Irish Whiskey Tourism on the Rise
In 2019, the variety of folks visiting Irish whiskey distilleries topped a million for the primary time ever, coming in at a whopping 1.02 million guests. Then in fact, 2020 occurred and the Covid-19 pandemic killed off this momentum.
Since then, the magic a million determine hadn’t been damaged once more. Till now. Official figures from the IWA (Irish Whiskey Affiliation) reveal that for the yr ending June 2025, a staggering 1,010,261 folks visited Eire’s whiskey distilleries. That is particularly spectacular because it’s a rise of 23% for the earlier yr.
What I discover most encouraging about this, is the truth that there was a robust gender and age stability amongst guests, with the typical age of holiday makers starting from 34 – 45, intently adopted by 45 – 54. See, whiskey isn’t simply an outdated man’s drink!
So, which of Eire’s gorgeous distilleries have been hottest? Effectively, from what I can discover out, it seems as if Jameson’s Bow Avenue Distillery in Dublin was the most well-liked, intently adopted by Antrim’s Bushmills Distillery, Dublin’s fabulous Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Cork’s Midleton Distillery Expertise, and eventually, Leitrim’s The Shed Distillery.
Earlier than I leap to the following part, I’ll shortly give a shoutout to Teeling. The distillery opened a decade in the past in 2025 and not too long ago welcomed its one millionth customer. You simply like to see it.
Supporting Eire’s Tourism Sector
With so many wonderful Irish whiskies now in manufacturing, to not point out the gorgeous distilleries, the interactive whiskey experiences on supply, and that tremendous Irish hospitality I like to speak about a lot, it’s straightforward to see why whiskey tourism in Eire is on the rise. That is particularly lucky as Eire’s tourism sector on the whole, seemed somewhat shaky final yr. Once more, Irish whiskey was the knight in shining armour in 2024, because it helped to attract in robust home and worldwide crowds.
In accordance with the IWA, whiskey distillery visits have been supported by 5 key markets: US, UK, Germany, France, and Eire.
Now, I’m positive it’s not simply the whiskey that individuals go to the distilleries for. To some vacationers, it’s a technique to study extra in regards to the historical past behind one of many nation’s most well-known exports, whereas to others it’s only a enjoyable technique to spend a number of hours. Regardless, every paying buyer isn’t solely serving to the Irish whiskey market, however Eire’s tourism sector as an entire.
To assist capitalise upon the recognition of those distilleries, the IWA will shortly be launching a tourism initiative generally known as the Irish Whiskey Means. I’m particularly enthusiastic about this initiative and should take a look at it in additional element in a future weblog. Principally, this new initiative will rejoice Eire’s thriving meals and drinks scene, together with showcasing different Irish cultural cornerstones and naturally, serving as a information to Eire’s many distilleries. This might very nicely rival Scotland’s Speyside Malt Whisky Path, so watch this house.
In fact, vacationers and guests to whiskey distilleries are additionally serving to to generate cash, not just for the Irish whiskey business, however for native economies too. For the yr ending June 2025, every customer spent, on common, €41.24. It’s estimated that this made €41.6 million for native companies.
Whereas the business isn’t but again to the place it was practically two centuries in the past, the comeback is most positively on. When you’re ever in Eire and are searching for issues to do, I can wholeheartedly advocate a go to or two to a whiskey distillery. The environment are more likely to be gorgeous, the tales are fascinating, the locals are pleasant and hilarious, and naturally, the drams are out of this world (you’ll additionally possible get a number of samples alongside the way in which). Slainte.
When you’d prefer to study extra about your favorite whiskies, or just deal with your self to a dram or two within the course of, head on over to GreatDrams.com and check out the various number of distinctive whiskies we at the moment have in inventory.
With a powerful number of limited-edition, uncommon, and award-winning whisky, in addition to heaps of whisky data on our weblog, it’s the proper spot for any whisky lovers on the market.
