Thomas Lucas The lively cultural celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is just around the corner on the 17th of March, and there’s no better way to honour Irish heritage than by exploring the top breweries and distilleries Ireland offers.
From iconic brands like Guinness and Jameson to up-and-coming craft breweries, there’s no shortage of great places to visit and delicious drinks to try in Ireland. So, whether you’re a beer lover, whiskey fanatic, or just looking for a fun St Patrick’s Day activity, we’ve put together a list of Irish distilleries and breweries for you to explore.
Ready to explore the Emerald Isle? Hop aboard one of our two P&O Ferries routes to Ireland, sit back, relax, and prepare for an all-rounded St Patrick’s Day 2023 adventure!
Guinness Storehouse
If you fancy a traditional pint, why not make your St Patrick’s Day Guinness one to remember? Pay a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse!
The Guinness Storehouse is an impressive seven-story building in the heart of Dublin, once used as the fermentation plant for the famous Guinness brewery. Today, it is known as one of the top Guinness tour opportunities and a must-visit tourist attraction.
The Guinness brewery has a rich history dating back to its founding by Arthur Guinness in 1759. You can enjoy a guided tour around the iconic building, and there are plenty of Irish restaurants and cafes around too! It is approximately a 32-minute drive from the P&O ferries Dublin port to the Guinness Storehouse.
Kinnegar Brewing
Experience the best of Irish craft beer at Kinnegar Brewing. Founded in 2011 by Rick LeVert and Libby Carton, this independent brewery in Ireland produces a range of craft beers using locally sourced ingredients.
You’ll get the chance to try some of the best beers in Ireland like the Rustbucket Rye Ale, Limeburner Pale Ale, Yannaroddy Porter, and seasonal beers. The brewery is located in the picturesque village of Rathmullan, County Donegal, and is a must-visit spot. It’s easily accessible from Dublin or Larne, making it a great addition to your St. Patricks Day itinerary.
Galway Bay Brewery
Next, we have Galway Bay Brewery, founded in 2009 by Jason O’Connell and Niall Walsh; the brewery has become a well-known name in the Irish craft beer scene.
You can even try a wide range of delicious craft beers for yourself when you visit the brewery, including the award-winning Full Sail IPA, Althea Belgian Pale Ale, and Buried at Sea Coffee Oatmeal Stout. The brewery also has several gastropubs in and around Galway, where you can enjoy great food too. So, grab your craft Galway beer and enjoy St Patrick’s Day the Irish way!
Eight Degrees Brewing
For beer enthusiasts travelling to Ireland, Eight Degrees Brewing will surely win you over! This independent brewery was founded in 2010 by Cameron Wallace and Scott Baigent and is located in Mitchelstown, County Cork.
At Eight Degrees Brewing, you’ll taste popular beers like Sunburnt Irish Red Ale, Hurricane IPA, and more. The brewery also offers seasonal and limited-edition beers that are only available for a short time, so be sure to check them out!
If you didn’t travel to Ireland by car and want to reach the Eight Degrees Brewery from Dublin or Larne, you can take a train or a bus to Cork city and hail a taxi or hire a car from there. It’s a scenic drive through the Cork countryside and well worth the trip for any beer lover!
Jameson Distillery
Jameson Distillery in Dublin is a perfect way to experience the best of Irish whiskey on St. Patricks Day. Founded in 1780 by John Jameson, the distillery is immersed in history and is one of the most famous whiskey producers in the world.
You can enjoy a distillery tour of the Jameson whiskey factory and see how this spirit is made: from malting to the maturation process in oak barrels. You’ll also get to sample some of the distillery’s world-famous whiskies, including the classic Jameson, Jameson Black Barrel, and Jameson Caskmates.
The Jameson whiskey distillery also hosts a range of more in-depth experiences, such as the Whiskey Makers Tour and the Whiskey Blending Experience. And to top off the ultimate experience, you can also make the most of tours specifically designed to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday on St Patrick’s Day!
The Dublin Liberties Distillery
If you’re looking to explore a more modern distillery in Ireland, then be sure to check out The Dublin Liberties Distillery, which opened in 2019. Discover premium whiskeys, including The Dubliner and The Dublin Liberties, during a delicious tasting session.
The distillery is found in the heart of the historic Liberties district in Dublin, where you’ll find bustling new bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s easily accessible from Dublin city centre with public transportation options. To get there from Larne, take the M1 and you’ll reach Dublin in about four hours. Alternatively, take the train to the city centre and a short walk or taxi ride to the distillery on Mill Street.
Bushmills Distillery
For a historic Irish whiskey experience, why not check out Bushmills Distillery? It is one of the world’s oldest licensed distilleries, established in 1608, and the producer of the famous Bushmills whiskey.
The distillery offers guided tours where you can learn all about the brand’s rich history, the whiskey-making process, and the ageing techniques that create the unique taste of Bushmills whiskey.
The distillery is in the picturesque town of Bushmills, in County Antrim, which is easy to get to from Dublin or Larne by bus or train, so be sure to check out our Cairnyan to Larne route. A visit to the distillery is a must-see destination for whiskey lovers, offering a glimpse into the world-renowned whiskey-making techniques of this iconic brand.
Walsh’s Distillery
Discover Walsh’s whiskey’s unique flavours at their award-winning County Carlow distillery. Founded in 1999 by Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, the distillery uses locally sourced ingredients to create its distinctive range of whiskies, including the Writers’ Tears and The Irishman collections.
The modern Distillery offers a tour that takes you to the main boardroom, then to the lobby for a discussion of grains, the malting process and more. You can even look at the beautifully designed whiskey bottles along the way! The distillery is located just a short drive from Dublin, making it a great stop on your St Patrick’s Day adventure.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
To experience the best of whiskey in the heart of the Irish capital, a visit to Teeling whisky distillery, Dublin’s Newmarket Square will surely impress! Established in 2012, this family-owned distillery offers award-winning small-batch whiskeys and seasonal varieties.
The history of Walsh Whiskey Distillery is rooted in the passion and dedication of its founders, Bernard and Rosemary Walsh. Take a tour and enjoy a tasting experience, sampling Teeling’s signature whiskeys crafted using unique techniques steeped in the history of Irish whiskey-making.
Tullamore D.E.W Distillery
And finally, located in the heart of Tullamore, County Offaly, you’ll find Tullamore D.E.W Distillery, one of the most iconic distilleries in Ireland.
Founded in 1829, Tullamore D.E.W. is known for its unique triple distillation process. A visit to the distillery offers a chance to learn about the history and craft of Irish whiskey-making and to taste some of the finest whiskeys in the country.