If you’re looking to do a Dublin distillery tour or if you fancy trying a guided whiskey tasking in Dublin, you’re spoiled for choice.
In recent years, I’ve done each of the Dublin distillery tours (e.g. Teeling, Roe & Co. and Jameson) and they rarely disappoint.
I’ve also tried several of the guided whiskey tours in Dublin and, while some are excellent, others are just alright.
Below, you’ll find the both the best distillery tours in Dublin along with some whiskey tasting tours that are worth considering. Cheers!
What to know before booking any Dublin whiskey tours
So, booking a tour is usually fairly straightforward, but I can’t begin to tell you the amount of times we’ve heard of someone booking onto one of the Dublin whiskey tours, only to be disappointed.
The below points may seem obvious, but they’re worth being aware of before you make a booking (especially point 1).
1. Whiskey tours vs distillery tours
There’s a big difference between visiting a Dublin whiskey distillery and taking one of the many Dublin whiskey tours. When you visit a distillery, you’ll take a guided tour. Guided whiskey tasting in Dublin usually involves trying different whiskies in one or more pubs.
2. Read the Ts&Cs carefully
Regardless of whether you’re doing a tour of the city’s top whiskey bars or you’re taking a Dublin distillery tour, make sure to read what’s included. On some, you’ll just get the guided tour, with no tasters included. With others, you’ll get samples included as part of the tour.
3. Time of day has a big impact on experience
If you’re taking one of the Dublin whiskey tours, it can be easy to aim for the latest slot so that you can follow up the tour with a night in one of the many pubs in Dublin. The only problem with this is that the pubs visited on these tours are also busier (unless they’re held in a dedicated room). If possible, aim for late afternoon, as places tend to be quieter.
The best Dublin distillery tours
The first section takes a look at the various Dublin distillery tours. And, thanks to a resurgence in distilling, there’s plenty to choose from.
Note: if you book a tour through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.
1. Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Courtesy Jameson Distillery Bow St, Dublin
Although Jameson moved the bulk of their operations down to Midleton in Cork in the late 1900s, the Jameson Distillery on Bow St. is still open.
Set inside what is arguably one of the most famous whiskey distilleries in Ireland, the distillery opened by John Jameson in the late 1700s.
Enter the impressive building and discover the story behind the world’s most famous Irish whiskey brands while sampling a variety of whiskeys. This is regarded as the best whiskey tour in Dublin for good reason.
Key info on this Dublin distillery tour:
- Cost: Around €30 p/p
- How long it lasts: 45 minutes
- It includes: Guided tour, whiskey tasting and a Jameson cocktail
- See reviews + book: Right here
2. Pearse Lyons Distillery
Photo left: Donal Murphy. Others: Killian Whyte (via Fáilte Ireland)
The Pearse Lyons Distillery is arguably the most unique whiskey distillery in Dublin, as you can see from the photos above.
It was founded by the late Pearse Lyons and the distillery is housed within the walls of an old church (the stained glass windows above should give you a sense of what to expect!).
Visitors will discover the story of Pearse Lyons, from his days working at the Harp brewery in Louth to his transformation of an old and dilapidated church in Dublin’s Liberties.
Key info on this Dublin distillery tour:
- Cost: Around €22 p/p
- How long it lasts: 1 hour
- It includes: Guided tour and a whiskey tasting including 3 whiskies
- See reviews + book: Right here
3. Roe & Co Distillery
Photos courtesy Diageo Ireland Brand Homes
Diageo’s Roe & Co Distillery is the newest whiskey distillery in Dublin, and you’ll find it a stone’s throw from the Guinness Storehouse. I had a drink here at the end of last year, and the place is very well kitted out.
Everything from the toilet to the seats at the bar feel plush, although the building has retained a nice rustic feel to it.
Those that visit can hear the story of George Roe (the legendary 19th-century whiskey pioneer) and dive into the golden era of Irish whiskey.
