Breweries & Distilleries

1. Jameson Midleton Distillery County Cork

The ultimate Irish whiskey tour. The Old Midleton Distillery dates back to 1825 and is home to the world's largest whiskey pot still — an impressive 140,000 L (31,600 gal). What really sets the Jameson Midleton Distillery apart is its guest tours, which rank among the top attractions, not only in Ireland but across the world.

The fully operational "new" Midleton Distillery, built in 1975, is where favourites like Jameson, Midleton Very Rare, Powers, and Redbreast are produced. The tour gives you exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the skilled craftsmen and women who bring these whiskeys to life. You'll explore the maturation warehouse, the micro-distillery, and the processing areas, before sampling a drop of the much-loved fruit of their labour.

Tour options at the Jameson Midleton Distillery include the flagship "Midleton Distillery Experience" (75 minutes), perfect for first-time visitors, the more in-depth "Distiller's Apprentice Tour" (90 minutes) for the Whiskey aficionado and a 'Cocktail-Making Class' for aspiring bartenders. Advance booking is essential, especially during summer months. The on-site café is ideal for non-drinkers or those who prefer a coffee break.

Take a trip: Visit Jameson Midleton Distillery on our Tours of Ireland.

2. Old Bushmills Distillery County Antrim

Perfect for: Whiskey historians & Giant's Causeway day trips (60-90 min tours)

A tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery allows you to say you've visited the world's oldest distillery — its licence to distil dates back to 1608. Firmly rooted in its landscape, the distillery uses the local waters of the river Bush in the production of its whiskey — the same water that washes over the mythical basalt rocks of the nearby Giant's Causeway.

The tour at Old Bushmills Distillery offers three options: "Premium Tour & Tasting", "Distillery Tour and 3 Malt Tasting" and "The Distillery Tour". The "Premium Tour & Tasting" is a combination of the other two options and lasts up to two and a half hours. You can also opt for a tasting-only option, the "Warehouse Tasting Experience", or just settle in for a few wee drams or a hot toddy in the 1608 Bar. Tours start punctually — arrive 10-15 minutes early. The distillery pairs perfectly with a visit to the nearby Giant's Causeway, making it an ideal Northern Ireland day trip.

Take a trip: Visit Old Bushmills Distillery as part of one of our Tours of Ireland.

3. Powerscourt Distillery County Wicklow

Perfect for: Families & scenic estate visits (tours ~60 min)

One of Ireland's newer distilleries, Powerscourt Distillery began producing whiskey in 2018, with its distillery tours officially opening in May 2019. Located on the grounds of Powerscourt House & Gardens in County Wicklow, the distillery is surrounded by the Wicklow Mountains, with the River Dargle running through the grounds. Distillery settings don't get much more idyllic than this.

On the "Distillery and Warehouse Tour & Tasting", you'll see the distillery in full flow. After an introductory video on the history of the distillery and the estate, you'll be guided through the modern, state-of-the-art production floor and on to the maturation warehouse and cask viewing room. Here, you can hear the story of the "Angel's Share" — the whiskey lost through evaporation. The tour concludes in the bespoke tasting rooms, where you can sample three Fercullen whiskeys — the first whiskey to be produced, legally, in County Wicklow for over a century. Perfect for mixed groups: While part of your group tour the distillery, others can explore the famous Powerscourt Gardens or relax in the on-site café.

4. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery County Dublin

Perfect for: City centre convenience & walk-ins (tours 45-75 min)

A newcomer to the Irish whiskey scene, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery is the first to open in Dublin in the past 125 years. Brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling can trace their whiskey-making roots back to their ancestor Walter Teeling, who founded a distillery just steps from theirs in 1782. Set in the unlikely surroundings of the Liberties, an inner-city district of Dublin near Temple Bar, Teeling offers an unapologetically modern take on Irish whiskey.

Since 2015, the Teeling brothers have been producing whiskey in innovative and often unusual ways. Their use of ex-bourbon oak barrels during maturation gives the whiskeys distinct vanilla and honey notes — that will certainly be familiar to American palates.

Take a trip: Visit the Teeling Whiskey Distillery on our Tours of Ireland.

Unlike other Irish whiskey distilleries, Teeling offers a more relaxed atmosphere. While many are set in the countryside and can be a little formal, Teeling has a more modern, vibrant energy. You'll see a live distillery in action, guided by friendly and knowledgeable staff. There are four different tours to choose from, with different tasting options available including their Small Batch, Single Malt, and Single Grain whiskeys, as well as Single Pot Still and handmade whiskey cocktails — there's even a tour where you can bottle and take home your favourite whiskey. In the heart of Dublin: Its central Liberties location makes Teeling ideal for fitting into a city day — walk-ins welcome, but booking ahead is wise, especially on weekends.

5. Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery County Offaly

Perfect for: Interactive hands-on experiences (tours 60-90 min)

Another of Ireland's must-see whiskey tour experiences, Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery in County Offaly is a slick and modern attraction that, at the same time, is brimming with tradition. First founded in 1829 by Daniel E. Williams, Tullamore D.E.W. is said to be the original triple-distilled Irish whiskey, and is the number 2 selling Irish whiskey in the world — behind only Jameson.

Take a trip: Visit Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery on one of our Tours of Ireland.

Known for its innovation, it was one of the first distilleries to use both electricity and motorised vehicles, Tullamore D.E.W. carries that spirit forward today. Having been distilled at a number of different locations since its closure in 1954, the company returned to its hometown in 2014 with this state-of-the-art new distillery.

The emphasis at the Tullamore Distillery is firmly on the visitor experience. The guides are a real standout — knowledgeable, professional, and great fun — the interactive sections were an unexpected delight. You'll learn how to profile your favourite whiskey, and get to make your own batch. The guides also show you how to properly nose and taste your chosen pour. You even get to "Dip the Dog" — tasting the whiskey directly from the cask. Book ahead: The hands-on elements make this a popular choice, so advance booking is strongly recommended.

6. Slane Whiskey Distillery County Meath

Perfect for: Rock 'n' roll fans & families (tours ~60 min)

Slane Distillery is the brainchild of the Conyngham family, located on the grounds of Slane Castle in County Meath, more commonly known as the venue for the annual Slane Summer concerts since 1981. The distillery is housed in the former stables of the castle, and the tour takes you through the history of the Conyngham family and the legendary music acts they've hosted over the years.

This is certainly a tour with a difference, and so is the whiskey it showcases. Slane's signature whiskey is both triple distilled and triple cask matured, through virgin oak, seasoned whiskey casks and sherry casks giving it a smooth yet complex finish. You're guided through the live whiskey-making process and its production line, meeting the characters and the craftspeople dedicated to ensuring that Slane whiskey is at the forefront of the Irish whiskey trail.

Families are welcome to tour Slane Distillery — something not often the case with other distillery tours in Ireland. Naturally, drinking age rules still apply — so under 18s will have to settle for non-alcoholic refreshments. Private tours are also possible that can be curated and designed to your preference. On the grounds of Slane Castle you'll also find The Gandon Room Restaurant, Browne's Bar as well as walking trails and guided tours of the castle itself.

7. The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney County Leitrim

Perfect for: Intimate craft experiences & cocktails (tours ~45 min)

Located in the heart of rural Leitrim, The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney is a family venture. First opened in 2014 by PJ Rigney and his wife Denise, the first whiskey came of age here in 2017. It marked the first distillation of whiskey in the Connacht province for over 100 years.

It's not just whiskey that you can taste on a tour of The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney, more commonly known as The Shed — gin and vodka are also made here. A great choice if your entire party isn't a fan of the golden spirit. The entire tour is a more stripped-back affair compared with some of the more established whiskey distilleries of Ireland. There's no screens or flashy visuals, just a straight-talking guide and spirits that speak for themselves. Small-batch charm: The intimate setting makes for personal interactions, but space is limited — book ahead to secure your spot.

The tour ends at The Honey Badger Bar, where you'll get to taste the Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey and the Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Tonic. If you've built up an appetite, there are two food options: Tails & Tapas for a light snack, or The Jackalope Café for something more substantial.

8. Dingle Distillery Dingle, County Kerry

Perfect for: Craft spirits pioneers & scenic Dingle visits (tours ~60 min)

In 1996 friends Oliver, Liam and Peter founded the Porterhouse Brewing Company, long before craft beer became prominent in Ireland. When they later launched their craft spirit operation, the timing couldn't have been better. Releasing their first whiskey in December 2015, they were the first independent distillery in Ireland to go up against the three big brand labels. They have since developed and released their own vodka and gin. They have seen competitors come and go as the demand for craft spirits continues to rise in Ireland.

Visitors are welcome to tour the distillery. Learn the history of Irish whiskey and of Dingle Distillery itself.

9. Walsh's Distillery County Carlow

Perfect for: Small-batch Irish whiskey (tours ~60 min)

Bernard and Rosemary Walsh ventured into the Irish whiskey business after Rosemary spent time running a ski chalet in France. During her time in the Alps, in 1999, Rosemary came up with the idea of an Irish Coffee that didn't take so long to make. This was to be the creation of their first product, a blended and bottled Irish Coffee called Hot Irishman. Having also tried their hand at Irish Cream liqueur, it wasn't until 2006, when they were granted a long-term supply agreement, that they became one of the frontrunners of the Irish whiskey revival.

