jameson whiskey ireland tour

Jameson Tour in Dublin: 5 BEST Irish Whiskey Tours

Is taking a Jameson tour in Dublin worth doing? How long does the Jameson tour take in Dublin?

Taking a Jameson tour in the Irish capital is on pretty much every visitor’s bucket list when they visit Ireland. But, with dozens of tour options to choose from, picking the tour that’s right for you and your group can be tricky… and also very time-consuming.

That’s why I’ve created this list of the top 5 Jameson whiskey tours for your next trip! A visit to the Jameson Distillery Dublin is supposed to be special (and full of plenty of Irish whiskey, of course), so this short and top-rated list will save you hours of time and all the stress of planning!

While you’re there, you’ll discover the rich history of whiskey-making as you explore Ireland’s oldest distillery, and learn about the fascinating production process.

Don’t have time to read the entire post? No worries!

This Skip the Line Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour in Dublin is by far the best Jameson tour in Dublin for you and your group!

⭐ Inclusive pint of Guinness and Jameson cocktail ⭐ Special whiskey tastings ⭐ Expert local guide

You’ll also learn how John Jameson established his famous whiskey at the Old Jameson Distillery back in 1780 , and how it has been developed into the popular alcoholic drink that continues to be enjoyed by millions worldwide.

The former Jameson factory stands on Bow St. while current whiskey-making takes place in County Cork at the New Midleton Distillery. Now, let’s find your perfect tour!

The TOP 5 Jameson Tours in Dublin

☘️1. skip the line guinness and jameson irish whiskey experience tour in dublin.

What’s Included? ⤵️

• 4 hours in duration
• Expert local English-speaking tour guide
• Skip the Line Perks & Timed Entry at the Jameson Distillery Experience
• Skip the Line Perks & Timed Entry at the Guinness Storehouse
• 2 free drinks (1 Jameson whiskey drink and 1 pint of Guinness)
• Jameson whiskey samples during the tour

☘️ This leading distillery tour remains the best whiskey tour Dublin has to offer for its nearly 400 5-star reviews, its comparative whiskey tastings, and its Badge of Excellence reward on Viator! Whether you are traveling with an entire group, solo, or with a partner, this combined Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery tour Dublin is perfect for any visitor hoping to fit a lot of sightseeing into a short amount of time. Plus, with a local guide by your side, you’ll get the inside scoop on all things Guinness and Jameson-related that others will miss! As the best whiskey tour in Dublin, be sure to book your spot soon as tours get booked months in advance!

☘️ 2. Private Dublin Whiskey and Beer Tour: Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery

• 4.5 hours in duration
• Full private Dublin whiskey tour (with beer!)
• Expert local guide to accompany all whiskey and beer tastings
• Private city tour of Dublin
• Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience
• Jameson cocktail and three free whiskey samplings
• Guinness Storehouse admission (with a free pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar!)
• Fully guided tour around the Guinness Storehouse

☘️ This is the ultimate Dublin Guinness and Jameson tour for your group – and just your group . Tickets for this private group tour often book up months in advance… and it’s quite obvious why. Numerous beer and whiskey samplings, a fun cocktail making class where they create your perfect Jameson cocktail, and if you decide to change your mind you can get a full refund for your tour up to 24 hours in advance! Not that you’ll want to cancel, however… with a local Irishman showing you the ropes around Dublin’s most famous distilleries, it’s more than likely you’ll be ready to book another night in Dublin following this incredible Jameson whiskey tour in Dublin .

☘️ 3. Jameson Distillery Guided Experience with Whiskey Tasting in Dublin

• 45 minutes in duration
• Signature Jameson cocktail (made with ginger ale and lime)
• Full comparative whiskey tasting
• Alcoholic Drinks

☘️ When it comes to doing Dublin up right Jameson Distillery edition, this is easily among the best quick tours you can take advantage of when you’re short on time. During your tour, you’ll experience how the Jameson is made during the factory tour, get to sample multiple different types of Irish whiskey (including the infamous Jameson Black Barrel), and have plenty of time to check out the gift shop! It may be touristy, but you can usually find some pretty good Irish souvenirs there.

☘️ 4. Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

• 1.75 hours in duration
• Complimentary map
• Enjoy live commentary from Ireland’s iconic Fáilte guides
• Free Dublin Walking Tours 
• Access to Dublin’s most popular attractions (including the Jameson Distillery, Guinness Storehouse, and even the Teeling Distillery!)
• Entry ticket to the Little Museum of Dublin at St. Stephen’s Green

☘️ If you want to mix in a Jameson tour in Dublin during your day out on the town, this hop-on hop-off city bus is the perfect way to get there. You’ll get to sightsee as you make your way through the city and once the stop arrives, you can hop off for a secret whiskey tasting without the worry of driving yourself! Along the route, you’ll also pass by other popular stops including the Guinness Storehouse and Experience as well as the Teeling Distillery. Tickets for these types of tours can be booked day of, however, you won’t be guaranteed enough seats for your entire group. So, be sure to book ahead! There’s no stress in booking today since this tour allows for a full refund for cancelations made 24 hours or more prior to the start of the tour!

☘️ 5. Irish Whiskey Museum Experience Ticket

• 1 hour in duration
• Full guided tour and tasting with local whiskey expert
• Optional aged/premium whiskey tasting
• Optional tasting glass souvenir from the Irish Whiskey Museum

☘️ With nearly 2,000 5-star reviews, it’s no wonder why this Jameson whiskey tour in Dublin has received the Badge of Excellence from Viator! Now, it’s not located at the Jameson Dublin Distillery, but it’s still considered to be one of the top Jameson tours in Dublin. Instead, it’s located at the world-famous Irish Whiskey Museum on Grafton Street which is ideal for true whiskey connoisseurs owing to its captivating history, refined whiskey samplings, and the opportunity to test a variety of whiskey cocktails!

FAQ: Jameson Tour in Dublin

In this next section, I’m going to be answering all of your most popular questions regarding the Jameson Distillery Bow Street.

Is the Jameson Distillery Worth Visiting?

The Jameson Distillery is absolutely worth visiting! It’s a great way to learn about making Irish whiskey and its history, as well as sample some of the world-famous Jameson whiskey! Plus, it’s conveniently located in Dublin city centre , making it super easy to get there.

Now that you know all about the different Jameson tours available in Dublin, you have all the information you need to choose the one that most suits your tastes.

Just remember that Jameson Distillery Bow St. tickets book up fast for prime dates, so be sure to book well in advance!

How Much Does it Cost to Go to the Jameson Distillery in Dublin?

The Jameson tour in Dublin ranges between €26 and €120 , depending on if a premium whiskey tasting is included, if a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or Teeling Distillery Dublin is included, and so forth.

How Long Does the Jameson Tour Take in Dublin?

Depending on the tour you take, the Jameson Factory tour in Dublin ranges between 45 minutes and 4 hours long.

The 4-hour tours typically include visits to the Guinness Storehouse as well as other distilleries in the area.

Can you Visit the Jameson Distillery without a Tour?

While you can visit the Jameson Distillery Dublin without being on a guided tour, it’s not necessarily recommended… particularly if you have a large group.

Those who arrive without reservations will be placed into the following tours that depart every 15 minutes. Depending on the number of spots available on each tour, your group is likely to get split up, especially when the factory is busy.

If you are traveling alone and don’t mind taking the basic tour through the factory, then this could be a good option for you. But, if you’re hoping for a fully guided tour with multiple tastings for your entire group, then you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time.

You can also just pop into the distillery and enjoy a beverage without taking a tour at all, however this is *almost* a silly idea since you’ll have to pay for your beverages, when in turn you could just pay for a tour and get free beverages in addition to the tour … just something to think about. Plus, your Jameson Distillery tickets are included in your tour price!

How Far is the Jameson Distillery from Guinness Brewery?

The Jameson Distillery is about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from the Guinness Storehouse which can be traveled in roughly 6 minutes by car or 15-20 minutes on foot.

When on foot, the distance decreases to just under a mile, so depending on how fast you want to get to the beer, you can make it in about 10-15 minutes!

This makes it easy to get around without a car if you want to take a Jameson tour in Dublin as well as make a stop at the Guinness Storehouse.

Is the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Dublin?

Yes, the Jameson Whiskey Distillery is in Dublin! It’s located in the Smithfield area of Dublin 8, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Guinness Storehouse.

The distillery offers fun and informative tours which are highly recommended for any whiskey enthusiast.

When is the Jameson Distillery Open?

The Jameson Distillery Ireland is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30AM to 6:00PM, on Friday from 10:30AM to 7:00PM, on Saturday from 10:00AM to 7:00pm, and on Sunday from 12:00PM to 6:00PM.

If you can fit it into your Day Trips from Dublin , then be sure to make time for a visit!

Can I Visit the Jameson Distillery?

Its doors opened over 200 years ago, and luckily for us, the Jameson Distillery continues to allow visitors each and every day!

Whether you plan on taking a guided tour or simply want to check out the Irish whiskey museum, the Jameson Distillery needs to be on your to-do list for your next trip to Ireland !

How Many Jameson Distilleries Are There in Ireland?

There are two Jameson Distilleries in Ireland. The original one, where Jameson Irish Whiskey was born, is located in Bow Street, Dublin. This location is now home to the Jameson Distillery Bow Street, a visitor center where you can learn about the history of Jameson and the whiskey-making process.

The actual production of Jameson now takes place in the second distillery, the Jameson Distillery Midleton, located in County Cork. This is where the magic happens today, with the distillery producing Jameson, along with a variety of other premium blends.

Which Jameson Distillery is Better?

When it comes to the two Jameson distilleries in Dublin and Midleton, it’s actually very hard to go wrong. Both locations have EPIC reviews on Google, offer premium whiskey tastings, and are relatively convenient location-wise.

If you were hoping to get a photo of the world’s largest copper pot, then you may wish to head down to Midleton in County Cork ( which also has some incredible hotels !), or if you’re simply stopping in Dublin for a quick and safe visit , then the Bow St. location will be the better choice for you.

Regardless of which one you choose to include on your itinerary, you won’t be disappointed by the service or the whiskey!

Which Distillery to Visit in Dublin?

If you’re looking to explore more distilleries in Dublin beyond the Jameson Distillery, the city is home to several notable destinations for spirit enthusiasts. One of the most famous is the Guinness Storehouse, a temple for stout lovers.

Additionally, the Teeling Distillery offers visitors a chance to experience a brand that’s been influential in Dublin’s whiskey revival. The Pearse Lyons Distillery, nestled in the historic Liberties district, is another treasure, housed in a converted church with its own unique story.

And not to be missed is the Dublin Liberties Distillery, with its range of premium whiskeys. Each distillery provides a unique glimpse into Dublin’s rich heritage in spirits production and is well worth a visit.

Other Helpful Ireland Resources

☘️ 11 Best Dingle Accommodations: Where to Stay in Dingle Ireland ☘️ 9 BEST Cliffs of Moher Tours from Dublin in 2024 ☘️ 9 BEST Tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher 2024 ☘️ 9 Top-Rated Giant’s Causeway Tours in Ireland ☘️ 12 Amazing Family Hotels in Limerick, Ireland ☘️ 23+ Ireland Packing List Items: What to Pack for Ireland ☘️ How to Easily Format your Ireland Address with Examples ☘️ Does it Snow in Ireland: The Ultimate Guide to Winter in Ireland ☘️ Is Donegal in Northern or Southern Ireland? Everything You Need to Know ☘️ Aldi in Northern Ireland: Plans for 2024 ☘️ 7 BEST Blarney Castle Tours from Cork & Dublin 2024 ☘️ Dublin Postal Codes & Zip Codes in 2024 (Map & Diagram!) ☘️ 11 BEST Dingle Boat Tours in Ireland for 2024 ☘️ 30+ EPIC Things to Do in Dingle Ireland in 2024 ☘️ 10 Outstanding Dublin Food Tours for 2024

Visiting the Jameson Whiskey Distillery Dublin is an absolute must for any whiskey enthusiast.

