Brought to you by VisitDublin. Please drink responsibly.
Get ready to learn the ins and outs of Ireland’s brewing culture with these fascinating tours.
Whether you’re interested in Irish whiskey history or you’re curious about the Guinness story, Dublin boasts an incredible array of distilleries and breweries, and the winter months are an ideal time to explore these great offerings, whatever the weather.
On your next short break, weave your way around Dublin’s picturesque city centre and add these distillery tours to your itinerary. Not only is this a brilliant way to see the city, but including distillery trips is also a great way to weather-proof your next break.
To help you explore Dublin’s best distilleries, we’ve put together some of our favourite experiences. During your getaway, you’ll have the opportunity to step into the brewing world, explore fascinating buildings and learn the ins and outs of the distillery processes during an engaging tour. And, for after your tour, we’ve also put together some of our top spots to grab a warming bite to eat in the cooler weather.
Ready to explore the city’s best distilleries? Here are our top distillery and brewery recommendations for your next winter getaway.
Roe & Co Distillery
At the Roe & Co Distillery, Dublin’s newest whiskey distillery, visitors are offered two unique experiences during their Dublin getaway. The Blending Experience invites visitors on a guided tour before they get the opportunity to blend their own Whiskey Old-Fashioned. On the Flavours Experience, meanwhile, guests explore the five pillars of flavour during a guided visit of the distillery, which allows you to make your own cocktail based on your personal flavour preferences.
After visiting the distillery, embrace the cooler weather on a walk around the Liberties before warming up with a toasted sandwich from Griolladh. In the evening, round off your day with a pizza and a pint from the beloved local spot Lucky’s on Meath Street. Cosy up in the outdoor space, or relax inside and catch some live jazz on Wednesdays or a DJ set on Friday and Saturday nights.
Stillgarden Distillery
Nestled in Dublin’s bustling Inchicore neighbourhood is the Stillgarden Distillery which specialises in modern spirits. Visit this small distillery on your next city break and you’ll learn all about the processes behind the brand’s gins and vodkas. In addition to expert-led distillery tours, the Stillgarden Distillery also hosts gin-tasting sessions, garden tours and cocktail masterclasses. You can even book yourself in for afternoon tea with gin-tasting.
Following your visit to the Stillgarden Distillery, stroll to the nearby Riggers D8 where you can warm up with burgers, arancini and an indulgent slice of chocolate cake for dessert – the ideal treat on a cold winter’s day.
Pearse Lyons Distillery
For a super unique distillery tour on your next Dublin break, visit the Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin’s Golden Triangle. Distillery tours here begin in a surrounding graveyard where guests will watch a video featuring the late Pearse Lyons himself. After this introduction, you’ll get an insight into this building’s history and the distillery process before sampling some of the whiskey yourself as an expert guides you through the flavour profiles of the spirit.
After your visit, embrace the cool air and cross the River Liffey and pause for a moment to take in the magic of Dublin during wintertime before popping in to Token. At Token, you can expect vegan food and retro arcade games at this quirky restaurant – an ideal addition to your winter break.
Guinness Storehouse
This year, the Guinness Storehouse was voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards, and we can understand why. As you approach the iconic St James’ Gate on your next city break, breathe in that crisp cool air as it blends with the distinct scent of the hops, then enter the world of Guinness. On a tour of this brewery, you’ll learn all about Guinness’ ingredients and history, as well as the culture that surrounds it today. It culminates with a visit to the Gravity Bar where you can enjoy a pint of Guinness and panoramic views of the city in the soft winter light.
After your tour, enjoy a stroll to the nearby neighbourhood of Rialto and pop in to The Circular & The Other Hand where you can enjoy pizza, great music and, depending on the night, a pub quiz.
Rascals Brewing Company
Engage all your senses during your next winter break with a guided tour of Rascals HQ, the home of the Rascals Brewing Company. During your Premium Tour, you’ll get a behind the scenes look into the production of craft beer from an expert guide. You’ll also get the chance to sample some of the Rascals Brewing Company’s creations. Afterwards, explore Rascals HQ, which regularly hosts theme nights, live music, pub quizzes and big screen sports.
Once you’ve had your fill at Rascals HQ, take in the cool air on a refreshing walk to the nearby neighbourhood of Kilmainham and step into the cosy surrounds of the Old Royal Oak. There, you can enjoy a hearty meal, live trad music and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Situated in the historic area of The Liberties is the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, which is home to 125 years of whiskey history. On a guided tour of this fully operational distillery, you’ll get to grips with Teelings’ wide variety of whiskeys – from single malts to vintage reserves. When the tour has ended, swing by The Bang Bang Bar and sip on a cocktail that has been specially curated with the seasons in mind. Highlights of the autumn/winter menu include the New (Market) Old Fashioned, the Apple of my Life and the Ruby Manhattan.
Following your visit, embrace the cool air as you explore Dublin’s Liberties and round out your day by nabbing a comfortable spot in The Fourth Corner and tucking into some nachos, a burger or some spicy chicken tenders – the perfect way to round out your evening on your next short break.
Please drink responsibly. Visit DrinkAware.ie
Brought to you by VisitDublin.
For ideas on how to plan your next short break, head to VisitDublin.com.
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