Irish whiskey tourism passes one million visitors for second year running

Ireland's distillery industry is thriving

The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) recorded over 1.04 million visits between June 2025 and June 2026, an increase of approximately 30,000 on the previous year, The Irish Times reported.

American tourists accounted for the biggest share of those numbers, while Irish visitors ranked second. 

Travellers from Britain, Germany and France also featured prominently among those visiting distilleries around the island.

The industry is benefiting from a rise in spending, too. Visitors now spend an average of about €50 per person, representing a 20% increase.

The IWA attributed the growth to greater interest in premium experiences offered by distilleries.

Eoin Ó Catháin, the association's director, said attracting more than a million visitors in consecutive years demonstrated the sector's ability to sustain interest.

He pointed to the work of distilleries and their visitor centres in keeping the experience appealing, adding that tourists were travelling greater distances and contributing more to local economies, particularly in rural areas.

Shed Distillery sees visitor numbers soar by a fifth

Several established attractions continue to draw large crowds. The Jameson Distillery in central Dublin remains the country's most popular whiskey tourism destination, followed by the Old Bushmills Distillery in Co Antrim and the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, also in Dublin.

The Midleton Distillery Experience in Co Cork is another leading attraction. Meanwhile, the Shed Distillery in Co Leitrim saw its visitor numbers grow by a fifth, according to the association.

Whiskey tourism is also reaching beyond people interested in drinking the spirit itself. 

The IWA said visitors are drawn to the history and culture surrounding Irish whiskey, as well as the craftsmanship involved in producing it.

More than a third of people visiting distilleries do not consume alcohol during their trip, highlighting how tours and other experiences can appeal to visitors who simply want to learn about Ireland's heritage.