From discovering its rich history and learning about the production process to joining a Jameson cocktail class in Dublin, you’ll be sure to have a memorable experience that will stay with you long after your trip has ended.

Skip to the bottom of the post? No worries!

With tours ranging from 45 minutes up to 4 hours, there’s something suitable for everyone – whether it’s just yourself or a large group of people coming from the United States, the United Arab Emirates, or Scotland, these experiences are sure to be the highlight of your time in Dublin.

Plus, if you plan ahead and make reservations, then you can guarantee that your entire tour group stays together throughout the visit.

So, take advantage of this incredible opportunity and book your own Jameson tour in Dublin ! I would say please drink Jameson Irish whiskey responsibly, but just do your best. Sláinte!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

Jameson Bow St. Experience & Tasting

The Jameson Distillery has been in the heart of Dublin city since 1780 and they have many stories to tell of how the city has grown around them. Follow in the footsteps of Jameson's founding fathers on the only tour of the original Jameson Distillery. The Jameson Distillery is one of Dublin's most popular attractions, definitely not to be missed!

• Fully guided Tour by Jameson's Expert Whiskey Ambassadors
• Comparative Whiskey Tasting of 3 whiskeys
• Complimentary Glass of Jameson Ginger and Lime
• Voted World Leading Distillery Tour at World Travel award for past 5 consecutive years
• Atmospheric Bar - (Possibly the best bar in Dublin!)
• Retail store stocked with brand home exclusives
• Please Note; Tickets are valid for Next Available Tour

Bow Street Experience Tour

Visitors to Jameson Distillery will have the opportunity to truly understand the process involved in making one of the world’s most famous whiskey brands, and the legacy John Jameson has created. The distillery ambassadors will bring you on a tour through this fabulous building detailing it's history and heritage with plenty of stories and craic and a comparative whiskey tasting, finishing off with a complimentary Jameson drink at the bar.

Whiskey Comparison and Complimentary Glass of Jameson

During your fully guided tour one of the Jameson Ambassador's will talk you through every step of the whiskey production process;

From grain to glass, you will become a whiskey distilling expert by the time the tour finishes! You will also take part in a comparative tasting of Jameson original, Jameson Black Barrel and Jameson Crested

After your comparison tasting, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of Jameson, and if you wish to, you can relax in JJs, Jameson’s in-house bar.

Looking for more information on whiskey distilleries in Dublin? Find out more here .

You can also sip the spirit of Dublin at another award winning attraction located in the heart of the city, the Guinnness Storehouse !

GETTING TO JAMESON WHISKEY DISTILLERY

Jameson Whiskey Distillery is located on Bow Street, close to Smithfield Square, which is a short walk from Dublin’s Temple Bar.

You can cycle to Jameson Distillery Bow St using many of the cycle lanes on the surrrounding roads, including the Liffey cycle lane. There is a Dublin Bike station located on Smithfield square.

Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour has a stop 200metres from Jameson Distillery Bow St. Buy your ticket here .

From Trinity College Dublin, the Distillery is 1.7km walking distance - this is a 21 minute walk approx. (On the way, we suggest walking along the city’s quays by the Liffey)

You can take Dublin Bus Route 25, 25a, 25b, 26, 37, 39, 39a, 66, 66a, 66b, 66e. 67, 69, 70, 79, 145 to Arran Quay - the bus stop here is less than 200 metres from the distillery. For more information on Dublin Bus routes, visit dublinbus.ie

Visitors to Jameson Distillery Bow Street can take the Luas to Smithfield, and the Distillery is located very close to the stop.

Buy Jameson: Bow St. Experience Tour Tickets

• Vouchers may be presented on smartphones or mobile devices or can be printed
• Duration of Guided Tour - 45 minutes
• Tours every 30 Minutes from 11:00-17:30 (11.45 on Sundays)
• Tickets are valid for the next available Tour, not for a specific time slot.
• Live Tour Guide - English
• Wheelchair accessible

Well worth the visit

Really worth the visit whilst in Dublin. It was interesting learning about the history and really well presented and interactive. Enjoyed the tasting too :)

Jameson Distillery, Dublin – tour, tickets, prices, discounts, tastings, hours

The Jameson Distillery on Bow Street in Dublin has been welcoming visitors for the last 200 years.

It was from this location that the distillery operated from 1780 to 1971 before the factory got moved to Midleton in Cork.

Now, only the Jameson Distillery experience tour is offered from the Old Jameson Distillery building in Smithfield.

After their €11 million refurbishments in 2017, this whiskey-tasting experience gets almost half a million whiskey connoisseurs every year.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Jameson Experience on Bow Street.

Top Jameson Distillery, Dublin Tickets

# Guided Bow St. Experience distillery tour # Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour # Whiskey tasting in Dublin – The Luxury Tour

Table of contents

What to expect at jameson distillery, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, jameson distillery tour ticket prices, jameson distillery ticket price (18+ years): €30, guinness & jameson irish experience tour, whiskey tasting in dublin – the luxury tour, jameson distillery dublin timings, how long is the jameson distillery tour in dublin, best time to visit jameson distillery, jameson distillery tour for free, jameson tour discounts, the original jameson distillery, jameson distillery in dublin vs distillery in cork, jameson experience whiskey tour, midleton, jameson distillery vs guinness storehouse, jameson distillery faqs.

Visit the Bow St., the hallowed turf for whiskey aficionados, where the legendary brand of Jameson Irish Whiskey was born.

Expert guides will lead you through the iconic distillery, where you’ll witness the time-honored craftsmanship behind our world-renowned whiskey.

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of distillery casks, and learn the secrets behind the triple distillation process that sets Jameson apart.

Distillation has ceased to take place on-site, and the actual process happens in New Midleton Distillery, County Cork, but this tour leaves no stone unturned in educating you about whiskey at its original birthplace.

Tantalize your taste buds with a premium whiskey tasting, where you’ll savor the smooth, complex flavors of our signature blends.

Take pleasure in a complimentary glass of Jameson, either neat or on the rocks, as you want! You may continue the fun by hanging out at JJs, the on-site bar, afterward.

Tickets for Jameson Distillery  are available online and at the attraction.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters. 

Because Jameson Distillery Tours sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days.

Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Visit the ticket  booking page for Jameson Distillery , select the preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets immediately.

Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in.

Please carry a valid ID with you.

For Jameson Distillery Bow St.: Guided Tour , an adult ticket for ages above €30.

Children under 18 years can have reduced tickets onsite.

For Skip-the-Line: Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour , an adult ticket for ages above 18 costs €112.

For Dublin: Private Jameson and Guinness Half-Day Tour by Bus , an adult ticket for all ages above 18 costs €578 for two people.

Jameson Distillery tour tickets

If you want to visit the Jameson Distillery’s bar in Bow Street, you don’t need entry tickets. You can just walk in and order your drinks. 

However, if you want to be part of the Jameson Distillery experience tour , you need to buy tickets. 

The Jameson Ambassadors guide these tours. 

There are three ways to experience the most exquisite whiskey experience in Dublin, and we detail them below – 

Guided Bow St. Experience distillery tour

This is the Jameson Distillery’s flagship whiskey experience, and more than 90% of the visitors opt for this tour. 

At the 25th World Travel Awards in December 2018, the Jameson Distillery Bow St. tour got the ‘World’s Leading Distillery Tour’ award. In 2019, they won it for the second time  in a row. 

During this fully guided and immersive 40-minute tour, visitors get to learn Jameson Whiskey’s story and process it, and then indulge in a comparative whiskey tasting.

After the tasting is over, everyone gets a complimentary Jameson drink at JJ’s Bar.

This tour starts every 15 minutes, and if you have booked your tickets online, you can just enter and join the next tour immediately. 

Children under 18 can get reduced tickets on-site.

If you are a liquor connoisseur, this is the ideal half-day outing in Dublin. 

The guided tour starts at 1.45 pm, and in four hours, you get to experience two of the city’s top attractions – Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. 

This Irish experience starts when you meet your guide outside the Jameson Distillery in Bow St. 

Once inside, you sample Jameson Whiskey variants for a whiskey comparison and learn about the three ingredients that go into making this world-famous Irish whiskey.

After the tasting, the Jameson Ambassador hands over your coveted Whiskey Taster Certificate, and you also get a complimentary drink at JJ Bar. 

Your guide then takes you to the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland’s number one visitor attraction, which is only a 15-minute walk away (1.3 Km, less than a mile).

You skip the long lines, walk in, and go through the seven floors of the Guinness experience, learning about the drink and also tasting the dark pint. 

After experiencing the world’s most massive pint glass (the whole building is designed as a pint glass from the inside!), you will carry your complimentary drink and go to the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar on the seventh floor.

From the Gravity Bar, you get to see stunning views of Dublin because visitors usually order extra drinks and stay on after the guided tour ends. 

Irish Experience tour price:  €112

If you are the kind of Dublin tourist who searches for ‘distillery tours near me’ or ‘Whiskey tasting near me,’ this is just the perfect tour for you. 

Over the next four hours, your local guide will take you to four different Irish whiskey experiences – 

Celtic Whiskey Shop to try out the whiskeys of the month

Irish Whiskey Museum for tastings of 3 Irish whiskeys

Roe and Co Distillery for tasting, trying tutored cocktails, and flavor workshop

Jameson Distillery Bow St. for the Maturation Warehouse Cask Draw Experience

The travel between these four places will be in a luxury executive coach with commentary on board from a whiskey expert.

*At least two people are required for this tour

This strictly 18+ years tour starts at 1.15 pm from James Fox Cigar and Whiskey Store, 119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2.  Google Map

Tour price:  €578 for two people

Visual Story : 13 must-know tips before visiting Jameson Distillery

Back to Top

How to reach Jameson Distillery

The Old Jameson Distillery, which is now a fascinating   Irish whiskey tourist attraction, is located just off Smithfield Square in Dublin, Ireland. 

Address: Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 N9VH, Ireland

There are many ways to get to Jameson Distillery ,  the granddad of all Dublin distillery tours.

If you are around Dublin City Center, many buses are available from  Aston Quay (Stop 328) . 

Bus numbers 25, 25A, 25B, 25D, 37, 39, and 39A can get you to  Usher’s Quay (Stop 1445) , which is a four-minute journey. 

Usher’s Quay bus stop is 600 meters (.4 Miles) from the attraction, and a brisk seven-minute walk can get you there. 

If you have booked the  Big Bus Open-Top bus tour  or  DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour , you must get down at the Smithfield stop to reach Jameson Distillery. 

Luas is the tram/light rail system in Dublin, Ireland.

If a Tram is your preferred mode of transport, you must board the Luas Red Line and get down at  Smithfield Stop .

From the Tram stop, Jameson Distillery Bow St. is only 200 meters away, and you can walk it in two minutes.

Put on Google Maps to navigate to Dublin’s Jameson Distillery.

Jameson Distillery doesn’t have a specific parking space for its visitors. 

However, there is plenty of on-street parking   on Queens Street and Smithfield Square.

Note: The other Jameson Distillery is in Midleton, County Cork.

Jameson Distillery in Dublin has different timings for summer and winter.

Summer timings

From March 1 to October 31, Jameson Distillery in Dublin opens at 10 am. From Sunday to Thursday, the last entry is at 6 pm, while on Friday and Saturday, it is at 7 pm.

During these months, on weekdays, the Bar & Gift Shop closes at 7 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, it closes at 8 pm.

Winter timings

From November 1 to February 28, Jameson Distillery will continue to open at 10 am, but its closing time will change.

From Sunday to Thursday, the last entry is at 5.30 pm, while on Friday and Saturday, it is at 6.30 pm.

On weekdays, the Bar & Gift Shop closes at 6.30 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, it closes at 7.30 pm.

Note:  Ireland has stringent alcohol regulations that forbid alcohol sales in the gift shop or the bar before 10.30 am from Monday to Friday and before 12.30 pm on Sunday.

