Dublin’s Whiskey Renaissance
Dublin was once the whiskey capital of the world — at its peak in the 19th century, the city had more distilleries than Scotland and produced more whiskey than any other city on earth. The industry collapsed in the 20th century (a combination of temperance movements, trade wars, world wars, and Prohibition in the US), and by the 1970s, all of Dublin’s distilleries had closed. The revival has been dramatic — Dublin now has multiple operating distilleries and visitor experiences, and the city is once again a serious whiskey destination.
A Dublin whiskey tour takes you through this history and into the contemporary distilleries — tasting Irish whiskey (note the Irish spelling with an “e”), learning the triple-distillation process that distinguishes most Irish whiskey from Scotch, and understanding the difference between single malt, single pot still, single grain, and blended Irish whiskeys.
Dublin Distillery Experiences
Jameson Distillery Bow St (covered in its own section) — the most visited whiskey attraction in Dublin, located in the original Jameson distillery building in Smithfield.
Teeling Distillery (covered in its own section) — Dublin’s first new distillery in 125 years when it opened in 2015, located in the Liberties and producing whiskey on site.
Roe & Co Distillery (covered in its own section) — located in a former Guinness power station in the Liberties, focusing on blending and cocktail culture.
Irish Whiskey Museum (near Trinity College) — a guided tour of Irish whiskey history with tastings, suitable for visitors who want the education without visiting a distillery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Irish whiskey and Scotch?
Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled (Scotch is usually double-distilled), giving it a smoother, lighter character. Irish whiskey also traditionally uses unmalted barley alongside malted barley (the “single pot still” style, unique to Ireland), producing a distinctive spicy, creamy quality. Irish whiskey spells “whiskey” with an “e”; Scotch spells “whisky” without.
Which Dublin distillery should I visit?
Jameson for the brand recognition and the comprehensive experience. Teeling for a working distillery where whiskey is actually being produced. Roe & Co for the cocktail-forward, contemporary approach. Visiting two (Teeling and Roe & Co are within walking distance of each other in the Liberties) gives you the best comparative experience.
Can I combine whiskey with Guinness in a single day?
Yes. The Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, and Roe & Co Distillery are all in the Liberties area of Dublin 8, within walking distance of each other. A combined visit is one of the best half-day experiences in Dublin.