Top 10 · Whiskey
Updated 2026Irish whiskey is in a golden age, and the distillery experiences have never been better. From the historic homes of Jameson and Bushmills to the new wave of craft distilleries, these are the tours worth booking, and the bottles worth buying.
The places we recommend to friends.
Midleton, Co. Cork
The home of Jameson, Redbreast, and Midleton Very Rare. The new hands-on visit is Ireland's most comprehensive whiskey tour, from grain to glass in the original distillery.
Why We Recommend It: The Behind the Scenes experience includes cask tasting directly from the barrel. The Midleton Very Rare tasting is the ultimate splurge.
Brands: Jameson, Redbreast
Best Tour: Behind the Scenes
Smithfield, Dublin 7
The original Dublin distillery, beautifully restored. The Bow Street Experience is polished, engaging, and ends with a cocktail-making session in the bar.
Why We Recommend It: The Whiskey Makers experience for serious enthusiasts. The JJ's Bar cocktails after are exceptional. Ideal for a Dublin afternoon.
Location: Central Dublin
Feature: Cocktail Making
The Liberties, Dublin 8
Dublin's first new distillery in 125 years. The Liberties location is atmospheric, the single malts are award-winning, and the tasting room has serious cocktail credentials.
Why We Recommend It: The premium tasting experience with single malts unavailable elsewhere. The Bang Bang cocktail bar upstairs is a bonus.
Founded: 2015
Highlight: Single Malts
Bushmills, Co. Antrim
The world's oldest licensed distillery, operating since 1608. Set in a picturesque North Antrim village near the Giant's Causeway.
Why We Recommend It: Combine with the Giant's Causeway and Royal Portrush for the perfect Northern Ireland day. The 21-Year-Old tasting is sublime.
Since: 1608
Near: Giant's Causeway
Dingle, Co. Kerry
A craft distillery in one of Ireland's most beautiful towns. Their single malt and gin have earned international acclaim. The tour feels personal, because it is.
Why We Recommend It: The intimate scale means you're practically making whiskey yourself. Pair with a Slea Head Drive for a perfect Dingle day.
Type: Craft
Products: Whiskey, Gin, Vodka
Tullamore, Co. Offaly
A visitor experience in the heart of Ireland. Interactive, modern, and featuring the only whiskey distilled in three ways: grain, malt, and pot still.
Why We Recommend It: The best distillery for understanding whiskey-making. The tasting flight at the end includes some surprises. The town is charming.
Style: Triple Distilled
Experience: Immersive
Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath
Ireland's oldest licensed distillery, dating to 1757. A working museum where original equipment still produces small-batch whiskey. Authentic and atmospheric.
Why We Recommend It: The most authentic old-world distillery experience in Ireland. The small-batch whiskey is excellent. The on-site bar is cozy.
Since: 1757
Style: Small Batch
The Liberties, Dublin 8
Set in a restored 12th-century church in the Liberties. The spiritual home of Irish whiskey meets the spiritual architecture of medieval Dublin.
Why We Recommend It: The setting is extraordinary: stained glass and copper stills. The evening 'Dead Centre' tour explores the church's history. Unique.
Setting: 12th-Century Church
Unique Tour: Dead Centre
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
Ireland's newest major distillery on the grounds of Powerscourt Estate. Still maturing their own whiskey, but the tour and tasting are already excellent.
Why We Recommend It: Combine with Powerscourt House and Gardens for a full Wicklow day. The estate setting is magnificent. The restaurant is excellent.
Setting: Powerscourt Estate
Status: Maturing
Walsh Whiskey, Co. Carlow
The home of Writers' Tears and The Irishman whiskeys. A working distillery with a focus on traditional copper pot production.
Why We Recommend It: For whiskey enthusiasts who want to understand copper pot distilling. The Writers' Tears Copper Pot is our house whiskey at home.
Brands: Writers' Tears
Focus: Copper Pot
Seven Days
The Printed Edit
The travel-ready version of our 7-day route. Bases, drives, hotels and the bookings to make first.
The version readers print and bring with them.