The Jameson Distillery Whiskey Tasting Tours sells out early on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To avoid last-minute disappointment, try to reach the venue before 3 pm.

Jameson Distillery has five different tours, and their duration ranges from 20 to 90 minutes. 

However, the most popular tour at Jameson Distillery, the ‘ Guided Bow St. Experience distillery tour ’, lasts 40 minutes. 

After the tour, visitors can hang around for some time sipping on their complimentary Jameson drink. 

Most visitors spend anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours at Jameson Distillery.

It is best to visit Jameson Distillery between 10 am and 3 pm from Monday to Saturday. After 3 pm, the lines get longer, and waiting time increases. 

Due to Ireland’s alcohol regulations, on Sunday, the Distillery’s Bar can’t serve liquor before 12.30 pm, so it makes sense to reach the venue post-lunch. 

Related Reading # Jameson Distillery or Irish Whiskey Museum # Teeling Distillery or Jameson Distillery

The Jameson Distillery Bow Street tour is free with the Dublin Pass . 

All you have to do is reach the distillery before 3 pm, show your Pass and walk in.  Besides Jameson Distillery, this Dublin City Pass gets you free entry to 32 other attractions.

In essence, if you are a couple who want to try one of the Dublin distillery tours, you can end up saving up to 50 Euros.  Find Out More

The adult ticket for the Jameson Distillery Bow St tour costs €30.

Children under 18 can find entry at a discounted price on-site.

Which Jameson Distillery is better?

Tourists trying to book a visit to Jameson Distillery tend to get confused because there are two of them – the Distillery on Bow Street in Dublin and the one in Midleton, Cork. 

The Jameson Distillery on Bow Street is the original, and it was here in the year 1780 that the first barrel of Jameson Whiskey matured. 

For almost two centuries, the Bow Street Distillery churned out millions of barrels of premium Irish whiskey. 

However, in 1971, the company moved its Distillery to Midleton in Cork County.

This move was because of two reasons – to be closer to good water sources and farms producing barley, the key ingredient in Jameson Whiskeys. 

From the Jameson Distillery in Dublin, the one in Cork is approximately 250 km (155 Miles), and it takes almost 3 hours by car and around 4 hours by bus and train. 

If you are holidaying in Dublin, traveling all the distance for a Whiskey Experience tour doesn’t make sense. 

However, suppose you are holidaying in Cork or nearby. In that case, a visit to the Jameson Distillery in Midleton is an absolute must because Whiskey Connoisseurs who have been to both call it the better of two experiences. 

Here are some of the reasons why Jameson Distillery in Midleton is considered better than the one in Dublin. 

• Even though the Jameson outlet in Bow Street is the original, it is now only a visitor center and NOT a Distillery. 
• At Midleton, besides learning and tasting, tourists also get to see where all the whiskey gets made.
• At Midleton, you will even get a chance to drink whiskeys straight from the barrel.
• The countryside ambiance, the historical buildings, etc., make the Midleton tour a completely different experience.

Here is a more detailed explanation of which Jameson Distillery is better – Dublin or Midleton .

Whiskey tours in Jameson, Midleton

The Jameson Distillery in Midleton offers two tours to its guests –

This tour is a 75-minute educational and cultural experience at Jameson Distillery, Midleton. 

With this online ticket, you can walk into the premises anytime between 10 am to 5 pm and get started. 

You start the tour with an audiovisual presentation, after which a Jameson Ambassador guides you through the original distillery.

Once at the Jameson Bar, you indulge in a three-part comparison whiskey tasting where you sample Jameson against Scotch and American whiskeys. 

After the comparison, you become a qualified ‘Irish Whiskey Taster.’

Don’t miss out on the complimentary glass of Jameson, the best of Irish whiskey. 

Tour price: €30

If you are staying in Cork and would prefer a pick-and-drop, check out this  4-hour guided Jameson Whiskey Experience from Cork .

Many tourists holidaying in Dublin are split between Jameson Distillery or Guinness Storehouse visit. 

Especially those with little time on hand or those on a budget holiday, because they must opt for one of them. 

Quick answer: 

Choose between Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery based on what you would love to taste – beer or whiskey. 

If you are a whiskey person, go for the Jameson Whiskey Experience or choose Ireland’s famous dark beer experience.  

If the drink doesn’t matter, but you want a good time, we recommend the Jameson Distillery tour because it is recent and has been winning awards in the last couple of years. 

In case you opt for the Jameson Experience, the only thing you will miss is the fun of drinking in the Gravity Bar (7th floor of Guinness Storehouse) and watching Dublin’s skyline. 

Tourists who want to try both experiences, opt for this  combo tour . 

Both locals and tourists planning a visit to Dublin’s best whiskey experience generally have lots of questions.

We answer a few of them below –

Which is the best Jameson Distillery tour?

The guided  Bow Street Experience distillery tour  is the best tour at Jameson Distillery, Dublin.  During this 40-minute tour, visitors learn Jameson Whiskey’s history, story, and process and also indulge in a comparative whiskey tasting. The tour includes a complimentary Jameson drink at JJ’s Bar.

How much is the Jameson Distillery tour?

The adult ticket for  Jameson Distillery Bow St tour  costs 25 Euros. Tickets for visitors older than 65 years (seniors) and students with valid IDs cost 18 Euros, and kids younger than 18 pay only 11 Euros.  Even though kids younger than 18 years can join the tour, they can’t indulge in whiskey tastings. If you want to visit the Jameson Distillery’s bar in Bow Street, you don’t need entry tickets. You can just walk in and order your drinks.

Do you need to book Jameson Distillery in advance?

Whiskey tasting tours start every 15 minutes, and if you have already  bought the tickets online , you can get inside the Jameson Distillery and join the tour right away.  Besides, online tickets are cheaper, and you also get to avoid the crowd.

Do I need to print my Jameson Distillery tour tickets?

When you buy your  Jameson Distillery tour tickets  online, you receive an email with the confirmation. On the day of your visit, when you show the confirmation email at the distillery’s entrance, the Jameson team will print out a physical ticket for you. 

What time does Jameson Distillery close?

From March 1 to October 31, Jameson Distillery in Dublin closes at 6 pm every Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the last entry is allowed until 7 pm.  From November 1 to February 28, Jameson Distillery closes at 5.30 pm every Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the distillery allows entries till 6.30 pm.  But to avoid last-minute disappointment, we recommend you  book your tickets online  and be at the venue before 3 pm. 

How often do Jameson Distillery tours run?

Jameson Distillery Bow St Experience  is the most popular tour at Jameson Distillery, and tour groups start every 15 minutes.  Since this Jameson Distillery in Dublin holds the title of ‘World’s Leading Distillery Tour,’ it makes sense to buy the tickets in advance and reach the venue before 3 pm to avoid the crowd. 

How far is Jameson Distillery from Guinness Storehouse?

Popular attractions in Dublin

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in Dublin

This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy HTML Sitemap Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Helicopter Tours Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours Hop On Hop Off Tours Zoo Tickets Madame Tussauds Linq High Roller Summit One Vanderbilt

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

• IRISH TRAVEL BLOG
• ACCOMMODATION
• SIGHTSEEING
• TRAVEL TIPS
• THE 4 PROVINCES

Irish Travel Hub

Visit our other hubs

TRAVEL RESOURCES | TRAVEL ARTICLES

The Old Jameson Distillery: A Tour of Ireland’s Iconic Whiskey Maker

• Post author: irishtravelhub

Every drop contains a piece of history.

Nestled among the cobblestone lanes of Smithfield in Dublin is a place where time seems to stop and the soul of Ireland’s favorite spirit, whiskey, seeks refuge. The Old Jameson Distillery is a living testimony to Ireland’s renowned whiskey-making tradition, inviting visitors from near and far to experience the essence of this iconic Irish elixir.

The Story of Whiskey Begins The wonderful aroma of aged whiskey greets you as you walk through the door of the Old Jameson Distillery. It’s a fragrance that permeates the bricks and wood, a fragrance that reveals the secrets of centuries-old traditions. The path of Ireland’s famed Jameson Whiskey unfolds in this dramatic setting, filled with copper pot stills, oak casks, and the echoes of many stories.

A Delectable Taste of Tradition The distillery tour is a lovely immersion into the craft of whiskey-making, which has been passed down through centuries. You’ll follow the trail of malted barley and pure water, learning about the laborious process that turns raw components into liquid gold. The subtle hum of history surrounds you along the way, a calming reminder of the many hands and hearts that have nourished this great business.

A Brand Born of Dedication Jameson Whiskey is more than just a spirit; it’s a legacy built on the shoulders of hardworking artisans. Every amber drop reflects their unrelenting dedication to quality and heritage. The key to Jameson’s success is revealed at this distillery, where history meets innovation. The triple distillation process, the impact of Irish oak casks, and the master blender’s accuracy are all revealed, providing a deep appreciation for the precise artistry behind each bottle.

Raise a Glass to Ireland The genuine enchantment happens at the end of the trip, when you stand in the warmth of the tasting room. A tumbler of Jameson whiskey is carefully poured and urged to be savored slowly. Close your eyes, inhale the aroma, and let the flavor dance across your palate to realize that you’ve become a part of a legacy that dates back to the very heart of Ireland.

The Old Jameson Distillery is a living testimony to the history, art, and soul of Ireland’s most beloved libation. Join me now as we delve further into the traditions and flavors that make the Old Jameson Distillery such an important part of Irish history.

Whiskey, Whispers, and a Delicious Tradition

We’re drawn further into the heart of Ireland’s whiskey-making tradition as we continue our tour through the ancient corridors of the Old Jameson Distillery. Our journey now peels back the layers of Jameson Whiskey’s tradition, craft, and community.

Mastering the Art of Blending One of the remarkable facets of Jameson Whiskey is the art of blending. Here, in the midst of the distillery, we uncover the essence of what makes Jameson so distinct and delightful. The master blenders, like skilled conductors, orchestrate a harmony of flavors from various cask types. They deftly mix the bold and the delicate, creating a whiskey with layers of complexity, smoothness, and balance.

Triple Distillation: A Signature Move It’s impossible to talk about Jameson Whiskey without mentioning the triple distillation process, which is unique to Irish whiskey. You’ll notice how this unique approach produces a smoother, more refined spirit at the Old Jameson Distillery. Each pass through the copper pot still removes impurities and refines the character, resulting in the smooth whiskey for which Jameson is famous.

The Power of Oak and Time The effect of oak casks on whiskey is breathtaking. We discover the secrets of Irish oak casks as we progress deeper into the distillery. These strong barrels, which have previously held sherry, bourbon, or wine, lend distinct flavors and colors to the whiskey. The tour demonstrates how time and patience are crucial in Jameson’s development, letting the spirit to evolve and gain character.

A Community and Craftsmanship Bond The Old Jameson Distillery’s link to the local community is one of its most touching qualities. The distillery, which has been a mainstay in Smithfield for almost two centuries, continues to be a source of pride and employment. This sense of community develops a dedication to excellence, which pervades all aspects of the distillery.

A Toast to Legacy and Tradition The Old Jameson Distillery is more than just a location to make whiskey; it’s a haven where tradition, craftsmanship, and community come together. It is within these sacred walls that you will learn about the magic that goes into every bottle of Jameson Whiskey—the labor of love that has transcended centuries.

The Dance of Flavors: Savoring a Glass of Jameson

As we continue our tour of the Old Jameson Distillery, we’ll go beyond the casks, copper pot stills, and history. In this section, we’ll lay the groundwork for a fascinating sensory adventure—a voyage into the beautiful aromas that define Jameson Whiskey.

A Sweetness Symphony Every Jameson taste starts with Irish barley, a crop known for its sweetness. This fundamental component establishes Jameson’s distinct personality. Close your eyes and savor the perfume as you raise your glass. Rich, malty notes mingle with undertones of toffee and vanilla, evoking visions of Irish pastures drenched in golden sunlight.

