location: Powerscourt Estate, County Wicklow (around 30 minutes from Dublin)
What it’s known for: A modern distillery producing Fercullen whiskey, set within one of Ireland’s most famous estates.
Why visit:
- Unique setting in the restored Old Mill House on the Powerscourt Estate
- Guided tours through a working distillery with tasting included
- Easy to combine with Powerscourt Gardens and Wicklow Mountains
- One of the most accessible distillery visits from Dublin
How long to allow: Around 60 to 75 minutes.
Best for: Day trips from Dublin, scenic drives, and those exploring Wicklow.
Official website: Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Powerscourt Distillery website.
This pairs well with a visit to Glendalough or a Wicklow Mountains drive.
Planning a visit to Dublin? See my Dublin Travel guide here.
Echlinville Distillery, Down
Location: Near Kircubbin, County Down (on the Ards Peninsula, around 45 minutes from Belfast)
What it’s known for: Northern Ireland’s first new licensed distillery in over 125 years, producing whiskey, gin and poitín using local ingredients.
Why visit:
- A farm distillery growing its own barley on-site
- Guided tours through the full distilling process
- Tastings featuring both whiskey and gin
- A quieter, less touristy alternative to Bushmills
How long to allow: 1-2 hours.
Best for: Northern Ireland itineraries, craft distillery experiences, and those looking to get off the main tourist trail.
Official website: Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Echlinville Distillery website.
This is a great option if you’re exploring beyond Belfast or the Causeway Coast.
Still planning your trip to Ireland? See my Ireland travel planning guide here.
Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin
Location: The Liberties, Dublin (near St. James’s Gate)
What it’s known for: A unique distillery set inside a restored church, producing small-batch Irish whiskey and spirits.
Why visit:
- One of the most visually unique distilleries in Ireland
- Located inside a converted 19th-century church
- Guided tours combining whiskey production with local history
- Easy to include alongside other Dublin distilleries
How long to allow: Around 60 to 90 minutes.
Best for: Dublin city breaks, architecture lovers, and those looking for something a little different.
Official website: Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Pearse Lyons Distillery website.
This is a great alternative if you want something more unique than the larger Dublin distilleries.
Take a guided tour of the Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin.
Planning your visit to the Irish capital? See my Dublin travel guide here.
Connacht Distillery, Mayo
Location: Ballina, County Mayo (on the Wild Atlantic Way)
What it’s known for: A craft distillery producing small-batch whiskey, gin and poitín on the banks of the River Moy.
Why visit:
- A smaller, hands-on distillery experience
- Guided tours through a working craft distillery
- Tastings featuring a mix of spirits
- Great stop along the Wild Atlantic Way
How long to allow: Around 60 minutes.
Best for: Wild Atlantic Way itineraries, scenic road trips, and those looking for a craft distillery experience.
Official website: Check opening times, tours and prices on the official Connacht Distillery website.
This is a great stop if you’re exploring Mayo or heading towards my favorite place in Ireland, Achill Island.
Planning your Wild Atlantic Way route? See my full guide to the Wild Atlantic Way here.
Which distillery should you visit in Ireland?
Short on time? Here’s how to choose the right distillery based on your itinerary and travel style.
Best distilleries in Dublin
- Jameson Distillery Bow St. → best all-round experience
- Teeling Distillery → modern and less crowded
- Pearse Lyons Distillery → most unique setting
Staying in the capital? See my Dublin Travel Guide for how to plan your time
Most famous distilleries in Ireland
- Midleton Distillery (Cork) → home of Jameson, Redbreast and Powers
- Old Bushmills Distillery (Antrim) → oldest licensed distillery in the world
- Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery (Offaly) → one of Ireland’s best-known brands
These are the best choices for first-time visitors
Best distilleries on the Wild Atlantic Way
- Dingle Distillery (Kerry) → small, scenic and full of character
- Connacht Distillery (Mayo) → great stop along the west coast
Planning a west coast trip? See my Wild Atlantic Way guide
Best less touristy distilleries
- Echlinville Distillery (Down) → farm-to-glass experience
- Walsh Whiskey Distillery (Carlow) → quieter alternative to bigger names
Ideal if you prefer smaller groups and a more relaxed visit
Best day trips from Dublin
- Slane Distillery (Meath) → combine with the Boyne Valley
- Powerscourt Distillery (Wicklow) → pair with Glendalough or the Wicklow Mountains
See my Ireland Travel Planning guide to map out your route
If you can only choose one distillery
- Best overall: Midleton Distillery (Cork)
- Best in Dublin: Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Tip: One or two distillery visits is plenty for most trips
Irish Whiskey Explained
If you’re new to Irish whiskey, here’s a quick overview before choosing which distilleries to visit.”
