An estimated 160,000 people take tours of the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin or the Jameson Experience in County Cork each year. Located in the Smithfield area of central Dublin, the Old Distillery gives one-hour tours of the premises every 20 minutes throughout the day, with an opportunity to taste some of the whiskey. At Midleton in County Cork, the distillery buildings date back to 1795, and on the tour you’ll see a water wheel, old warehouses and period kilns. Book tours for both Jameson sites in advance online to secure the date and time of your choice. Admission fees apply.
Northern Ireland’s Bushmills Distillery holds the distinction of being the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Active since 1608, the company uses a pot-still logo first registered in 1784. The distillery itself stands in the beautiful surroundings of North Antrim, close to the famous Giant’s Causeway. During the 40-minute tour your guide will show you the mash house, where water and grain are combined and fermented, and the still house, where the whiskey is distilled three times. Bushmills Distillery doesn’t take advance bookings unless you’re part of a group of 15 or more, so arrive early to avoid having to wait. Admission fees apply.
Located in County Westmeath close to the M6 motorway linking Dublin and Galway, Kilbeggan Distillery claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, although for many years the premises lay derelict until distilling recommenced in 2007. The evocative building retains its traditional water wheel, whitewashed walls and tall brick chimney. Inside, traditional mash tuns and fermenters are on view, and you may see whiskey being poured from a pot still that’s over 180 years old. Choose between the self-guided audio tour; the standard tour, which shows you only the buildings and distilling process; the silver medal tour, during which you’ll sample three whiskey varieties; and the gold medal tour, providing the chance to sip four whiskeys. Admission fees apply.
Tullamore Dew operates a visitors center at its premises one hour’s drive east of Dublin, just off the M6 heading toward Galway. The company offers two tours, based on how much knowledge you already possess about the whiskey-making process. Novices should go for the Original tour, but whiskey connoisseurs will enjoy the Special Reserve, which breaks the spirit down into its different ingredients and investigates how it all comes together, with tastings along the way. Call ahead to book a place on a Special Reserve tour. Admission fees apply.
