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Most memorable whiskey distillery experiences

I've got a friend traveling with me to Ireland in May! When it was just me, a distillery wasn't top of my priority list so I didn't pay much attention to options. A distillery is on her list, however, so I want to include one during the week she's joining me.

Rather than simply quality of whiskey, I'm looking for a nice tour experience that demonstrates the process of Irish whiskey making. A small producer seems to be a better option than an industrial facility. It can be anywhere in Ireland. My preference is to spend a few days in Dublin and the rest going north during the week she joins me. If it's not north, I'll still have another week on my own to get north.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Posted by
20 posts

Have been to the Midelton Distillery in Cork, Tullamore, Kilbeggan and Bushmills. Of those, would definitely recommend Tullamore. Smaller, attentive guides, good history, fun tasting and a pretty charming location.

Posted by
7148 posts

Have only been to Bushmills. Caught the last tour of the day and found it to be interesting. Since I was driving, I was unable to sample the product, but my wife enjoyed mine.

Posted by
12313 posts

Bushmills was one I was considering because it's north. Rick's guide says it's best M-F before noon, when people are working. Anyone have any experience with that?

Posted by
404 posts

Second vote for Tullamore. We enjoyed it a lot. Were there on a Saturday in October (2013) and practically had the place to ourselves - our tour was the two of us and one other group of three. They had a little café on premises too.

Posted by
22 posts

I recommend Dingle Distillery dingledistillery.ie . We had a great tour there in July 2017.

Posted by
22 posts

We had a great experience at Kilbeggan between Dublin and Galway. Private tour and generous tasting after the really interesting tour, and our driver got a to-go gift bag for later. They have a lot of original equipment and stills. It's something like the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland--Gotta pay for the French and Indian War somehow, right?
As far as the whisky--it was good--warmed us up on a cold day. Enjoy Ireland!

Posted by
12313 posts

Thanks for the recommendations. Since these are in different directions, I'll let my friend decide what she wants to see most and pick the one of these that makes the most sense in that direction.