For years Ireland and the Irish people have been well known for so many great things. We have produced some of the greatest sports stars, some of the most successful musicians and some of the most talented poets and storytellers the world has seen. The scenery of our beautiful countryside and the welcoming spirits of our people has long been some of our most famous characteristics. The stereotypes that we all just eat potatoes and have red hair and freckles are some of the most well-known stereotypes of any people around the world. But above all else, the Irish people are said to have a love for drink like no one else and while this may or may not be true, Ireland does know how to produce some of the best drink you’ll ever taste. We’re going to have a look at some of Ireland's best and most famous breweries and distilleries.
Guinness Storehouse
We’ll start with the most popular brewery in Ireland, The Guinness Storehouse at St James Gate in the heart of Dublin. Guinness has been around since 1759 and has become one of the world’s most popular drinks, brewed in more than 50 countries and available in over 120, so why not see where it all started at this world-famous brewery? You will hear the history of Guinness here in Dublin, enjoy some amazing views of the city from their famous Gravity Bar and most importantly get to experience the unique and world-famous taste of Guinness. Guinness is a cornerstone of Irish culture so whether you were born and bread in Ireland or visiting our beautiful country for the first time, The Guinness Storehouse is a must for everyone.
Jameson Distillery
The original Irish whiskey, Jameson whiskey has distilleries located all over Ireland but the original distillery at Bow St street in Dublin is the must see of them all. John Jameson opened the doors of this distillery nearly 250 years ago in 1780, today it is home to some amazing tours from tasting the famous whiskey straight from a Jameson cask to learning how to blend your own whiskey. Jameson offers tours for those who are whiskey fanatics to those who would just like to experience the history of one of Irelands most famous companies.
Bushmills Distillery
The ‘Old Bushmills’ distillery located in county Antrim is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Granted a license to distil in 1608, Bushmills has been producing some of the best single malt whiskey for the past 400 years. The company has had a series of closures in the past but has been in continuous operation since the distillery was rebuilt in 1885 after a fire. Now owned by Casa Cuervo of Mexico, the Old Bushmills distillery is still truly a historic part of Ireland. The distillery offers guided tours of the production process of this famous whiskey, you will meet the people responsible for carrying on this tradition after more than 400 years and taste some of the best whiskey Ireland has to offer.
O’Hara’s Brewery
Tour one of the leading breweries of craft beer in Ireland here at the O’Hara’s Brewery in County Carlow. This is quite a young company compared to the others on this list only beginning its operations in 1996 but in that short time has built itself a great name in the craft beer industry. This tour will provide you with a chance to meet the brewers behind the famous craft beer as they walk you through the different processes of brewing their award winning beers and learn the history of one of Irelands first craft beer companies. If this tour is not already on your list of things to do in Ireland, the tasting room where you will get to sample the award-winning brews will surely change your mind.
Dingle Distillery
Another newcomer, Dingle distillery only began a short time ago in 2012. They produce more than some great Irish whiskey in this distillery, they are also well known for their award-winning vodkas and gins. During the tours you will be introduced to the amazing history of the Irish whiskey industry, get to witness the distillation process of the whiskey, experience what it is like to work in a distillery and get to taste some of their amazing products. Dingle is one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland, located along the coast of County Kerry and known for its welcoming and friendly people, this is truly a must for anyone who really wants to experience the beauty Ireland has to offer.
Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery
Another world-famous Irish whiskey, Tullamore D.E.W. has been produced since 1829 in the town of Tullamore in County Offaly. The original distillery was closed in 1956 and operations moved to Cork until the ownership changed and the operations again were moved back to its home in the new distillery in Tullamore in 2014. You can now tour this amazing facility and learn of the storied history of Tullamore D.E.W. in the visitor center located in the original distillery. The state-of-the-art processes in which this famous whiskey is distilled will also be shown in the new distillery and tour-goers will get to taste some of their rarest whiskeys and even get to blend their own. There is also a fantastic restaurant to enjoy some more tastes of Ireland and a gift shop to get something for your friends who weren’t as lucky as you.
Now its time for you to go sort yourself a taxi or a bus so you can truly enjoy some of the best tastes Ireland has to offer in some of the most famous breweries and distilleries in the world.