Key info on this Dublin distillery tour:
- Cost: Around €25 p/p
- How long it lasts: 1 hour
- It includes: Fully-guided tour, a choice of 2 workshops and a cocktail
- See reviews + book: Right here
4. The Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Photos courtesy Teeling Whiskey Distillery via Failte Ireland
The Teeling Distillery was, interestingly enough, the first whiskey distillery in Dublin to be built in 125 years when it launched a few years back.
You’ll find it finely plonked in what’s known as Dublin’s ‘Golden Triangle’, which was once a historic distilling district at the heart of the city.
The Teeling’s distillery opened its doors to the public in 2015 and has since played a key part in Dublin’s vibrant whiskey revival.
Those that visit Teelings can join a tour and discover the history behind Walter Teeling’s original craft distillery (it was located on Marrowbone Lane).
Key info on this Dublin distillery tour:
- Cost: Around €18 p/p
- How long it lasts: 1 hour
- It includes: Fully-guided tour of an operational distillery Tasting of the award-winning Teeling whiske
- See reviews + book: Right here
5. The Dublin Liberties Distillery
Photos via Dublin Liberties Distillery on FB
The Dublin Liberties Distillery is set in a modern, state-of-the-art distillery on Mill St., where it’s home to one of the lesser-known Dublin whiskey tours.
I’ve been hearing great things about this place for a while now. The visitor experience is said to be immersive and the guides, by all accounts, are excellent.
If you head off on the tour of this Dublin distillery, you’ll discover the history of Dublin’s Liberties district and you’ll get an insight into the distilling process that takes place.
Key info on this Dublin distillery tour:
- Cost: Around €17 p/p
- How long it lasts: 45 minutes
- It includes: Welcome drink, guided tour and whiskey tasting
- See reviews + book: Right here
Whiskey tasting in Dublin with a guide
Photos by Brian Morrison via Failte Ireland
The second section of our guide takes a look at the various Dublin whiskey tours that don’t take you into a distillery.
Below, you’ll find everything from the Irish Whiskey Museum and the Whiskey Tasting Tour to much, much more.
Related read: Check out our guide to the most popular Irish drinks (from Irish stout and whiskey to Irish beers and plenty more).
1. Whiskey Tasting Tour of Dublin
This 2-hour whiskey tasting in Dublin takes your tastebuds on a food and drink adventure to The Lincolns Inn and the Palace Bar in Temple Bar (sample some of the best Guinness in Dublin).
The tour is led by an expertly trained whiskey guide and you’ll sample 5 Irish whiskies along with cheeses, Irish bread and chocolate.
Key info on this whiskey tour in Dublin:
- Cost: Around €55 p/p
- How long it lasts: 2 hours
- It includes: Tasting of 5 whiskeys with cheese, soda bread and chocolate
- See reviews + book: Right here
2. The Irish Whiskey Museum
I visited the Irish Whiskey Museum a couple of years ago as a going-away present for a friend. If you, like me, wouldn’t be the biggest fan of whiskey, the tour at the Irish Whiskey Museum in Dublin is a good way to ease yourself into it.
You’ll learn about the history of the drink from a very energetic guide, and you’ll get to sample a number of different whiskies, which helps you get a gauge of what you like and what you don’t.
The one thing that this Dublin whiskey tour confirmed for me is that you’d have to beat me to get me to take a sip of peaty whiskey ever again.
Key info on this whiskey tour in Dublin:
- Cost: Around €22 p/p
- How long it lasts: 1 hour
- It includes: Guided tour and a master whiskey tasting session
- See reviews + book: Right here
3. The Dublin Whiskey Experience
Next up is The Dublin Whiskey Experience. Led by an expert guide with 20-years experience in the hospitality sector, this tour packs a punch, going off reviews online.
The tour is €70 p/p and takes you around the city, trying different whiskies while taking in the history of whiskey in Dublin.
Key info on this whiskey tour in Dublin:
- Cost: Around €70 p/p
- How long it lasts: 2 hours
- It includes: Guided tour and whiskey tasting
- See reviews + book: Right here
Looking for whiskey-free places to visit in the capital? See my guide to the best things to do in Dublin!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Elise
Wednesday 6th of March 2024
Great article! Clear overview, super helpful!