Fruit and spice notes A subtle crescendo of flavors unfolds as the whiskey reaches your lips. The effect of wood casks is visible here. The spirit is infused with delicate notes of orchard fruits such as apple and pear, as well as hints of mild spice and nutty undertones. It’s a delectable dance of tastes that represents the artistry behind each bottle.

Harmony and balance Jameson’s exquisite balance is one of its great miracles. The combination of malted and unmalted barley, triple distillation, and the rigorous blending procedure result in a smooth and nuanced whiskey. The sweetness is well-balanced by a delicate peppery spice that lingers in the end, providing a pleasant warmth.

The Role of Water and Craftsmanship Water, a gift from nature, is essential to the development of Jameson. You’ll learn at the distillery how fresh water from the Dungourney River plays an important role in the whiskey-making process, guaranteeing a clean, consistent spirit. It’s a monument to the exquisite craftsmanship, with even the water supply carefully chosen.

The Magic of a Jameson Tasting A tour of the Old Jameson Distillery would be incomplete without a whiskey tasting. It’s time to celebrate the culmination of centuries of tradition and innovation. Whether you drink Jameson neat, on the rocks, or in a traditional Irish coffee, each sip contains the essence of Ireland’s whiskey heritage.

A Timeless Custom Jameson Whiskey is more than just a beverage; it’s a tale, a journey, and a link to the heart of Ireland. It’s a monument to the skill, devotion, and affection of those who have worked to mold it through the years. Every bottle contains the spirit of a nation as well as the essence of Ireland’s rich heritage.

A Global Icon with an Irish Heart: Jameson Whiskey

As we approach the conclusion of our journey through the Old Jameson Distillery, we turn our focus to the remarkable influence and global resonance of Jameson Whiskey. This is a testament to the enduring appeal of Ireland’s most beloved spirit.

Jameson’s global reach Jameson Whiskey has grown beyond its Irish roots to become a globally known brand. From Dublin to New York, Tokyo to Sydney, the name is well-known in bars and liquor cabinets. The famous green bottle has left its mark on the world, providing a taste of Ireland to the most remote corners of the globe.

A Combination of Tradition and Innovation What distinguishes Jameson is its ability to balance tradition with innovation. While Jameson’s heart is in centuries-old Irish whiskey-making traditions, the brand has adapted to modern tastes. As a result, this whiskey appeals to whiskey aficionados, casual sippers, and cocktail fans alike.

Beyond Ireland, the Jameson Experience Beyond the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin, the Jameson brand provides whiskey enthusiasts with a plethora of activities. Distillery tours in both Dublin and Midleton are provided, allowing visitors to dive into the heart of Jameson’s craft. The tourist centers, with their friendly environment and experienced staff, provide an in-depth look into the history and art of whiskey production.

Mixology and cocktails In the world of mixology, Jameson’s flexibility shows through. Jameson has been acknowledged as a crucial ingredient in classic and contemporary cocktails by bartenders all over the world. Jameson provides a touch of Irish spirit to cocktail menus around the world, from the traditional Jameson Irish Coffee to inventive combinations.

A Salute to Ireland’s Legacies When we raise a glass of Jameson, we toast to the spirit of Ireland rather than just whiskey. Jameson epitomizes Irish friendliness, conviviality, and warmth. It reminds me of the simple pleasure of telling stories and laughing over a nice whiskey.

Jameson’s Eternal Appeal Jameson Whiskey is more than a beverage; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in Ireland’s history and traditions. It’s a symbol of Irish hospitality and a shared moment of pleasure. Jameson continues to amaze and unify people all over the world, whether savored straight, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.

As we finish our tour of the Old Jameson Distillery, we encourage you to raise a glass to the ongoing history of Jameson Whiskey, a global icon with a strong Irish heart. May we continue to preserve the traditions, flavors, and tales that have made Jameson a valued icon of Irish culture in the spirit of Ireland. Sláinte!

Here are some more famous tourist attractions in County Dublin:

• Guinness Storehouse: A popular attraction for beer lovers, the Guinness Storehouse is a museum and brewery that showcases the history of Guinness and offers tasting experiences.
• Dublin Castle: A historic castle that has served as a fortress, royal residence, and government building over the centuries. It features beautiful gardens and architecture.
• Trinity College: A prestigious university founded in 1592, Trinity College is also home to the famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to the 9th century.
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral: The largest church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and features stunning Gothic architecture.
• Temple Bar: A lively and vibrant neighborhood filled with pubs, restaurants, and shops. It’s a popular spot for nightlife and entertainment.
• Kilmainham Gaol: A former prison that played a significant role in Irish history, including the 1916 Easter Rising. It’s now a museum that offers guided tours.
• Phoenix Park: One of the largest urban parks in Europe, Phoenix Park is home to Dublin Zoo, the residence of the President of Ireland, and many walking and cycling trails.
• National Museum of Ireland: A museum that showcases the history and culture of Ireland, with collections on archaeology, art, and natural history.
• Grafton Street: A famous shopping street in Dublin, Grafton Street is home to many high-end shops, street performers, and restaurants.
• Dublin Zoo: A popular attraction for families, Dublin Zoo is home to over 400 animals from all over the world, including tigers, elephants, and penguins.

Recommended Reading: 

• The Guinness Storehouse:  A Tour of Ireland’s Most Famous brewery
• A Day in Dublin’s Fair City
• Discovering Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Ireland’s Most Valuable Script.
• Kilmainham Gaol: A Journey through Ireland’s Revolutionary History
• A day at Dublin Zoo: A Tale of Wonder and Delight
• The National Botanic Gardens: A Guide to Ireland’s Lush Greenery and Floral Beauty

Helpful Resources

• Dublin Tourist Website

You Might Also Like

The 4 Provinces: Discovering Munster – A Journey Through Ireland’s Enchanting Province

Discovering Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Ireland’s Most Valuable Script.

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve: A haven for birdwatchers, featuring a variety of waterfowl and wetland habitats.

Dobbernation Loves

Jameson Distillery Tour: Cork’s Irish Whiskey Wonderland

Are you a whiskey fan planning a pilgrimage to Ireland to enjoy a Jameson Distillery Tour?

Regularly ranked as one of the best things to do in Cork , Jameson Distillery in Midleton offers a world-class experience for those looking to experience an Irish whiskey wonderland.

Visitors have the option of booking one of five guided Jameson Distillery Tours, which run from 25 minutes to 3 hours in length. Once finished your Jameson Distillery Tour we suggest enjoying a premium whiskey tasting at the bar, hearty lunch at Malt-House Restaurant and holiday shopping at the well-stocked gift shop.

Save this story to Pinterest so you can look at it later!

A Conversation with Jameson’s Master Distiller

Dobbernationloves had an exclusive opportunity to interview Master Distiller, Brian Nation before embarking on a behind the scenes Jameson Distillery Tour.

What are the flavour characteristics of Jameson whiskey?

The original Jameson Irish Whiskey is a blend of triple distilled pot still whiskey and grain Irish whiskey that has been aged in traditional oak barrels at Midleton Distillery, crafting its signature smooth character. The nose has a light floral fragrance, peppered with spicy wood and sweet notes, followed by a balanced palate of spicy, nutty and vanilla notes accompanied with an exceptional smoothness. Jameson is triple distilled and one of a kind.

What is the most celebrated whiskey produced by Jameson?

The Jameson family has been winning awards since the distillery was founded in 1780, and today it is the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey . The original Jameson Irish Whiskey has scooped many of the world’s top whiskey awards over the years, such as Jim Murray’s Irish Whiskey of the Year.

More recently the new Jameson Bow Street 18 Years Cask Strength has stormed international tasting competitions. Unveiled in March 2018, the new pinnacle of the Jameson family stole the show at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition, receiving a Double Gold Medal – success that followed a stand-out performance at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, scoring 97 points out of 100.

What whiskey bottles do you suggest visitors sample after a Jameson Distillery Tour?

Midleton Distillery is the home of Irish whiskey, and as such we cater for all whiskey fans – from those taking the first steps on their whiskey journey up to a passionate connoisseur and collector. For beginners, the original Jameson Irish Whiskey is a silky-smooth introduction to Irish whiskey – it’s a floral, honeyed pour that is suited to enjoying neat or mixed.

PURCHASE A JAMESON DISTILLERY TOUR TICKET

I’d also recommend Jameson Black Barrel , which is triple distilled and twice charred, intensifying the taste. The whiskey is a tribute to the coopers who give their bourbon barrels an additional charring to reveal their untold richness and complexity. The time spent maturing in the barrels leads to intensified aromas of butterscotch, fudge and creamy toffee in the whiskey. Jameson Black Barrel has nutty notes in abundance, alongside the smooth sweetness of spice and vanilla, with an intense toasted wood finish. 

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is perfectly suited to the craft beer crowd, finished in Irish IPA beer barrels to offer a floral, crisp and hoppy whiskey experience. The nose offers floral with grapefruit citrus notes and subtle orchard fruits complemented with wood shavings and a little nuttiness. The taste is a light citrus with sweet herbal notes is followed by a lingering, fresh fruit and barley finish – it’s a whiskey with a little extra hop.

What is unique about taking a Jameson Distillery Tour?

We welcome over 130,000 visitors from all over the world each year. One of the most exciting elements for these visitors is that the Jameson Distillery Midleton is home to both our heritage and our future.

While our tour experiences are based at the old Midleton Distillery, every drop of Jameson is made just beyond the barley gates in the modern Midleton Distillery. So whether interested in delving into Jameson’s rich heritage, learning about the innovations in progress as the Microdistillery, or discovering more about today’s Irish whiskey production process, the experiences on offer can cater to every whiskey lovers tastes.

Jameson Distillery Tour Options

Whiskey lovers can chose from a total of five Jameson Distillery Tour options that range from 25 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes in length.

Dobbernationloves asked Ignacio Peregrina, General Manager at Jameson Distillery Midleton if there are any unique products that only visitors can enjoy. Peregrina explains, “We have two exclusive whiskeys available at the Jameson Distillery Midleton. The Jameson Distillery Edition , which can be personalized and  Jameson Black Barrel Bottle Your Own , an exclusive that is bottled and personalized by visitors at our whiskey shop.”

Curious about what makes the Jameson Distillery Tour experience unique? Peregrina explains, “We welcome over 130,000 visitors from all over the world each year. One of the most exciting elements for these visitors is that the Jameson Distillery Midleton is home to both our heritage and our future.”

Peregrina adds, “While our tour experiences are based at the old Midleton Distillery, every drop of Jameson is made just beyond the barley gates in the modern Midleton Distillery. So whether interested in delving into Jameson’s rich heritage, learning about the innovations in progress as the Micro Distillery, or discovering more about today’s Irish whiskey production process, the experiences on offer can cater to every whiskey lovers tastes.”

The Jameson Experience Tour

1 hour and €22 per person.

The Jameson Experience Tour is a guided tour that takes whiskey fans on an informative adventure around the original Midleton Distillery. Visitors learn about the hard working people and field-to-glass processes responsible for the famous Irish whiskey that bears John Jameson’s name.

The most popular Jameson Distillery Tour is hosted by a friendly Irish Whiskey Ambassador, who will guide you around the facilities most famous buildings, including the warehouses and the Microdistillery. The tour finishes with a guided comparative tasting of three famous whiskeys, one being Jameson. The tasting also features Scotch (smokey) and Bourbon (sweet), allowing visitors to better distinguish the unique aroma and flavour profile of blended Irish whiskey.

Behind the Scenes Tour

2 hours and €60 per person.

Book the extended Jameson Distillery Tour in Midleton to gain a more thorough understanding of the history, production and unique stories of Jameson Irish Whiskey.  On this popular Jameson Distillery Tour, an expert Irish Whiskey Ambassador will guide you around the sites key buildings, such as the Microdistillery, Cooperage, the Maturation Warehouse and an extra special visit to the Distiller’s Cottage. Tastings of premium whiskeys are included throughout the tour.

