How to Drive Through the Irish Whiskey Trail

If a trip to Ireland is on your bucket-list, make sure that you shortlist the best distilleries and whiskey bars. There is no better place to start your Irish whiskey initiation than where it all began. The Irish Whiskey Trail is a great way for whiskey enthusiasts to experience the magic and story of Irish whiskey which is undergoing a renaissance, driven both by the new and the existing players. The global recognition for this premium spirit has never been higher. The sales of Irish whiskey has grown astronomically in the last few years which indicates its burgeoning popularity. As distilleries open in Ireland at an accelerating pace, most are left wondering whether Irish whiskey will be the next Scotch.

When one discusses an Irish Whiskey Trail, the first names which come to the mind are Jameson, Bushmills and Tullamore Dew.

Whiskey experiences which you should not miss:

Old Jameson Distillery

A visit to the Old Jameson Distillery is a must for those who visit Dublin and have an interest in good whiskey and Irish history. The exciting and engaging tour will enlighten and entertain any visitor. Taking you back in time, the tour will give you an insight into what life was like decades ago, in John Jameson’s time, one of Ireland’s well-known entrepreneurs who gave the world the legacy Jameson whiskey. During the tour, you will learn the story behind the creation of the brand. A step-by-step visualization will illustrate how Jameson whiskey is made. Discover how the three simple ingredients-barley, yeast and wheat transform into the magical golden spirit. Towards the end of the tour engage in taste testing and compare Jameson to the famous Scotch whiskeys. Experience the subtle difference in tastes between the different Irish whiskeys. At the end of the tour isn’t it only fair that you are allowed to taste a complimentary glass of Jameson? Well, this desire of yours will be fulfilled at the Old Jameson Distillery, situated at just the north of River Liffey.

Bushmills Distillery

Make sure that your Whiskey tour also includes Bushmills Distillery, the oldest working distillery in Ireland. The guided tour starts from the mash house where the process of distillation begins. The whiskeys are distilled thrice. The tour comes to an end at the bottling hall where the golden spirit is bottled so that it can be safely delivered to destinations across the globe. Legend has it that the Bushmills whisky owes its exceptional flavour to the water which is used from the nearby St. Columba’s stream. At the end of the tour sample a complimentary shot of the Bushmills Irish Whiskey and savour its richness and smoothness.

Tullamore D.E.W Distillery

Another brand which needs mention is the Tullamore Dew, known over the world for its gentle and smooth flavor. A visit to the Tullamore Dew Whiskey Distillery promises a fine day out. The Tullamore D.E.W Visitor Center offers visitors an insight into the production of one of Ireland’s finest whiskeys. With a dedicated guide for each tour, storytelling and multi-media presentations the distillery tour is enjoyable and enriching. At the whiskey tasting session, visitors can try the flavours and guess the whiskey. You can purchase curios from the small gift shop and carry memories back home.

A few other distilleries which you can add to your itinerary are the Connacht Whiskey Distillery and the Kilbeggan Distillery.

Finest Whiskey Bars

Once you have toured the distilleries, plan a tour to the whiskey bars in Ireland. They are some of the best bars in the world. You will not be surprised if you drop by the Dick Macks in Dingle. The calmness, the dim lights and the sound of slow conversations add to the charm of the place. The staff is constantly trained to ensure that they are well-informed about the wide range of whiskeys before they recommend any to the visitors.

When in Ireland, make sure that you Indulge your inner connoisseur at the Celtic Whiskey Bar and Larder in Killarney. It is a mecca for the Irish whiskey lovers and offers a sumptuous lunch and dinner. Relax over the carefully prepared cuisine and further your whiskey education as you order a new drink. Take a seat, enjoy the surroundings and sip the delightful whiskey.

The enchanting power of whiskey will engulf you when you smell, taste, and talk about the golden spirit the “Irish Way”. While planning a whiskey trail in Ireland, make the bookings well in advance.  In these trails apart from tasting the high-class spirits, soak in the traditional Irish culture, absorb the spectacular scenery, and discover the skills which go into the production of Irish whiskey. The warm and hospitable locals will be more than pleased to welcome you and share a slice of their lives. After an Irish whiskey trail, you will carry fond memories back home.