Irish whiskey consumption spread throughout Ireland by the 16th century and quickly became the fastest growing spirit in the world, adding to the rich heritage of the country.
From gin to vodka, there are all sorts of alcoholic processes to marvel at as you embark on a tour of how these fantastic drinks are made.
Here is a list of some of the best distilleries in the country.
5. The Boatyard Distillery 346 Lough Shore Rd, Drumcrow East, Enniskillen
The Boatyard Distillery is Situated on Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. Take their fascinating Distillery tour, lasting 1 hour and 30 mins and see how sustainable methods are used to create premium spirits from Vodka, Double Gin, Old Tom Gin, Sloe Boat Gin to Winter Solstice Gin. Included in the tour is a gin and tonic reception, two cocktails, a chance to learn about the history and behind-the-scenes of the Boatyard Distillery alongside an opportunity to label your own 70cl bottle of Boatyard Double gin to take home with you. Tickets can be booked at boatyarddistillery.com Photo: Image from The Boatyard Distillery via Facebook
6. Killowen Distillery 29 Kilfeaghan Rd, Killowen, Newry
At the heart of the Mourne Mountains is The Killowen Distillery, where there’s something for everyone to enjoy with a vast variety of spirits to taste, such as gin, poitín, whiskey, rum and liqueurs. Choose from Distillery Tour & Tasting, which will give you an overview of whiskey and gin distillation, the culture of the Mournes and 7 x 25ml servings of Killowen spirits, or try out the Gin, Poitin and Chocolate Tasting session nearby at Nearynogs where you will be given a cocktail on arrival, three chocolates, spirit tastings and finish with a final drink. Tickets can be booked at killowendistillery.com Photo: Image from Killowen Distillery
7. Rademon Estate Distillery, 65 Church Rd, Downpatrick
The Rademon Estate is surrounded in history with the original house dating back to 1667, with its very own distillery providing an interesting day out, offering tours suiting various budgets and tastes. The whiskey tasting and tour experience provide a guided tour of the distillery and the whiskey process, a Shortcross branded TUA glass to take home with you and a £5 voucher to spend on a bottle from their tasting room shop. Alternatively, take the whiskey discovery and tour experience, lasting 1 hour and a half and allowing you to sample whiskey from the cask, led by head-founder David-Boyd Armstrong. Tickets can be booked at rademonestatedistillery.com Photo: Image from Shortcross Gin and Whiskey via Facebook
8. Wild Atlantic Distillery 20 Trienamongan Rd, Aghyaran, Castlederg
15 miles from the Wild Atlantic Way in the quaint village of Castlederg, The Wild Atlantic Distillery tour is 1 hour and a half long, including a complimentary drink on arrival, the chance to view the pristine equipment used and a bottle of award winning Wild Atlantic Vodka or Gin. Dubbed Ireland's newest distillery, the entertaining tour makes learning everything about the alcohol fun, meeting the people behind the brand at the same time. All tours at Wild Atlantic Distillery are disability friendly and cocktail classes and gin school can also be booked. Tickets can be booked at wildatlanticdistillery.ie Photo: Image from Wild Atlantic Distillery