10. Guinness Storehouse Dublin City

Perfect for: Iconic brewery experience (self-guided ~90 min)

Shaped like a giant pint of the black stuff, this most popular of Dublin attractions towers over the surrounding neighbourhoods. The site of the brewery itself is massive, at a staggering 26 hectares. However, it will be the old grain storehouse that you visit. The building was constructed in 1902 and was the St. James's Gate Brewery's fermentation plant - where yeast is added to the brew. Designed in the style of the Chicago School of Architecture and classed as one of the first skyscrapers in the British Isles. In 1997 the building was redesigned to become the tourist attraction we know today, the Guinness Storehouse.

Opened in December 2000, Guinness Storehouse has become the most visited attraction in Ireland. To date, they have welcomed over 20 million visitors. Over the years there have been numerous investments made to ensure that the tour features the most cutting-edge technology available to explore the past, present and future of St. James's Gate. At the end of the tour, at the top-floor Gravity Bar guests are greeted with a delightful panorama view across the Dublin cityscape with a complimentary well-earned pint (providing the guest is 18 or over). The Guinness Storehouse is a favourite memory for a lot of people on their tour of Ireland.

The self-guided tour will take you through the history of the brewery and the brewing process spread out over 7 floors. The visitor experience uses audiovisual and interactive displays to tell its story. The experience will take about 90 minutes. Book well ahead: As Ireland's most visited attraction, Guinness tickets sell out days (sometimes weeks) in advance — secure your time slot early to avoid disappointment.

11. Franciscan Well Brewery Cork City

Perfect for: Craft beer & pizza lovers (tours ~45 min)

The Franciscan Well Brewery was founded in 1998 by Shane Long. It was built on the site of an old Franciscan Monastery. It is said that the well within this monastery was believed to cure the ailments of those who drank from it. People came from across Ireland to seek its reputed healing powers.

Brewers operating from the well today still harness their unique output while adding modern technology and techniques learned from across Europe. It is currently Ireland's number one craft brewery. The Franciscan Well has collaborated with fellow Cork drink makers Jameson Whiskey to create a truly Corkonian beverage, a Jameson-Aged Stout.

The brewery is where new drink ideas are formed and if they pass the brewers' standards they are then served up at the Brew Pub in Cork City. If they are successful here then they will be exported further afield.

Read about: our visit to the Franciscan Well Craft Beer Pub.

The Brew Pub, located within the original brewery on Cork City's North Mall, is currently one of the city's hotspots. It's a modern pub with a historical twist. The original brewing vat sits in the middle of the beer garden, alongside a huge pizza oven. The latest creations from the brewery are tested by the clientele and, if the weather holds out, entire evenings can be spent arguing about the best pizza and beer combination.

The inside of the pub, built on the burial ground of the old monastery, is also a fantastic spot to sample some of Cork's finest delights ...as long as you don't mind the occasional ghost.

12. Eight Degrees Brewing Ballyhoura, County Limerick

Perfect for: Craft ale fans (tours ~45-60 min)

The brewmasters at Eight Degrees Brewing are an Australian and a New Zealander. Surprisingly, they have come together in harmony to produce one of Ireland's best selling craft beers. Since 2010, they have been at the forefront of the Irish craft beer revolution.

• Location: Ballyhoura, County Limerick (Google Map)
• Duration: ~45-60 min (brewery tour)
• Heritage: At forefront of Irish craft beer revolution since 2010
• Brewmasters: Australian & New Zealander collaboration
• Official website: eightdegrees.ie

13. Wicklow Brewery County Wicklow

Perfect for: Pub-based brewery visits (tours ~30-45 min)

Wicklow Brewery came to life in response to customers at Mickey Finn's Pub asking if they served local beers. The owners of the pub, in September 2014, set up plans for the Wicklow Brewery. Built using state-of-the-art German equipment and using only the best local produce, it has grown into a hit with visitors of the pub and craft beer drinkers around Ireland in general.

14. O'Haras Carlow Brewing Company County Carlow

Perfect for: Established craft beer heritage (tours ~45 min)

O'Haras brewery was established in 1996, well before the Irish boom in craft beer. It is a family-owned business based in the "Barrow Region" of County Carlow, an area with a strong heritage of beer brewing. Today, O'Hara's can be ordered in pubs across Ireland and their bottled beer is available in the majority of off-licenses.

One for the road...

No matter where your tour of Ireland takes you, you'll never be far from a whiskey distillery. While they are not ideal for families with young children, non-drinkers or those who prefer the great outdoors — they offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the craft, culture, and heritage of one of Ireland's most cherished traditions. If you'd like to arrange a bespoke private tour of Ireland's distilleries, you can check out our sample itinerary here: Whiskey Lovers Tour.

See also: Pub Culture in Ireland — how to order, tipping, music nights, and pub etiquette.