Irish Whiskey Museum

Many people around the globe appreciate Irish whiskey for its intense colour and authentic taste. It is now among the most recognisable and much-loved spirits worldwide.

While in Dublin, whiskey enthusiasts are looking for the Irish Whiskey Museum or special whiskey tours. Unlike most traditional museums, the Irish Whiskey Museum is not merely about education and knowledge. Can you imagine a more interactive museum that offers a tour where you can simultaneously sample several whiskeys and learn history? You'll undoubtedly remember this adventure even if you're not a whiskey geek.

After profound research and reflection, the Irish Whiskey Museum opened in 2014. The museum's primary purpose is to describe the turbulent history of Irish whiskey. The museum comprises several areas: exhibitions, a splendid whiskey bar, a stylish tasting room, and a retail store.

Tour all over the museum

Located in the heart of the city centre, the Irish Whiskey Museum is easy to find. It is within walking distance from leading tourist attractions, hotels, and public transport stops. If you have some spare time before the tour, you can drop into the gift shop or the seating area. The cosy lounge features a variety of spirits, including Premium Blended Irish Whiskey and beer crafted in Galway.

The exhibition space invites visitors to plunge into the changing history of Irish whiskey. The collection of exhibits traces a timeline of events from ancient times to today. It starts with monks' discovery of the spirit 800 years ago. Next, it covers the golden age of John Jameson. Then, the exhibition illustrates the turbulent period from the 1800s to the 1950s, when Irish whiskey production and sales faced a substantial decline. At that time, the number of distilleries went from 200 to just four. Eventually, the last room amuses visitors with the 21st century's new golden age.

All the tours are guided and run in English. However, during the Classic and Premium tours, you are welcome to use an audio guide in one of the following languages: English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, or Mandarin.

Whiskey or whisky

The country of origin of whiskey remains a subject of discussion. Nevertheless, the majority associates it with either Ireland or Scotland. Some believe it was produced accidentally when raw spirits were left in barrels and matured over time.

Two types of spirits have almost the same name: whiskey and whisky. The difference lies not only in word spelling but also in country of origin. Whiskey came from Ireland, while whisky originated in Scotland. However, there is one more difference to mention: the rules of the production process. In Ireland, whiskey is distilled three times, while it must not exceed two times in Scotland.

Sharing and tasting

The tours at the Irish Whiskey Museum are designed to be interactive and informative for all guests. You will have the chance to ask questions, talk to whiskey experts, and gain insights into the whiskey culture. With its dark wood furniture, I bet the tasting room will be your favourite room in the entire museum.

There is not much difference between Classic and Premium tours (€23 and €28, respectively). Both of them consist of two parts: the tour around the museum and the whiskey-tasting session. The first part is about the rich history of Irish whiskey at different times. The second part includes tasting three to four preselected types of whiskey. The critical difference between the two tours is the selection of whiskeys. In addition, the Premium tour consists of a special gift to take home. Witty guides will make the tasting full of fun and entertainment. At the same time, they will provide the group with expert guidance. While sampling various whiskeys, you will learn about their unique and distinct features.

If you are passionate about creating a unique blend, consider an exclusive hands-on Blending experience (€35). It is an effective way to learn how various components combine and influence the final taste.

Irish Coffee Masterclass (€20) suits those interested in discovering more about Irish Coffee's uniqueness. You are welcome to dive into the history of its invention. In addition, some mixing, pouring, and garnishing secrets will be revealed to you, too. If this hot drink has not yet captured your heart, this masterclass is here to fix it.

Celebration facility

Are you dreaming of a memorable and historic location to mark a special event with your family or friends? The Irish Whiskey Museum invites you to host your party with a touch of Irish whiskey culture in the heart of Ireland. A devoted team will ensure an extraordinary experience for all your guests who come to share the joy with you. Elevate your event by including a private museum tour and a whiskey tasting for your company. Another alternative is to arrange a live music performance by a local band.

Enjoy the gothic setting and fine whiskey while participating in team-building activities and networking. The managers will coordinate your corporate event or conference from beginning to end. Rest assured, all your preferences and wishes on food and entertainment will be considered. You are also allowed to set up your decorations and equipment if needed.

Overall, a well-organised museum exhibition will take its guests back in time. At the Irish Whiskey Museum, tour guides do their best to keep tours animated and full of detailed explanations. One of 15 skilful guides will lead your group through the history of Irish whiskey and deliver an in-depth overview of the distilling process. In most cases, the groups are diverse and consist of residents and travellers overseas. The venue is a fantastic space to host various occasions, including formal and closed meetings. Renting the blending room or the café bar in the historical building is easier than ever. 

FAQ

• Regarding accessibility, the museum has a lift that serves all the floors of the building. However, as the building is old, please remember that the stairs are narrow and windy. You should be especially careful if visiting with a child.
• There is no parking facility. The nearest one is at Brown Thomas.