Visit Donegal Whiskey Distilleries

The once thriving Donegal whiskey industry went into a slumber after “prohibition” was introduced in the United States of America. Now the industry is roaring back to life, both nationally and here in Donegal. A number of new distilleries have opened and are reviving the tradition of whiskey making in Donegal – and they make for a great visit to hear the story and sample the local “uisce beatha” (water of life).

• Croithslí (or Crolly in English) : located in the former Crolly Dolls factory, this distillery has a great tour and is now producing a range of high quality and interesting whiskeys.
• Sliabh Liag : Following the initial success of innovative An Dúlamán maritime gin, Sliabh Liag Distillers are now producing some very fine whiskeys. A new state of the art distillery and visitor centre has been opened in Ardara (also the home of Donegal tweed, including the legend Eddie Doherty who supplies us with his legendary herringbone Donegal tweed throws and cushions and is related to the distillery owners).
• Baoilleach Distillery : Located in an old cottage just outside the nearby village of Carrigart, this is one of Ireland’s smallest and most authentic distilleries. Following in the tradition of local, small-pot distilleries which were once dotted around Donegal, Baoilleach also uses grains grown in the fields surrounding the distillery. Also producers of the very excellent Mulroy Bay gin and poitin. <Not currently available for visits but you can sample the gin here at Breac.House !>

• Muff Liquor Company : located in the village of Muff on the Inisowen peninsula, not far from Derry, this distillery produces the innovative Irish potato gin as well as poitín, Irish whiskey and vodka. Tours at the new visitor centre can be booked in advance online.

If you are driving to / from Breac.House, depending on your route, you can also plan your journey to take in Bushmills Distillery (Bushmills, Co. Antrim), The Boatyard Distillery (outside Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh) or The Shed Distillery (Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim). Each do excellent distillery tours (advance online booking recommended).