What is Irish Whiskey
- Come from the Irish term ‘uisce beatha’ meaning ‘water of life’ (pronounced ishca baa-haa).
- Must be distilled and matured on the island of Ireland.
- Typically bottled at 40% ABV or higher.
- Often triple distilled, giving it a smoother, lighter taste.
Why choose Irish Whiskey?
- Smoother and less smoky than Scotch (no peat used).
- Typically triple distilled which softens the flavour.
- A great starting point if you’re new to whiskey.
- Huge variety now, from historic brands to modern craft distilleries.
A brief history of Irish Whiskey
Irish whiskey dates back to around 1000AD, when monks brought distillation techniques from the Mediterranean to Ireland. By the 12th century, whiskey was already being produced.
The industry boomed in the late 1700s, with distilleries opening across the country following the introduction of licensing. At its peak in the 1800s, Ireland had more than 30 working distilleries.
However, a combination of the Irish Civil War and Prohibition in the US caused a dramatic decline. By 1990, just three distilleries remained: The Old Midleton Distillery in Cork, Bushmills in Antrim and the Cooley Distillery in Louth.
Today, Irish whiskey is one of the fastest-growing spirits in the world, with distilleries opening across the country once again.
How is Irish Whiskey made?
The process of making Irish whiskey is simpler than it sounds. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Step 1: Malting and mashing
Barley is soaked, germinated and dried before being ground into a coarse flour. Hot water is added to release sugars from the grain.
Step 2: Fermentation
Yeast is added to the liquid, converting the sugars into alcohol over a couple of days.
Step 3: Distillation
The liquid is distilled two or three times, usually in copper pot stills, to increase alcohol content and refine the flavour.
Step 4: Maturation
The spirit is aged in wooden casks for at least three years. The type of barrel plays a big role in the final taste.
Step 5: Bottling
After ageing, the whiskey is diluted to the desired strength and bottled.
This is a short guide to Irish whiskey production.
Types of Irish Whiskey?
There are four main types of Irish Whiskey. They are single malt, single pot still, grain and blended.
Single malt – Made from 100% malted barley in a single distillery using pot stills.
Examples: Bushmills 10, 12, 16 and 21 Year, Tullamore D.E.W. 10 Year
Single pot still – Made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley in a pot still.
This is a uniquely Irish style and was once the most common.
Examples: Redbreast, Green Spot
Grain – Made using a column (Coffey) still and often from a mix of grains.
Usually lighter in flavour and commonly used in blends.
Examples: Teeling Single Grain, Kilbeggan Single Grain
Blended – A mix of two or more types (usually grain and pot still).
This is the most common style of Irish whiskey today.
Examples: Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W., Powers, Bushmills Original
Most distillery tours will explain these styles, but you don’t need to know them in detail to enjoy the experience.
FAQs about visiting distilleries in Ireland
Final Thoughts on Distilleries to Visit in Ireland
So, there you have it. Our top distilleries in Ireland to discover span the length and breadth of the country and are just a select few of the distilleries now located on the island of Ireland. You can be sure to find the best whiskey tours in Ireland in these distilleries, and you may even go home with a bottle or two after your tour.
Many of the Irish whiskies mentioned in this article can be found in shops around Ireland, in duty-free shops in the airports, and in specialised stores such as the Distillery Store in Temple Bar or the Celtic Whiskey Shop in Dawson Street, both in the heart of Dublin.
Personally, I have not tasted many of these whiskies as it was not my tipple of choice. However, I can say that the very expensive Midleton Very Rare was extremely smooth to drink, and my father’s personal favourites are Jameson, Redbreast and Paddy, in that order.
Pin for later!
Another must visit distillery is Pearse Lyons right in Dublin.
In a refurbished 13th century church
Another Distillery worth while to visit is the Irish American Whisky company on Achill Island. It is the only Distillery on an Ireland in IRELAND. It is a family run Distillery. They produce various Whiskys, 1 Brand of Gin that is a floral one and Vodka I think.
Oh, we’re hoping to revisit Achill next year so will stop by this distillery. Thanks for letting me know!