Distillery Apprentice Tour

2 hours 45 minutes at €95 per person.

Attention Irish whiskey fans! This is the only experience which grants visitors access to Jameson’s live, current-day distillery, as well as tasting whiskey straight from the barrel. If you love whiskey, this premium Jameson Distillery Tour is the experience for you. It offers a deep dive into the workings of the distillery, an overview of the entire grain to glass production process, as well as an insight into the heritage of Irish whiskey.

You May Also Enjoy Reading…

• Best Day Trips From Dublin
• In Search of Virtue: An Irish Genealogy and Ancestry Adventure
• Aniar Restaurant in Galway
• Owenmore Restaurant at Ballynahinch Castle
• Exploring Ireland’s Rugged West Coast

Premium Whiskey Tasting

25 minutes at €30 per person.

Enjoy a tutored tasting of Jameson distillery’s premium range of whiskey. During the Premium Whiskey Tasting a Jameson Ambassador will take you through a high quality tasting featuring celebrated family members produced at Midleton Distillery such as Jameson Black Barrel, Redbreast 12 Year Old, Powers John’s Lane Release and Midleton Very Rare.

• St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
• Gallaghers Boxty House Restaurant in Dublin
• Fade Street Social Restaurant in Dublin
• The Saddle Room at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin
• 37 Dawson Street Restaurant in Dublin
• The Church Bar and Restaurant in Dublin

Cask Opening Experience

25 minutes at €20 per person.

Visit one of Jameson Distillery’s Original Whiskey Maturation Warehouses, where you’ll learn about the Angel’s Share and get the rare opportunity to draw, and taste, a Special Jameson Blended Whiskey straight from the cask.

• Things To Do in Belfast: Gay Holiday in Northern Ireland’s Capital
• Exploring the Causeway Coast from Belfast to Bushmills
• Saphyre Restaurant in Belfast
• Hadskis Restaurant in Belfast
• Deanes Meat Locker Restaurant in Belfast
• The Restaurant at Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast
• John Hewitt Bar in Belfast

Jameson Distillery Bar

The Jameson Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a sample and sip from the Irish whiskey brands coveted collection.

Visitors who have taken part in a Jameson Distillery Tour are invited to enjoy a free dram, or the bartenders signature cocktail, the Jameson Ginger and Lime . Additionally, guests have the option to opt for a Cocktail upgrade to try the bars Jameson Black Barrel Old Fashioned .

All the products from the Midleton Distillery are available at the bar. With over 40 whiskeys available, newly minted Jameson fans are not be stuck for choice. For visitors who are struggling to choose just one, or are keen to compare the whiskeys side by side, there are options to try one of several Midleton Family Flights.

Irish whiskey connoisseurs who have finished their Jameson Distillery Tour can also book a Premium Whiskey Tasting . Visitors looking for a more in depth knowledge of Irish whiskey are guided through a tasting of Jameson Black Barrel, Redbreast 12 year old, Powers John’s Lane and Midleton Very Rare.

• Ireland Road Trip: Best Places To Visit On An Irish Holiday
• Honeymoon in Ireland at These Romantic Luxury Hotels
• Cliff House Ardmore: Best Spa Break in Ireland Offers Michelin Dining
• Cliff at Lyons Wedding: A Romantic Luxury Hotel Near Dublin
• Smithwick’s Experience: Beer Tour in Kilkenny
• Ardmore Cliff Walk: Scenic Seaside Hike in Ireland
• Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny: Downtown Luxury Accommodation
• Things To Do in Kilkenny: Explore Ireland’s Medieval Marvel

Jameson Distillery Restaurant

If you’re feeling peckish after finishing your Jameson Distillery Tour enjoy a casual dining experience at Malt-House Restaurant.

The culinary team at the Malt-House Restaurant source ingredients from suppliers based in Ireland’s Ancient East. Below is a sample of the restaurant’s signature savoury dishes. If you’re pressed for time or just in the mood for a coffee and snack you’ll also find sweet treats such as Jameson Boiled Fruitcake and Elderflower & Poppy Seed Drizzle Cake.

• Irish Lamb Stew : tender lamb from Pat O’Farrell’s butcher shop, seasonal vegetables, rich herb jus, cream, drop of Jameson whiskey, barley and Hegarty cheese crumb served with baby potatoes.
• Ballycotton Seafood Chowder : selection of seafood from Ballycotton Bay, cooked in a creamy veloute sauce with diced vegetables. Served with homemade distillery brown soda bread.
• Tabbouleh Salad : thyme baked portobello mushroom served with traditional Middle Eastern salad and roasted butternut squash puree.
• Classic Fish & Chips : fresh fillet of Ballycotton Hake cooked in pale ale batter. Served with side of seasoned chips and tartare sauce.
• Chili Beef : garlic, ginger and lime marinated beef strips, sautéed in caramelized chili, beetroot and onion chutney with strips of vegetables, red slaw and American Jack cheese. Served in ciabatta or wrap with choice of chips or salad.

Jameson Distillery Gift Shop

The last stop on your Jameson Distillery Tour, after sipping at the bar and noshing at the on-site restaurant, should be a stroll through the well-stocked gift shop.

The retail store at Midleton Distillery features over 100 different gift and clothing items so there really is something for everyone!

Popular gift ideas include a newly developed Midleton Very Rare premium gift set, which includes a bottle of Midleton Very Rare and two exclusive Midleton glasses. For those on a smaller budget or those traveling with only hand luggage, you’ll have an opportunity to personalize your very own Jameson hipflask.

Two exclusive whiskey offerings which are available at the Jameson gift shop:

• The Jameson Distillery Edition . This bottle can be personalized with up to 26 characters (including spaces) which makes for a special gift.
• Jameson Black Barrel Cask Strength . This bottle can be hand filled on site at the gift shop by visitors. Each individual bottle is registered on site.

Best Nearby Hotels

• The River Lee Hotel 4 STARS : luxury boutique hotel a short walk from Cork city centre on the River Lee. Check Reviews
• Montenotte Hotel 4 STARS : 4 star luxury hotel originally built in the 1820s. Check Reviews
• Hayfield Manor 5 STARS : 5 star luxury boutique hotel in Cork city centre surrounded by 2 acres of mature gardens. Check Reviews

Jameson Distillery Tour Reservations

Distillery Walk , 353-21-4461-3594

Jameson Distillery is located in Midleton, Ireland a short drive east of Cork city. There are plenty of free parking spaces available at Midleton Distillery. If you don’t have access to a car you can easily take a Jameson Distillery shuttle from Patrick’s Quay in Cork City Centre.

Review Our Travel Checklist When Planning Your Next Adventure!  

Find the best flights on Skyscanner

Never travel without insurance! We suggest World Nomads comprehensive coverage as it includes over 250 adventure activities such as scuba diving, bungee jumping and surfing.

If you’re planning a road trip make sure to compare the best local car rental options.

Looking to book a tour or VIP experience on holiday? Book the best local tours on Viator .

Be sure to check your travel destinations electrical plug requirements in advance. If you travel often be sure to purchase a multi-region adaptor .

Whether you’re marching through a city or exploring a rugged rural landscape, it’s important to ensure you’re traveling with comfortable footwear. We suggest these comfortable walking shoes for urban adventures or these waterproof hiking boots when embarking on a hike holiday.

Capture your holiday on a quality camera. We suggest the pocket-sized Canon Powershot G7 or professional SLR we shoot with Canon EOS 6D .

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Comments, Thoughts and Feedback ...

Related Posts

Category Food & Drink

Jameson Whiskey Irish Lemonade Cocktail Drink Recipe

By Andrew Dobson

Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Irish Cream Cocktail Recipe

Irish Mule Ginger Beer Whiskey Cocktail Drink Recipe

Paul Passing Through is a travel blog designed to give you travel tips, travel recommendations and travel itineraries to help make the most of your travel time!

Things to Know About the Jameson Experience Tour

A visit to Ireland wouldn’t have been complete for me without a tour of the country’s favorite whiskey. In fact, one of the main reasons we chose to stay in Kinsale was due to its proximity to Midleton where the Jameson Distillery is located. Come along with me as I take you along the Jameson Experience Tour!

An important note before moving on: There are two different Jameson Distilleries you can tour in Ireland. There is one in Midleton (near Cork) and another in Dublin. This article is about the one in Midleton. We chose Midleton’s because it had better reviews and we were going to be in that area as we made our way around the country.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a small commission. This occurs at no added cost to you.

Table of Contents

Paul’s Summary

How to get to the jameson experience tour.

The three closest major towns to Midleton are Kinsale, Cobh and Cork.

If you’re driving from Kinsale or Cork, make sure you take Cork’s traffic into account. We drove around Cork during rush hour traffic, and it added about 30 minutes to the drive. These 30 minutes can be quite unpleasant on the return trip after tasting all the whiskey!

It’s about a 15-mile drive from Cork via N25 eastbound. You could also take the train from Kent Station to Midleton Station.

The drive from Cobh is about 11 miles. Head north out of town via L2989 until it intersects with R624. Turn right and then continue on this road until the exit for N25 eastbound.

From Kinsale

Kinsale is definitely the farthest drive, but Kinsale came recommended over the other two as a place to stay due to its smaller size and atmosphere. It’s at least a 45-minute drive even without much traffic. Make the drive easier by planning to stop in Cork or Cobh for some brief sightseeing and/or a meal.

Take R600 northbound out of Kinsale for 12 miles, and then take the exit for N40 eastbound. After five miles, take the exit for N25 toward Midleton. Stay on this until you reach Midleton and see signs for the distillery.

Related : The Best Breweries and Pubs in Asheville

Ticket Options

The Midleton Jameson Distillery offers five different ticket options including four tours and one tasting. We chose the combined Jameson Experience Tour and Premium Whiskey Tasting as it offered the most value and I couldn’t pass up a chance for an additional whiskey tasting!

Below is a list of each option with prices and major differences from the Jameson Experience Tour and Premium Whiskey Tasting (I’ll discuss this tour in more detail throughout this article). Ticket costs are in US dollars and are per adult with the exception of the Family Experience. The Family Experience price listed below is for two adults and one child, but you can add two additional children if needed.

Before the Tour

If you arrive early, take some time to walk around the attractive grounds. There’s a small stream running by the distillery to relax next to. They also have a food stand sitting outside selling some basic fare if you need to fill up before your tour.

In the case of rain, you can head inside to explore the store. There are some artifacts from Jameson’s history you can view, too, if you want to learn a bit about the company before starting the tour.

The Jameson Experience Tour

General info.

The Jameson Experience Tour is 60 minutes long. It consists of a short video at the beginning followed by a walking tour through the old Jameson grounds. You don’t tour the modern factory; yet it can clearly be seen in some of the outside areas.

There’s a single guide taking you along the tour. I can’t remember our guide’s name, but he was entertaining and knowledgeable about the factory. I tend to stay on the outskirts of guided tours, either in the front or back, so I ended up being next to him as we walked from stop to stop. It was a joy briefly chatting with him and asking questions.

Most of the corporate history of Jameson is provided in the introductory video. This video takes about five minutes or so before you head outside for the tour. The guide will talk about some history of each specific stop, but the tour is more about the processes involved for making Jameson whiskey.

Other Content You Might Enjoy : A Visit to the Guinness Storehouse

Building Facades

The buildings with their Jameson-red shutters are certainly the prettiest parts of the tour. That color is so iconic that when I saw the first buildings it gave me goosebumps. It was such a striking image against the cloudy, gray sky above.

I’m including the large waterwheel that sits outside one of the buildings here. It’s still running and is impressive to think that this simple contraption once powered these factories to give the world Jameson.

Still House

Inside the still house you learn about the actual process of distilling whiskey. It’s interesting hearing the facts and figures on how Jameson distills its famed spirit. You also get to see the world’s largest pot still. This still can hold over 140,000 liters of liquid!

