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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
Northern Ireland’s Distilleries have a long history, and distilling is a critical industry in Ireland. This article will tell you all you need to know when visiting these fantastic distilleries.
Table of Contents
Boatyard Distillery
The Boatyard Distillery is located on the banks of Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, North West Ireland. It was Fermanagh’s first legal distillery. It is built on a historic boatyard which gives it its name.
When visiting the Boatyard Distillery, you can take an hour-and-a-half-long tour of their distillery, including a gin tasting. The tour includes:
- A gin and tonic reception.
- The history and origins of the Boatyard Distillery.
- A neat tasting of our full spirits range.
- Two cocktails.
- A behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery from distilling to labelling and an insight into our future projects.
- The chance to label your 70cl bottle of Boatyard Double Gin to take home with you.
TOUR OPENING HOURS
- Monday & Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday & Thursday – 11am & 2pm
- Friday – 11 am, 2 pm & 6 pm
- Saturday & Sunday – 12pm & 3:30pm
Location: 346 Lough Shore Rd, Drumcrow East, Enniskillen BT93 7DX
Opening Hours:
| Monday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 10am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–5 pm |
Copeland Distillery
Maritime Heritage in a Bottle
Situated in the coastal town of Donaghadee, County Down, Copeland Distillery is deeply rooted in maritime heritage. The distillery takes its name from the nearby Copeland Islands and pays homage to the area’s smuggling past. The founders, Gareth and Jannine Irvine are passionate about reviving the region’s spirit through their range of gins and rums.
The Spirits
Copeland Distillery produces a range of gins, including the Copeland Classic Irish Gin and the Rhuberry Gin, a delightful blend of rhubarb and blackberry. They have also ventured into rum production, with their Smugglers’ Reserve range, aged in bourbon casks to add depth and character.
The Experience
A visit to Copeland Distillery offers a glimpse into the history of smuggling along the Northern Irish coast. The guided tours take you through the distillation process, and you’ll learn about the unique botanicals used in their gins. The tour ends with a tasting session in their stylish bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail while enjoying the sea views.
Location: The Copeland Distillery, Manor St, Donaghadee BT21 0HF
Opening Hours:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 9am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–4 pm |
Echlinville Distillery
Tradition and Innovation
Located in County Down, Echlinville Distillery is set on the grounds of the historic Echlinville Estate. Established in 2013, it became the first distillery in Northern Ireland to receive a licence in over 125 years. The distillery prides itself on its field-to-glass ethos, growing its barley and distilling on-site, ensuring complete control over the production process.
The Spirits
Echlinville Distillery is known for its award-winning Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, a revival of the historic Dunville brand that dates back to the 1800s. Their range includes Dunville’s PX Cask 12-Year-Old and Dunville’s Three Crowns. They also produce a range of gins, including the Echlinville Gin, which incorporates local botanicals.
The Experience
Visitors to Echlinville can explore the distillery on a guided tour that showcases traditional and modern methods of spirit production. The tour includes a visit to the maturation warehouses and ends with a tasting session in the elegant surroundings of the estate. The distillery also offers special events and tastings throughout the year, making it a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts.
Location: 62 Gransha Rd, Kircubbin, Newtownards BT22 1AJ
Opening Hours:
| Monday | 11 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–4 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–4 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–4 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–4 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–4 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–4 pm |
Hinch Distillery
The New Face of Irish Whiskey
Hinch Distillery, located in Ballynahinch, County Down, is one of the newest additions to Northern Ireland’s distilling scene. Opened in 2020, the distillery has quickly made a name for itself with its range of premium whiskeys. The distillery’s name pays tribute to the nearby town of Ballynahinch, which means “town of the island” in Irish.
The Spirits
Hinch Distillery produces a range of Irish whiskeys, including the Hinch Small Batch, a blend of malt and grain whiskeys, and the Hinch 10-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish, which offers rich, fruity flavours with a hint of spice. The distillery also produces Ninth Wave Gin, a small-batch gin inspired by Irish mythology.
The Experience
Hinch Distillery offers a state-of-the-art visitor experience with guided tours and tastings. The tour takes you through the whiskey-making process, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and maturation. The highlight is the tasting session, where you can sample their range of whiskeys and gin in the sleek tasting bar. The distillery also has a restaurant, The Hinch Brasserie, where you can enjoy a meal with their spirits.
Location: 19 Carryduff Rd, Ballynahinch BT27 6TZ
Opening Hours:
| Monday | 10 am–5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10am–5:30 pm |
| Friday | 10am–5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10am–5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 11am–5:30 pm |
Killowen Distillery
Craft Spirits in the Mourne Mountains
Nestled in the picturesque Mourne Mountains, Killowen Distillery is one of Northern Ireland’s smallest distilleries. Despite its size, Killowen has made a significant impact with its focus on traditional craft distilling methods and innovative spirit offerings. The distillery’s location in the heart of the Mournes adds charm, making it a destination for both spirit lovers and nature enthusiasts.
