Dublin, the heart of Ireland, has long been synonymous with the art of whiskey-making. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted traditions in distilling have shaped its status as one of the premier whiskey capitals of the world. Today, Dublin is home to a range of distilleries, each with its own unique character, style, and approach to whiskey production. From historic brands with centuries of experience to modern innovators pushing the boundaries of flavor, Dublin offers a whiskey experience like no other. Here’s a look at my Top 5 and why I definitely think they’re worth a visit on your trip to Dublin.

1. The Old Jameson Distillery (Bow Street Distillery)

Arguably the most iconic name in Irish whiskey, Jameson has been synonymous with Dublin for centuries. The Old Jameson Distillery, located on Bow Street in the heart of the city, is a must-visit destination for whiskey enthusiasts. The distillery, which ceased production in 1971, now serves as a visitor center that offers guided tours, tastings, and an immersive look at the history of Jameson whiskey.

What makes it unique:

• Historical Significance: Bow Street was the original home of Jameson whiskey, where the distillery first opened its doors in 1780.
• Traditional Distilling Methods: Visitors can learn about the triple-distillation process that has made Jameson a global favorite. The method, unique to Irish whiskey, creates a smoother and lighter spirit.
• The Bow Street Experience: A special tour that allows visitors to see the distillery in action, with tastings and blending sessions guided by expert staff.

2. Teeling Distillery

Situated in the heart of the Liberties district, the Teeling Distillery is one of the most exciting and innovative whiskey producers in Dublin. Teeling is part of the new wave of distillers who are reintroducing Dublin’s distilling heritage to a global audience. While the Teeling family has a long history in whiskey production, the Teeling Distillery itself opened its doors in 2015.

What makes it unique:

• Craftsmanship and Innovation: Teeling has revitalized the art of whiskey-making with a focus on innovation, using non-traditional casks for maturation (such as rum, wine, and port casks) to create unique flavor profiles.
• First Dublin Distillery in Over 125 Years: Teeling proudly opened its doors as the first new distillery in Dublin in over a century, reviving the city’s whiskey-making tradition.
• Signature Offerings: Teeling’s single malt, small batch, and single grain whiskeys have received critical acclaim, with the Teeling Single Malt even winning multiple international awards.
• Tasting Experience: The distillery offers a hands-on tour where visitors can sample a variety of expressions, showcasing the depth of the brand’s range.

3. The Dublin Liberties Distillery

The Dublin Liberties Distillery is located in the historic Liberties district (and one of the stops on our whiskey walking tour), once the beating heart of Dublin’s whiskey-making industry. The distillery is part of a broader revival of Dublin’s whiskey heritage, and it stands out for its commitment to producing rich, full-bodied whiskeys.

What makes it unique:

• Full-Flavored Expressions: The Dublin Liberties brand is known for its bold and complex flavor profiles. With expressions like The Dubliner and The Liberties, the distillery focuses on creating rich whiskeys with deep, dark fruit and spicy notes.
• Heritage Location: Situated in a part of Dublin that once housed numerous distilleries, the Liberties area is considered a historic whiskey district.
• Innovative Maturation: The distillery uses a variety of cask finishes to enhance its whiskeys, including bourbon, sherry, and rum casks. This approach adds depth and complexity to each expression.
• Visitor Experience: The distillery offers tours that take guests through its production process, including tastings of their award-winning whiskeys, and even allows visitors to blend their own whiskey.

4. Roe & Co Distillery

Located on the historic site of the old Guinness Power Station, Roe & Co Distillery offers a premium whiskey experience with a strong focus on high-quality craftsmanship. Roe & Co is part of Diageo’s Irish whiskey portfolio, and its mission is to create a modern and luxurious take on traditional Irish whiskey.

What makes it unique:

• Sophisticated and Smooth: Roe & Co is known for its smooth, premium whiskey, made with a blend of hand-selected malt and grain whiskeys. It’s a refined and rich expression, perfect for those seeking complexity and elegance.
• Craft and Innovation: The distillery uses cutting-edge techniques and tools, such as copper pot stills and customized maturation casks, to craft its exceptional products.
• Tasting and Cocktail Bar: Roe & Co Distillery also features an atmospheric cocktail bar where guests can enjoy whiskey-based cocktails, highlighting the versatility of their whiskey range.
• Sustainability: The distillery is committed to sustainable production practices, ensuring that each bottle of Roe & Co is made with a minimal environmental footprint.

5. The Pearse Lyons Distillery

The Pearse Lyons Distillery is located in a beautifully restored church in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties neighborhood. Pearse Lyons, founded by a former distillery executive, combines Irish tradition with modern innovation. Their offerings showcase the depth of Irish whiskey, blending both malt and grain whiskeys for a rich and nuanced flavor.

What makes it unique:

• Historic Setting: The distillery is housed in a former church, with stunning stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings. It’s an extraordinary setting that adds to the mystique of the whiskey experience.
• Blended Whiskey Expertise: Pearse Lyons focuses on creating expertly blended whiskeys, with a range that includes both small batch and single pot still offerings.
• Family-Owned Distillery: As a family-owned business, Pearse Lyons takes great pride in its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, ensuring that each whiskey is a labor of love.