The cooperage was my favorite part of the tour. I feel like booze fans always get excited about barrels for some reason I can’t even identify. Maybe it makes us feel smart to say things like “Oooh, this whiskey really picks up the vanilla notes from that French Oak barrel.”

Who knows! Regardless, it was the best part. It’s always astonishing to hear how many barrels alcohol producers go through. The numbers are staggering when you learn about how much effort goes into making just a single barrel.

Be sure to lean in for a sniff of some of the barrels. Don’t be embarrassed! Every guy will likely be doing the same thing with you. A few of the ones I smelled gave off some amazing bourbon and oak smells.

Whiskey Comparison

The last tour stop is in a small room where you’re given three different types of whiskey to compare. There’s a Jameson, a scotch, and either a Tennessee whiskey or a bourbon (I can’t remember which for the life of me).

I enjoyed this part because it was like a trivia game, and I love myself some trivia! The scotch was the easiest to identify. It was a little trickier to figure out the Jameson from the American whiskey. If you’re an aficionado like myself (that’s a generous way of saying a sot), you should be able to figure it out after a few sips.

The Jameson Bar

At the end of the tour, you’re entitled to one complimentary Jameson drink. Your choices are neat, on the rocks or a whiskey ginger cocktail. It’s the perfect way to end the tour.

That is, unless you added the Premium Whiskey Tasting. Now, that is the perfect way to actually end the tour!

You Might Also Be Interested In : Your Guide to Hiking Connemara’s Diamond Hill

Premium Whiskey Tasting

After a few minutes, the whiskey expert called us and a few other people back to another room for the Premium Whiskey Tasting. It would have been nice to have a little longer with our complimentary drinks, but I understand they need to keep things moving for other groups.

We were able to take our drinks in with us to have while doing our tasting. The problem with this is that it ends up being quite a bit of alcohol in a short time (especially if your drink is neat like mine was). Make sure to plan to spend a little time walking around Midleton or else have a designated driver to take you back to your homebase once you’re done.

As far as the tasting itself, I thought it was worth the extra money. The whiskeys we sampled were Jameson Black Barrel, Powers John’s Lane Release, Redbreast 12 Year Old and Midleton Very Rare.

The Jameson Black does not seem particularly premium, but it was quite good. I actually picked up a bottle for myself from an online liquor service upon returning home in America. The Readbreast and Midleton drams were excellent! They both had a unique taste that made the premium tasting worth it. Powers was not good at all; it is a traditional Irish whiskey, though, so I appreciated the chance to try it.

The whiskey expert lent some interesting facts and history about each whiskey. More than anything, he was just fun to chat with during our time doing the tasting.

My only complaint about the entire tour is that this tasting is only 20 minutes long. You simply don’t have enough time really savor the different whiskeys in front of you.

Closing Thoughts of the Jameson Experience Tour

The Jameson Experience Tour gets a big thumbs up from me. Even if you don’t like whiskey, it’s still interesting to go through the buildings, learning the history of this facet of Irish culture. For those of you who are whiskey fans, you’re in for a real treat between all the whiskey making facts and the various tastings!

Resources to Book Your Trip to the Jameson Experience Tour

Whether you’re looking for tours, hotels or flights, here are some tools to help get you started planning your trip to Ireland!

Look for activities and tours offered through GetYourGuide or Viator !

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out my travel essentials pages for more of my recommendations.

Pin This Post!

You May Also Like

3 Places You Must See With a Week in Ireland – And None of Them are Dublin

Best Things to do in Doolin with Two Days

A Perfect Ireland Itinerary: Places to See in 13 Days

42 comments, wanderingkellers.

Great post as always. I love these types of things. The history of the places and how things are produced always fascinates me. I also appreciate the honesty as well as there is always one whiskey that doesn’t quite live up to the others.

paulpassingthrough

The expert even said something along the lines of it not being many peoples’ favorites lol I think they just add it because it’s an old Irish whiskey. Thanks for the feedback!

This must have been a great experience. I don’t know if anybody makes whiskey here in Greece. Once I wes in Santorini I visited a wine museum which was a bit similar to the experience you had. My favourite part was the wine tasting at the end of the tour!

The tastings are always the best part. You could always check out an Ouzo distiller if you’re looking for something similar.

Ooh I’ve done a few whisky and ale tours I find them really interesting. Timing definitely doesn’t sound great on this one but I suppose the bigger brands have more visitors so they can’t really take their time like the local ones do.

Even just an additional 10 minutes would have been perfect. 20 minutes if enough for wine or beer tastings, but that’s a lot of liquor in that short a period of time. Maybe they’re not expecting everyone to want to finish. I hate wasting a single drop!

Mitch - Very Tasty World

Great post – it sounds like a fun and informative tour. This is the sort of thing we love doing when travelling. The premium whiskey tasting experience looked fantastic as there was such a variety to try, it was just a shame that it seemed a bit rushed. Whiskey is most definitely the sort of drink that you’d want to savour!

I know! At the very least they should let you take the tastings into another room. Alas!

I owned a holiday house in Cahir (about 70 miles north of Midleton) and was there often for the Summer but never knew Midleton had a Jameson’s Distillery. I’ve obviously missed out in visiting this place, especially as I often visited Cork, Youghal and even passed through Midleton several times. The tour sounds excellent – I am a big whisky fan (although prefer Scottish whisky to Irish … apologies to my irish friends !). I would love this tour and would certainly have relished understanding the history and processes in making the spirit. Those look quite hefty portions of each sample, and even more in the Premium tour which I defo would have done. The setting and copper pots/stills look captivating, you photos capture them well. What a fabulous chandelier – I want one!

You should check it out! You might be interested in the Behind the Scenes tour. From what I read, it’s everything I described except more detail and, I think, access to some places they don’t take you in the Jameson Experience Tour.

Carina | bucketlist2life

The tour sounds super interesting to me as a whisky lover. I’d love to do the premium tasting!

Thanks for reading! I hope you get a chance to visit someday 😊

Chalk and cheese travels

Love it Paul what a great experience would love to do this and still haven’t after 3 years. The premium tasting is something I would really enjoy

Next time you’re down south you should check it out! There’s also the Dublin tour which I’m sure is a fine alternative if it’s more convenient to your location.

I’m glad you enjoyed your trip to Ireland! I’ve never been to the Cork Jameson Distillery, only the Dublin one a few times (and yet I don’t drink whiskey!). Funny, as the Cork one is closer to where I’m from. It looks so much nicer too so the next time I’m back home in Ireland I’ll have to visit.

That seems to be the consensus from what I read online when planning which one to go to. You’ll have to let me know how you liked it compared to Dublin’s when you visit!

Molly Transatlantic Notes

Whiskey tasting sounds like a great idea — plus getting a tour of the whole process/history is a win win!

It was one of the better tours like this I’ve been on!

20 minutes for a tasting is rather short. Especially with Whiskey I would have thought they’d allow more time and provide some palate cleansers (like bread) in between. After all drinking on an empty stomach can increase the tipsy effect a lot. Would you say the tour could also appeal to non-whiskey drinkers, too? What did you think of Midleton?

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

There was water but no crackers or anything which was also a little surprising but not unheard of. Michelle hates whiskey but she still enjoyed it. She likes knowing how things are done/made. If you don’t care for either, though, you probably wouldn’t like it.

We didn’t really explore Midleton much. Since Michelle doesn’t like whiskey she didn’t drink much beyond just a small taste so she was okay to drive back.

Stephen & Andie

This has always been solidly on our must-do list for whenever we’re able to visit Ireland. Aside from Jameson happening to be my (Stephen) drink of choice, we feel it’s one of theose things you just have to do if your time and budget allow. We would definitely have to splurge for the Premium Tasting package. Although, 20 minutes does sound like a very short time to really enjoy it, even taking into acount the time contraints they must be under. Even 30 minutes would be a little more reasonable. We do appreciate your honesty about the one you didn’t like, and your spirit of trying and appreciating it because it’s traditional. That’s what travel’s all about!

p.s., OMG, the Jameson bottle chandeliere is so cool! 😁

Yeaha, 30 minutes would have been the perfect amount of time, I think. If Jameson is your favorite drink, then you definitely must check it out! I’d also recommend giving Redbreast a try if you haven’t had it yet.

Melissa Alvarado

This was amazing. I liked the chandelier made out of the bottles. Beautiful pictures. I liked the tour. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for the feedback, Melissa! The chandelier was really neat; that was in the premium tasting bar.

Sydney Brown Travels

This was such a thorough review/guide! I am not a huge whiskey drinker myself but I would absolutely go on this tour after reading your post. I love learning about the history of places and processes and it seems like this would be an interesting tour! I’ll let you know when I make it across the pond and go on this tour! 🙂

That’s how my wife is and she still enjoyed it so I think you’d have a good time! She did in the spirit and tried some of the whiskey….and she’s still not a fan haha

Peggy Zipperer

I love your take on this tour and to see how it compares to the one on Bow St. in Dublin. Sounds like the tour may have been very similar. I know exactly what you’re saying about the barrels, they are always one of the coolest sights.

What kind of tastings did they have at the Dublin location? Just curious if it was similar and timed the same way.

Lisa at Following the Rivera

It looks like you still had a great time even though the tasting was only 20 minutes. I’m more of a wine drinker, but would love to see where the Jameson whisky is made!

Seeing the cooperate could be interesting for you because they talk a little about wine barrels during that segment and how they impart certain flavors.

Vanessa Shields

What a fun tour! I think going on this tour might need to be a requirement when visiting Ireland. I find the making of whisky fascinating and learning the history of it. Too bad you couldn’t take a little longer to enjoy your whisky tasting.

Definitely something you should try to check out! It’s such an essential piece of Irish culture.

Wendy White

Very interesting to raed about the Jameson Experience Tour. We bought a bottle of the Jameson Black last year and quite enjoyed it. We both like our whiskey so would definitely like to do the premium tasting add on at the end, just a shame it’s only 20 minutes. I’d prefer to linger a bit longer over the drinks.

The Black is so good. I need to find a place where I can buy it near me (the subscription service I used to buy it before expired).

Literally just 10 more minutes would have made the whole thing perfect!

Stefan (Berkeley Square Barbarian)

Can’t visit Ireland without some whiskey tasting, I’m all bought in. Shame about the Powers, but good to hear Readbreast and Midleton made the extra money for the premium tasting worth it.

I mean, Powers wasn’t the WORST thing I ever put in my body, but it wasn’t great haha the other two were excellent, though. I actually had some Redbreast with dessert when we went out for dinner last night. It’s so good!

My father in law loves Jamesons so I will have to take him here one day. Thank you for sharing your experience.

He’d love it! I didn’t like Jameson beforehand (and I’m not even sure why because I’m pretty sure I had never had it before) but now it’s one of my favored whiskey’s. Thanks for reading 🙂

We just got back from a trip to east Cork and of course had to get a visit to Middleton in. We really enjoyed it too. Glad you like the redbreast, it’s my fave.

Glad you enjoyed the tour! I wish I could get Redbreast here for relatively cheapish. I know it’s expensive anyways, but shipping costs make it way too much for me to justify!

You look very happy in that photo at the tasting!! I’m not keen on whiskey but maybe I’ve just not tried the right ones. I thought I didn’t like sherry until I went to a tasting in Jerez so maybe I should add this to my list for my next trip to Ireland!

I can attest that I was not posing, I was very, very excited for that whiskey! I had looked forward to that all day haha Whiskey is definitely an acquired taste and cheap whiskeys are pretty bad. Everything I’ve had from Jameson has been pretty smooth, though.

The Ireland Whiskey Tour Guide: 17 Of The Best Whiskey Distilleries In Ireland To Visit

By Author James March

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

The topic of the best whiskey distilleries in Ireland tends to cause a fair bit of debate online. 

Now, while there’s nothing wrong with ordering a great Irish whiskey at a bar or pouring one for yourself at home, a tour of a working distillery is a far more immersive experience.

