Northern Ireland Spirits Trail

In Northern Ireland we have a passion for distilling, and we'd love to share it with you.

There’s a whole world of spirits to discover here, with a special welcome for everyone who explores it. Of course, if you’re going exploring, you’re going to need a guide. So here it is: a distillery-led trail through Northern Ireland.

You can expect to encounter all sorts of characterful spirits along the way. There’s some pretty special characters amongst their makers too. So spend a wee while with them. No need to rush. Let the distillers share their pride in their creations with you. Savour the nose and the mouthfeel of each spirit. Experience their individual tastes, the way they express the land of their birth, the grain and the water that brought them into being.

It’s time to hit the trail. So let your senses be your guide. Along with this map of course!

Pick up your Northern Ireland Spirit Trail Distillery Passport from any of the 13 distilleries on the trail and get it stamped as you visit each location. When you’ve visited all stops on the Spirit Trail simply show a copy of your completed passport to a member of staff at your last distillery experience to receive a special souvenir!

Use our interactive map below to view all 13 distilleries on the trail.

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McConnell's Distillery & Visitor Experience

McConnell’s Distillery, located in North Belfast in the historic A-wing of Crumlin Road Gaol, opens this Spring. This state of the art distillery will host guided tours sharing the unique story of the McConnell’s brand and the history of distilling in Belfast. Learn about the distilling process and of course, taste some award-winning McConnell's Irish whiskies.
1. 1 Jan 202431 Dec 2024
Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock

This is the city's first working distillery in almost 90 years. Explore the site where Titanic last rested on dry ground, before her maiden voyage. Visitors to Thompson Dock and Pumphouse will clock in, as workers did a century ago, and experience first-hand a working distillery, before listening to the story of Belfast’s whiskey tradition; why it disappeared and how it has returned to the home of Titanic Distillers.
The Copeland Distillery Tour

Truly immerse yourself at The Copeland Distillery, where you’ll hear tales of secret smugglers, savage battles and remarkable voyages, all while soaking up our coastal spirits of whiskey, gin, and rum.
The Echlinville Distillery

Discover how Echlinville Distillery captures the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of their spirits, before settling down to relax and enjoy them in the bar.
Shortcross Gin Discovery & Tour Experience

Art, craft and history blend together at Shortcross Distillery, to create an unforgettable experience on the beautiful grounds of Rademon Estate. Join founders Fiona and David to learn about their award-winning gin, which also happens to be Northern Ireland’s first craft gin.
Hinch Distillery Tours

A tour at Hinch Distillery is not just an exploration of history, production and their bold range of triple distilled whiskeys; it’s an invitation to sit and learn from the characters that bring it to life through an immersive sensory journey.
1. 1 Jan 202431 Dec 2024
2. 1 Jan 202431 Dec 2024
3. 1 Jan 202431 Dec 2024
4. 1 Jan 202431 Dec 2024
Killowen Distillery Tour & Tasting

Located in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, Killowen Distillery has a ‘Kult’ following and an epic history, due in no small part to its great whiskeys and gins.
Two Stacks Whiskey Tour

Discover the unique story of Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and the history of blending and bonding in Ireland. Learn about the true art of blending whiskey and enjoy exclusive access to Two Stacks ultra-rare casks, extracting and tasting the whiskey yourself.
Woodlab Distillery

The gin school at Woodlab Distillery is a unique experience in the science of harnessing nature to extract the flavour profiles present in their gin. Using a little bit of science they source the flavours of exotic botanicals and much more in the flora found within a radius of just a couple of miles around their Distillery.
The Boatyard Distillery

On the banks of Lough Erne just outside Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, you’ll find the Boatyard Distillery, a distillery focused on producing pure spirits with a sustainable and organic approach.
Wild Atlantic Distillery Gin School & Distillery Tour

The Wild Atlantic Distillery is an award-winning whiskey, gin and vodka distillery based in County Tyrone, drawing inspiration from the spectacular rugged coastline.
Walled City Brewery

Have you ever dreamt of becoming a distiller and crafting your very own gin? At our Taproom in Ebrington Square, Earhart Gin School offers you the unique opportunity to do just that. With your own miniature copper still, a wide array of botanicals to choose from, and expert guidance from our distillery team, you’ll embark on an unforgettable gin making experience.
Old Bushmills Distillery

In 1608, in Bushmills, a legend was born. In that year, King James I granted a very particular licence to this small village, just a few miles inland from Ireland’s rugged north coast. The licence gave Bushmills the right to distil whiskey. Today, Bushmills is home to the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world.

Food & Drink

Awaken your Giant Spirit

Distillery Passport

Take a browse through the online version of our distillery passport, to tide you over until you can get your hands on one for real! This map contains a distillery trail across NI, and at each stop you'll find unique and passionate approaches to distilling the best local spirits.
Food & Drink Events

There’s so much happening on the food front in Northern Ireland these days that it’s sometimes hard to keep up. New inventive and talented chefs coming through. Local food and drink artisan businesses thriving. Here’s just a taster of what you’ll find when you get here...
Distillery & Brewery Tours

Northern Ireland has seen a renaissance in brewing and distilling in recent years. Nearly every county now boasts a top-class producer of beer and cider or whiskey and gin. Of course, some have been around for years and have moved with the times.
Places to Drink

There’s no better way to find out about local life than in a local pub. Northern Ireland’s got all kinds - from those with ancient history to the new kids on the block. So settle in, strike up a conversation and make yourself at home.
Places to Eat

Northern Ireland is proud of its food and drink heritage because there’s so much that’s good here. The incredible local produce, the skill of its rising food stars and a commitment to holding on to the best of its traditional cuisine. In fact, all the ingredients for one of the most exciting food scenes around.
Tours, Trails & Experiences

Nothing takes you to the heart of a place like its food and experiencing it through local eyes is even better. Northern Ireland has an abundance of tours, trails and events that take you behind the scenes to savour all that its vibrant food scene has to offer. And you’ll be sure to have some fun along the way.
Michelin rated restaurants

Michelin-starred restaurants are more than just places to dine; these are culinary destinations which deliver dedication, creativity, and passion beyond the everyday. Choosing to dine in one of these fabulous establishments is a wise decision, and the memories made her will linger long after the last course.