The Spirits
Killowen Distillery produces small-batch Irish whiskeys, including their famous Rum & Raisin Cask Finish, which brings a unique twist to traditional whiskey flavours. They also produce poitín, a traditional Irish spirit, using ancient techniques and local ingredients. Killowen’s experimental approach has led to intriguing releases, such as their acacia wood-aged whiskey.
The Experience
Visiting Killowen Distillery is a truly intimate experience. The tours are small and personal, allowing you to get up close to the production process. You’ll learn about the distillery’s commitment to using direct-flame copper pot stills and traditional worm tub condensers, which contribute to the unique character of its spirits. The tour ends with a tasting of its latest releases, enjoyed in the distillery’s rustic surroundings.
Location: 29 Kilfeaghan Rd, Killowen, Newry BT34 3AW
Opening Hours:
| Monday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–5:30pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Rademan Estate Distillery
Innovation in the Heart of the Countryside
Rademon Estate Distillery, located near Downpatrick, County Down, is one of the oldest historic estates in Northern Ireland. Founded by Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong in 2014, it has quickly gained recognition for its innovative spirits. The estate’s rich history and picturesque setting provide the perfect backdrop for a modern distillery.
The Spirits
Rademon Estate is best known for its Shortcross Gin, which has become a favourite among gin lovers. The gin is crafted using a combination of botanicals, including locally sourced elderflowers and apples, creating a fresh and aromatic spirit. The distillery has also expanded into whiskey production, with their Single Malt Irish Whiskey showing great promise.
The Experience
A visit to Rademon Estate Distillery offers a blend of history and innovation. The tours take you through the production process, from botanicals to bottling, and provide insight into the estate’s rich heritage. The tasting session includes samples of their gin and whiskey, and you can enjoy a stroll around the beautiful grounds after your visit.
Location: 65 Church Rd, Downpatrick BT30 9HR
Opening Hours:
| Monday | 9 am–5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5:30pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Old Bushmills Distillery
The Granddaddy of Them All
No tour of Northern Ireland’s distilleries would be complete without a visit to Old Bushmills Distillery. Located in the village of Bushmills, County Antrim, this is the world’s oldest licensed distillery, dating back to 1608. Bushmills is synonymous with Irish whiskey, and its legacy is woven into the fabric of the industry.
The Spirits
Old Bushmills Distillery produces a range of whiskeys, from the classic Bushmills Original to the Bushmills Black Bush, known for its rich, sherried flavour. Their single malts, including the Bushmills 10-Year-Old and 21-Year-Old, are highly regarded for their complexity and balance.
The Experience
The visitor experience at Old Bushmills is second to none. The guided tours take you through the historic distillery, where you can see the traditional copper pot stills and learn about their vast warehouses’ maturation process. The tour ends with a tasting of their whiskeys, and you can also browse the well-stocked gift shop for exclusive bottlings.
Take a virtual tour of the distillery here.
Location: 2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills BT57 8XH
Opening Hours:
| Monday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Wild Atlantic Distillery
A Taste of the Wild
Wild Atlantic Distillery is one of Northern Ireland’s newer distilleries, located in Aghyaran, County Tyrone. Founded by friends Michael Slevin and Brendan Carty, the distillery takes inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way. Its focus is on producing premium craft spirits that reflect the region’s natural surroundings.
The Spirits
Wild Atlantic Distillery produces a range of spirits, including its Wild Atlantic Irish Gin, which incorporates botanicals sourced from the coastline. It also produces vodka and plans to release its first Irish whiskey in the coming years. Its spirits are characterised by a crisp, clean profile that captures the essence of the Atlantic coast.
The Experience
A visit to Wild Atlantic Distillery offers a unique blend of nature and spirit-making. The tours take you through the distillery, where you’ll learn about their sustainability and commitment to local sourcing. The tasting session is a highlight, with samples of their gin and vodka enjoyed in the stunning surroundings of the Tyrone countryside.
Location: 20 Trienamongan Rd, Aghyaran, Castlederg BT81 7XF
Opening Hours:
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Conclusion
Northern Ireland’s distilleries offer more than just a chance to sample exceptional spirits; they provide a window into the region’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the heritage of Old Bushmills, the craft innovation of Killowen, or the maritime charm of Copeland, each distillery has its own unique story to tell. A visit to any of these distilleries will surely be a memorable experience filled with flavour, tradition, and an authentic taste of Northern Ireland. Cheers!