Those that head off on an Ireland whiskey tour can learn how the famous old drink is made and hear a few tales of craftsmanship and local history along the way.

Table of Contents

The best whiskey distilleries in Ireland (that you can visit)

Photos courtesy Hu O’Reilly via Fáilte Ireland

From the 400-year-old Bushmills on the far north coast down to the rugged Atlantic beauty of Clonakilty in County Cork, here are 17 of the best whiskey distilleries in Ireland that you can visit in 2022.

1. Pearse Lyons Distillery

Photo left: Donal Murphy. Others: Killian Whyte (via Fáilte Ireland)

A distillery in a church? Yes, you read that correctly. Founded by the late Pearse Lyons in the Liberties district of Dublin, his boutique distillery is a unique spot to learn about the brewing and distilling processes.

Set inside the impressively restored St James’ Church on James St, there are four separate tours to choose from (including a VIP tour lead by the head distiller) so you’ll have plenty of ways to discover the secret behind Lyons’ style.

Related read: Check out our guide to the most popular Irish drinks (from Irish stout and whiskey to Irish beers and plenty more).

2. Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery

Photo left: Chris Hill. Others: Via Tullamore Dew on FB

Created in 1829 and later prospering under general manager Daniel E Williams (hence D.E.W. in the name), Tullamore D.E.W is the second largest selling brand of Irish whiskey globally.

The 105-minute (very precise, I know! tour now takes place in a state-of-the-art Distillery and you’ll be welcomed with an Irish Coffee before heading off on your merry way.

Take a tour and hear about the characters behind this famous old brand and get an insight into the art of Irish whiskey-making.

3. Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Photos courtesy Teeling Whiskey Distillery via Failte Ireland

The first new distillery in Dublin for 125 years, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery is only a stone’s throw from where the original family distillery stood.

Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, Dublin’s historic distilling district, Teeling opened in 2015 and is part of the area’s vibrant whiskey revival.

Book a tour and learn about Walter Teeling’s original craft distillery on Marrowbone Lane where he was pouring drams of his finest for locals back in 1782.

Thankfully, this promises to be a far more comfortable experience than industrial 18th century Dublin.

4. Roe & Co Distillery

Photos courtesy Diageo Ireland Brand Homes

The Dublin whiskey revival is coming thick and fast and Roe & Co Distillery is latest on the block.

Named after legendary 19th-century whiskey pioneer George Roe, Roe & Co opened their doors in 2019 at the iconic and imposing Guinness Power House.

Take a tour to hear more about the story of George Roe, the golden era of Irish whiskey and why his famous distillery closed in 1926. There’s even a cocktail bar if whiskey isn’t your thing (though it very much should be).

5. Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Courtesy Jameson Distillery Bow St, Dublin

Ireland’s most famous whiskey also happens to be the proud owner of the world’s most-visited whiskey tour.

Opened way back in 1780 by John Jameson, the distillery on Bow St in Smithfield has been a staple of Dublin life for over two centuries.

And while Jameson moved the bulk of their operations down to County Cork in 1975, tourists still flock to this old place.

Tours include whiskey tasting (of course), a bit of storytelling and a complimentary drink at JJ’s Bar.

6. Jameson Distillery Midleton

Complete the Jameson whiskey story by heading down to Midleton in County Cork for a truly vivid window into Jameson’s processes and secrets.

Now almost 50 years since the big move from Dublin, the proximity to freshwater, barley farmers and the extra space gave the company ample room to expand the business.

Less than 30 minutes from Cork, the Midleton distillery is a great spot to spend a day out of the city.

Take a deep dive into this Irish icon with their Behind the Scenes tour, a two-hour extended tour where you’ll come out the other side knowing everything worth knowing about Jameson.

7. Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery

Often associated with epic gigs and huge crowds, Slane’s whiskey is big on taste too (although an enormous concert probably isn’t the best place to appreciate all its notes and nuances).

The Boyne Valley’s clear water and lush soil provides a fine base for Slane’s triple casked whiskey.

Only a 50-minute drive from Dublin, the immersive distillery tour is an hour long and takes place in the 250-year-old stables of Slane Castle. There’s also an option to combine your distillery tour with the famous old castle itself.

Traveller tip: I know several people that visited this place last year. By all accounts, this is one of the best whiskey distilleries in Ireland that’s still slightly off people’s radar – get here sharpish!

8. Kilbeggan Distilling Co.

Photos courtesy Failte Ireland

Kilbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath has had a turbulent time of it over the years but the people of Kilbeggan made sure the old place never faded away.

Established in 1757, it claims to be Ireland’s oldest licenced distillery and after battling through a painful closure in 1953, it was revived by locals 30 years later who’ve kept it going ever since.

Take a tour to hear the inspiring story of Kilbeggan’s perseverance and enjoy a drop of their best too.

9. Sliabh Liag Distillers

Photos via Sliabh Liag Distillers on FB

Out on the rugged Atlantic coast of south Donegal is where you’ll find Sliabh Liag Distillers .

The first distilling company in this part of the world for 175 years, they pride themselves on being embedded into the community and having a distillery located in a beautiful yet savage coastal landscape.

Only the gin distillery is available for a tour currently (although you wouldn’t say no to that) however the Ardara whiskey distillery should be operational at some point in late 2020.

10. Powerscourt Distillery

Hovering at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt Distillery is conveniently located in a scenic spot that’s only a short drive south of Dublin.

Set in The Old Mill House, this distinctive distillery was many years ago at the heart of the local farming community. Tours are available from Friday to Sunday.

There’s also a golf course next door if you fancy a round but you’ll probably need a serious handicap should you take the whiskey tour beforehand.

11. The Dublin Liberties Distillery

Photos via Dublin Liberties Distillery on FB

Back in Dublin, there’s the Dublin Liberties Distillery , set, naturally, in the district from which it takes its name.

A modern, state-of-the-art distillery on Mill St, the visitor experience is immersive and contains a cocktail bar if you want to stick around afterwards.

You’ll hear all the stories about the Liberties district, stretching back hundreds of years to when it was outside of the official Dublin city limits (and thus its laws and taxes). Expect tales of trade, conflict and debauchery.

Related read: Check out our guide to six of the best whiskey tours Dublin has to offer (includes the Irish Whiskey Museum).

12. The Old Bushmills Distillery (the oldest of the many whiskey distilleries in Ireland)

Photos courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

On the wild north coast of Ireland, the Bushmills Distillery has stood proud for over 400 years, making it one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in Ireland. Established in 1608, it claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world.

With water sourced from the River Bush and named after the mills that made the Barley, Bushmills is an Irish whiskey icon.

And if unusual rock formations are your thing, then check out the remarkable Giants Causeway too as it’s only a stone’s throw from the distillery.

13. Waterford Distillery

Photos via Waterford Distillery on FB

Distilling since 2015, Waterford Distillery ’s state-of-the-art facility on the banks of the river Suir is an imposing sight. Some of Ireland’s finest single malts are created inside, however, and visits are by appointment only.

Owner Mark Reynier was once told that the best barley in the world came from Waterford. If you want to find out if that’s true, then you’ll have to make the trip down to Ireland’s sunny south-eastern coast.

14. Royal Oak Distillery

Photos via Royal Oak Distillery on Twitter

Don’t ever let it be said that distilleries can’t multitask. County Carlow’s Royal Oak Distillery is the first to distil all three styles of Irish whiskey – pot still, malt and grain – under one roof.

It’s also the largest manual distillery in Ireland so there’s plenty of room here to appreciate the many strings to Royal Oak’s bow.

There are three tour options including the special Connoisseurs Choice tour with three tastings of select limited-edition whiskies.

Update:  This distillery no longer does tours

15. Clonakilty Distillery

Photos courtesy Clonakilty Distillery

Down on the bright south Cork coast lies Clonakilty Distillery . Single pot still whiskey is Clonakilty’s game and they do it well, so take a tour of their windswept distillery and see how it all works.

They also have an elegant cask room where your guide will explain how different woods change the character of the whiskey as it matures.

And if the science makes little sense, then just sit back and enjoy the many flavours of this spot’s unique whiskey.

16. Dingle Distillery (one of the most popular whiskey distilleries in Ireland)

Photo left: Failte Ireland. Others: Fennell Photography

The Dingle Peninsula out in west Kerry has long been one of Ireland’s supreme beauty spots so it’s no surprise that the town of Dingle has its fair share of pubs and bars.

And since 2012, the Dingle Whiskey Distillery has been distilling some excellent single pot still whiskey for those who can’t handle any more pints.

Take a trip on the Dingle Whiskey Experience tour to get the inside story on how this independent family-owned business got started.

Traveller tip: The Dingle Distillery is one of the most popular whiskey distilleries in Ireland – make sure that you book a ticket in advance!

17. The Ballykeefe Distillery

Photos via Ballykeefe Distillery on FB

While the Ballykeefe Distillery has only been in operation since 2017, it’s situated on land that has a distilling heritage going back hundreds of years.

So much so that, with records of distilling going back to 1324, it’s claimed that this area of county Kilkenny is the birthplace of Irish whiskey.

Hear more about the medieval origins of Irish whiskey on The Ballykeefe Experience where they’ll also explain the family farm traditions and about their commitment to sustainability.

Have you been on a whiskey tour in Ireland that we’ve missed?

There are heaps of different whiskey distilleries in Ireland that you can drop into for a tour and a drink.

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally missed some in the guide above. If you’ve been on a whiskey tour in Ireland recently that you’d recommend, let me know in the comments below.

Irish whiskey distilleries FAQs

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Which do the best tours?’ to ‘Which are the oldest?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

How many whiskey distilleries are there in Ireland?

There are, at the time of typing, over 30 Irish whiskey distilleries in operation, with the number thought to be around the 32 mark.

What is the largest whiskey distillery in Ireland?

The world-famous Midleton Distillery in County Cork is the largest of the many Irish whiskey distilleries, and it’s arguably one of the most famous, too.

What is Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery?

This is a topic that causes a lot of chatter. The Kilbeggan Distillery (1757) claims that it’s the oldest, saying that, while the Bushmills Distillery was granted a license to distill in 1608, it didn’t distill under its current name until the 1780s.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tom Donohue

Thursday 2nd of June 2022

These needs some correction, as the old warehouse down by the river in Tullamore closed in 2020. Tours are now done at the visitor center outside of town in the new distillery.

While the new facility is nice, "picturesque riverside location in Tullamore and the elegant exterior" no longer apply.

Keith O'Hara

Thanks Tom - I've updated that now. Appreciate you taking the time to mention this.

Wednesday 1st of June 2022

Great number of places to go James. Thanks for sharing them.

Michael J. Walsh

Walsh distillery in Carlow. Have you visited that distillery?

All of the Platinum Medal Winning Irish Whiskeys From The 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

• by Beth Squires
• June 14, 2024

Irish whiskey is seeing a boom in popularity in overseas markets, with the USA seeming to have a particular love of spirit from the Emerald Isle. As such, the competition for medals at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) was fierce in the Irish whiskey category. 

Continuing the rundown of some of the best whiskeys at the SFWSC, here are all of the Platinum medal-winning Irish whiskeys from this year’s competition. 

Read up on other award-winning whiskeys here . 

Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old Irish Whiskey 

Medal: Platinum Tasting Notes: Toffee, oak, leather, vanilla, sherry nuttiness, spice BUY NOW: $169.99  

Let’s kick things off with the best-selling Irish whiskey brand in the world: Jameson . 

Originally produced at the Bow Street Distillery (for which this expression is named), Jameson Irish Whiskey is now distilled at the Midleton Distillery, with production having begun there in 1975. 

The brand was founded by John Jameson in 1780. Almost 250 years later, the brand still uses Jameson’s grain-to-glass approach and triple distillation method.  

The Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old pays homage to the brand’s Bow Street Distillery, which now serves as the Jameson Distillery Bow St. Dublin Tour complete with cocktail classes, whiskey tastings, and a blending experience. 

