Raise a Glass Next Time You Visit Ireland
Sláinte! Ireland is known for many things: it’s magical, mystical history, rolling hills and mountains, quaint towns and lively cities, and its natives’ merry dispositions. One may ask, how do the Irish stay so positive and optimistic, especially after hearing about their troubled, war-torn past? Why, it’s the spirits! Head to any small pub across the island and you will get a taste for what Ireland is really like. If you’d like a more in depth understanding of the process of creating these famous drinks, though, head to a distillery or brewery tour.
Jameson Distillery Bow St., Dublin
Jameson Distillery Bow St., informally the Jameson Distillery, is an Irish whiskey tourist attraction located just off Smithfield Square in Dublin. Jameson Distillery Bow St. is the original site where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled until 1971. It is now a visitors’ center that provides guided tours, tutored whiskey tastings, JJ’s bar, and a gift shop.
Formerly one of the six main Dublin Whiskeys, Jameson is now distilled at the New Midleton Distillery in County Cork. In 2018, annual sales topped 7.3 million cases. Jameson is by far the best selling Irish whiskey in the world. It has been sold internationally since the early 19th century, and is now available in over 130 countries.
Guiness Brewery, Dublin
Under the guidance of Arthur Guinness and his heirs, Guinness has been brewing pints of its famous stout in Dublin since the mid 18th century. For years it was the largest brewery in the world, and although it no longer holds that crown, it is still the largest producer of stout beer in the world. The self guided tour lasts about an hour or more, and travels up the 7 floors of the iconic Guiness building in the heart of Dublin, finishing with a pint of freshly poured stout at the Gravity Bar, offering 360 degree views of the city. Laura, our brother Craig, our dad, and myself had the pleasure of visiting the Guiness Brewery when we were in Ireland in 2019 and it was an unforgettable experience!
Fun Facts about Guiness:
It takes 119.5 seconds to pour the perfect pint of Guinness.
The official color of the beer is ruby red.
The beer is brewed in 49 countries around the world.
In 1759, at the age of 34, Arthur Guinness signed a lease for the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin. How long was his original lease? 9,000 years for an annual rent price of £45!
Guiness Brewery, Dublin
Smithwick’s Experience, Kilkenny
Taking in more than Dublin while in Ireland? Consider a day trip to Kilenny, home of Smithwick’s Brewery. Pronounced “Smith-icks”, this beloved Irish brewery has been crafting since 1710. During the unique brewery tour, visitors will get to experience Smithwick's being brewed first hand. While the doors to the brewery have been closed to visitors since 2020, they recently announced they will be reopening in the summer of 2022, just in time for your next trip to the Emerald Isle!
Smithwick’s Experience, Kilkenny
Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin
If you want to experience culture and beauty while sipping whiskey, considered visiting beautiful Pearse Lyons in Dublin. This family owned, independent distillery is located in the former St. James Church in the heart of Dublin. Having opened its doors in 2017, this boutique distillery is known for its intimate tours and tasting experiences, with multiple options to fit every whiskey connoisseur. Definitely a must do in Dublin if you have the time!
Pearce Lyons Distillary, former St James Church, Dublin
Ireland has countless distilleries and breweries, and we only just touched on the list of ones you can visit! We would love to help you plan your customized trip to the Emerald Isle where you can sip and savor all across the countryside.