The Ultimate Guide To Crown Royal Whisky

New Releases: Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, Loch Lomond, Tamdhu

The Best Age-Statement Bourbon & American Whiskey From The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024

9 Best American Whiskeys & Bourbons According To The Denver International Spirits Competition

Whisky Review: Macallan 10 Year Old Early 2000s

Ardbeg Looks Back On The Millennium With The Ardbeg Vintage Y2K

The whiskey is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey aged for 18 years before being married together. The casks then undergo a finishing period at Bow Street prior to bottling at a cask strength of 55.1% ABV. 

Jameson bills this expression, first released in 2018 and still going strong, as “the perfect gift for the whiskey lover in your life.” 

Given that the brand is so popular in both domestic and foreign markets, it is hardly surprising that it won big at the 2024 SFWSC. 

Kinsale Spirit Company Wild Atlantic IPA Irish Whiskey 

Medal: Platinum Tasting Notes: Apple, candy, hops, pineapple, warm brown sugar BUY NOW: $38

Now, from the biggest Irish whiskey brand in the world to one that might have flown under your radar: Wild Atlantic from Kinsale Spirit Company .  

Wild Atlantic IPA Irish Whiskey is something of a novelty in the world of cask finishing. 

The whiskey is a blend of triple-distilled grain and malt Irish whiskeys. Following over four years of maturation, the whiskey is finished in an Indian pale ale (IPA) barrel. The resulting whiskey has, according to Kinsale Spirit Company, “no bite, no burn”. 

Kinsale Spirit Company was founded by Tom O’Riordan, a resident of Kinsale in County Cork. Beginning as a kitchen-table operation with a small still, Kinsale Spirit Company now produces gin and whiskey that is exported across the globe. Plans for a distillery in Kinsale are also in the works. 

The Wild Atlantic IPA Irish Whiskey has previously won Double Gold medals at the SFWSC in 2022 and 2023. 

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey 

Medal: Platinum Tasting Notes: Fruit, toasted wood, spice, sherry BUY NOW: $69.97

Redbreast Whiskey saw three separate expressions win Platinum medals at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Let’s start with the cask strength version of Redbreast’s signature 12 Year Old. 

The Redbreast 12 Year Old is triple-distilled in copper pot stills from a mash bill of malted and unmalted barley. It is then matured in a combination of seasoned American oak barrels and Oloroso sherry seasoned Spanish oak butts. Bottled at 57.6% ABV, the cask strength expression carries a but more of a kick than the standard 40% ABV expression. 

According to Redbreast, “The Cask Strength expression gives a glimpse of Redbreast 12 in its natural, full flavoured taste.” 

Redbreast Irish Whiskey has a rich history dating back to 1903 when Gilbey’s, a Dublin-based wine and spirits merchant, first marketed “JJ Liqueur Whiskey 12 Years Old,” which later became Redbreast. This whiskey was produced using pot still distillate sourced from the Jameson Distillery in Bow Street, Dublin. Production ceased in the mid-1980s, but in 1991, Irish Distillers revived Redbreast. It is now produced at Midleton Distillery in Cork, which is also home to brands such as Jameson and Green Spot. 

Redbreast 27 Year Old Ruby Port Casks Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey 

Medal: Platinum Tasting Notes: Tropical fruits, nuts, dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, sherry, spices BUY NOW: $519.99

The Redbreast 27 Year Old Ruby Port Casks is the oldest whiskey in Redbreast’s range. Matured in a combination of bourbon, sherry, and ruby port casks, the whiskey is layered and complex. It is also, notably, bottled at an impressive cask strength of 54.6% ABV despite its almost three-decade-long aging period. 

Redbreast says “Nearly three decades in the shaping, this cask strength Redbreast is a joy to behold in each and every bottle.” 

Redbreast Lustau Edition Pure Pot Still Irish Whiskey 

Medal: Platinum Tasting Notes: Dark fruits, prunes, dates, figs, liquorice, marzipan, spices, sherry, Spanish oak BUY NOW: $54.99

The Redbreast Lustau Edition was brought about by a collaboration between the Bodegas Lustau in Jerez, Spain, and Midleton Distillery where Redbreast whisky is produced. 

Redbreast is well-known for its sherried expressions, and the Redbreast Lustau takes this one step further. Initially matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry for between 9 and 12 years, the whiskey then undergoes a 12-month finishing period in hand-selected sherry butts. The butts has been seasoned with Oloroso sherry from Bodegas Lustau. 

Bottled at 46% ABV, the whiskey is gentle, smooth, and complex. The judges at the 2024 SFWSC clearly recognized this, as well as Redbreast’s other superb bottlings. 

Bunratty Premium Blend With Peated Malt 

Medal: Platinum Tasting Notes: “Gently balanced” BUY NOW: $32.99

Bunratty Premium Blend Irish Whiskey With Peated Malt consists of a mixture of grain and malt whiskey, triple-distilled. As the name would suggest, the whiskey also contains a hint of peated malt that lends a subtly smoky character to the spirit. 

Following distillation the whiskey is matured for at least four years in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and virgin oak casks. Virgin oak casks are usually known for their use in the production of bourbon, and here lend an oaky character to the blend. According to Bunratty, “it warms the soul.” 

Bunratty is a fairly new Irish whiskey brand on the scene, named after the small town to the west of Limerick.

The Growth of the Irish Whiskey Category 

In recent, Irish whiskey has seen a huge growth in popularity across the Atlantic. In 2022, over 6.1 million 9-cases of Irish whiskey were exported to the USA. According to marketwatch.com, the annual sales of Irish whiskey in the US have risen 1,482% in the past two decades. 

Brands such as Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W., Teeling, Bushmills, and Redbreast have been driving overseas growth with higher-aged expressions and experimental cask finishes. Meanwhile, an increasing number of distilleries are popping up across Ireland. 

The 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition 

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is considered one of the most prestigious contents in the spirits industry. As such, medals can open many doors in terms of sales and marketing for both large and small distillers. 

Make sure to keep an eye on the Awards Series page for the next installment of this series.

Irish whiskey is seeing a boom in popularity in overseas markets, with the USA seeming to have a particular love of spirit from the Emerald Isle.

• Whisky Review: Yamazaki 12 Year Old Suntory Pure Malt Whisky

The Yamazaki 12 Year Old remains a steadfast presence in the brand’s core range. 

• Whiskey Review: WhistlePig 25 Year Single Malt The Badönkådonk

We review WhistlePig 25 Year Single Malt The Badönkådonk, aged for a quarter century in new American oak and then finished in a Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrel.

Beth Squires

Beth joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 following the completion of her university degree. Since then she has gained wide-ranging knowledge of all things whisk(e)y, and has written extensively for both company and external publications. Beth is passionate about industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a particular affinity for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth is also a whisky bottle investment specialist.

• Ardnahoe Distillery Appoints Folk-Rock Band, Skerryvore, As Global Brand Ambassadors
• Baccarat & Basil Hayden Team Up For 77th Annual Tony Awards
• Rod Stewart & Son Liam Celebrate Father’s Day With Wolfie’s Rockstart Martini
• Rosebank Distillery Reawakens, Welcomes First Guests After 30-Year Closure
• Beam Distillery Annouces New Visitor Experiences & Events
• Whiskey Review: Bushmills 15 Year Old UK Limited Edition
• Whisky Review: Dewar’s Double Double 21 Year Old Mizunara Cask Finish
• Whiskey Review: Lost Lantern Far-Flung Rye

Mark Littler LTD trading as The Whiskey Wash

Ltd Company Number: 11174184 | VAT Number: 289367148

www.marklittler.com – shop.marklittler.com

© Copyright 2024 – The Whiskey Wash – All Rights Reserved | Website by Milkshake Creative

Whiskey Ginger: A Cocktail for All Seasons

Easy to craft with whiskey and ginger ale, the Whiskey Ginger cocktail isn't just a great drink to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day. It's a great drink to enjoy all year long.

We don't know why combining whiskey and ginger ale and adding lime juice tastes good. It just does.

Technically an Irish Buck, the Whiskey Ginger is a cocktail that we often forget about between drinking sessions. Luckily, St. Patrick's Day happens every March 17th which reminds us to craft cocktails with whiskey and ginger ale each spring .

Sure, we could drink pints filled with foamy Guinness or artificially-colored green beer instead but we'd much rather whip up Whiskey Gingers in just five minutes and sip them through metal straws. To us, it's the classier, tastier St. Patrick's Day drink option.

What Makes the Whiskey Ginger Special?

We use Jameson Whiskey in our Whiskey Ginger in our Whiskey Ginger recipe. Despite its global popularity, the moderately-priced, triple-distilled whiskey is produced in Ireland with local barley and water sourced from the Dungourney River.

Jameson whiskey matures for at least four years in oak casks previously used to age Kentucky bourbon and Spanish sherry. Due to this maturation process and its triple distillation, Jameson's whiskey has a particularly smooth finish that works well in this recipe.

History of Jameson

Originally operating as Bow Street Distillery in Dublin , Jameson's history dates back to 1780. Named after owner John Jameson, the whiskey is a true 'grain to glass' product made with both malted and unmalted barley as well as French maize and Irish water.

A family enterprise for two centuries, Jameson distilled millions of gallons of whiskey in Dublin before moving the production operations to County Cork in the 1970s.

We learned about Jameson's rich history and its production process during a Dublin distillery tour in 2016. Simultaneously informative and touristic, the experience ended with a Jameson whiskey tasting and glasses of Jameson Whiskey Ginger.

Ingredients

The ingredient list for crafting a Whiskey Ginger is ridiculously short with just the following ingredients:

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 6 ounces ginger ale
• 2 lime wedges

We consider the Whiskey Ginger to be a three-ingredient cocktail. However, you can call it a four-ingredient cocktail if you insist on counting ice as an ingredient.

Jameson is the only liquor that we use in our Whiskey Ginger cocktail recipe. It has an 40% ABV and is easily the most popular Irish whiskey.

You should be able to find Jameson at your local liquor store since owner Pernod Ricard distributes it around the world. However, you can use another whiskey if you have a favorite bottle in your cabinet.

How to Craft a Whiskey Ginger Cocktail

Crafting a Whiskey Ginger is as simple as measuring, pouring and stirring ginger ale and whiskey in a three-to-one ratio.

The first step is to measure the whiskey and ginger ale. We like to use a jigger to measure the whiskey and an angled measuring cup to measure the ginger ale.

The second step is to pour the liquids into a highball glass and squeeze fresh lime juice from a lime wedge.

The third step is to gently stir the drink. We use a bar spoon but any long spoon should work.

The final steps involve adding ice and a fresh lime wedge as garnish.

All that's left is to sip and enjoy.

While we like to craft cocktails with whiskey, ginger ale and lime, you may want to mix things up (pun intended). Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:

• Use sugar free ginger ale if you want to reduce the cocktail's calories.
• Keep your cocktail neat by omitting both ginger ale and lime juice.
• Replace the ginger ale with ginger beer to craft an Irish Mule cocktail.
• Replace the lime juice and ginger ale with lemon juice and simple syrup to craft a Whiskey Lemonade cocktail.
• Replace the whiskey and ginger ale with dark rum and ginger beer to craft a Dark and Stormy cocktail.

This recipe was originally published on 2foodtrippers . Consider subscribing to 2foodtrippers if you enjoyed it.

Different Tastes for different tastes

Jameson irish whiskey, jameson orange, jameson black barrel, jameson ipa edition, jameson stout edition, jameson crested whiskey, jameson 18 years, discover the jameson world, what’s new.

Check out the latest and greatest things that we’ve been up to.

In 1780, John Jameson established a way of making Irish whiskey that we’ve been proudly sticking to ever since.

Our Distilleries

Visit Jameson Distillery, Dublin or our new Midleton Distillery Experience, Cork for the World’s leading distillery tours, cocktail making classes, premium whiskey tasting sessions or to learn how to blend your own whiskey.

Sign up to get your exclusive news & invitations