VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin’s Bow Street

The Old Jameson Distillery, officially known as Jameson Distillery Bow Saint, is a historic visitor attraction in Dublin’s Smithfield area, founded by John Jameson in 1780. While whiskey production moved to Midleton, Co. Cork, in 1971, the Bow Saint site remains a vibrant visitor centre, celebrated as the “World’s Leading Distillery Tour” by the World Travel Awards from 2018 to 2022. Located just north of the River Liffey, it offers immersive experiences into the heritage and craft of Jameson Irish Whiskey.

The Jameson Distillery Bow Saint offers five fully guided experiences, each highlighting the brand’s “grain to glass” process and 240-year history:

Bow Saint Experience (45 minutes, €25 adult): A flagship tour exploring Jameson’s history, distillation process, and triple-distillation technique that ensures smoothness. Includes a comparative tasting of three whiskeys (Jameson, a Scotch, and an American whiskey) and a complimentary Jameson drink (neat, on the rocks, or with ginger and lime). Visitors can volunteer for a tutored tasting to earn a personaliised Jameson certificate.
Premium Whiskey Tasting (60 minutes, €40): Held in John Jameson’s office, this experience features four premium whiskeys from Midleton Distillery, including a visit to Dublin’s only live maturation warehouse.
Whiskey Blending Class (90 minutes, €70): Guests create a personal blend of Jameson Black Barrel, guided by a craft ambassador, and take home a bottle of their blend.
Cocktail Making Class (60 minutes, €50): Led by a mixologist, participants craft signature Jameson cocktails, receiving a recipe book as a keepsake.
Cask Draw Experience (15 minutes, €15 with tour, €25 standalone): Visitors draw whiskey straight from a cask in the live maturation warehouse, tasting a rare, cask-strength whiskey (e.g., 19-year-old Jameson).
Tours are engaging and sensory, with opportunities to touch barley, smell whiskey at various maturation stages, and taste iconic blends. The Bow Saint Experience is ideal for short visits, while specialized classes cater to whiskey enthusiasts. Guides (e.g., Paddy, Owen, Noel) are praised for their knowledge, humor, and passion, making tours accessible to non-whiskey drinkers via options like the Jameson, ginger, and lime cocktail. The distillery’s chandelier made of Jameson bottles and displays of copper pot stills add visual flair. A typical visit lasts 45–90 minutes, depending on the experience.

Historical Context and Setting:

Founded in 1780, the distillery grew to a 5-acre “city within a city” by 1886, with a smithy, cooperage, and sawmills. It faced challenges from American Prohibition’s trade war with Britain, and Scotch competition, leading to its closure in 1971 and relocation to Midleton. Today, the restored Bow Saint site is a monument to Irish whiskey, with historical displays of barrels, stills, and memorabilia.
Visitors walk through spaces where John Jameson and his son modernized whiskey production, with stories of innovation (e.g., triple distillation) brought to life. The setting retains its 18th-century charm, with a photo opportunity behind John Jameson’s desk.
JJ’s Bar and Gift Shop: JJ’s Bar, the centerpiece, serves Jameson cocktails, neat pours, and exclusive whiskeys like Jameson 18-year cask strength. The gift shop offers merchandise, limited-edition bottles (e.g., Bow Saint bottlings), and exclusive whiskeys, though alcohol sales are restricted before 10:30 AM Monday–Saturday and 12:30 PM Sundays due to Irish regulations.
The bar’s relaxed vibe is perfect for lingering post-tour, with non-alcoholic options available. The gift shop is a hit for souvenirs, but visitors traveling by air note that large bottles cannot be carried on; check-in or shipping options should be confirmed with staff.

Visitor Facilities:

The distillery features modern facilities, including accessible toilets, free Wi-Fi, and a visitor-friendly layout. The 2022 upgrades enhanced the warehouse and bar areas, improving the immersive experience.
The compact site is easy to navigate, with tours starting at reception (arrive 15 minutes early). The lack of on-site parking requires using nearby Queens Street/Smithfield Square car parks or public transport.
Accessibility and Logistics: Bow Saint, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 N9VH, a 2-minute walk from the Luas Red Line (Smithfield stop) or 10 minutes from Dublin city center. Accessible by Dublin Bus (e.g., routes 25, 66, 67 to Church Street) or hop-on hop-off buses (DoDublin, City Sightseeing).
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 10:30 AM–5:30 PM (last tour); Friday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–6:30 PM (last tour); Sunday: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM (last tour). Seasonal variations apply; check www.jamesonwhiskey.com.
Admission: Prices range from €15 (Cask Draw add-on) to €70 (Blending Class). Go City pass holders get free Bow Saint Experience entry and a 50% discount on a Go City Old Fashioned cocktail. Pre-booking is essential via www.jamesonwhiskey.com or www.getyourguide.com, as tours often sell out, especially Saturday afternoons.
The distillery is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and lifts, though some areas (e.g., warehouse) may have limited access. Contact accessibility@titanicbelfast. com for inquiries. Audio guides in multiple languages (English, French, Italian, Spanish) enhance accessibility, but Italian audio guides are not always available. Responsible hosting limits visitors to one experience per day due to alcohol consumption.
With 3,922 Tripadvisor reviews (No. 24 of 693 Dublin attractions) and a Travellers’ Choice Award, the distillery is praised for its fun, informative tours, friendly staff, and inclusive options for non-whiskey drinkers (e.g., ginger and lime). The Bow Saint Experience’s comparative tasting and the Cask Draw’s exclusivity are highlights. Its proximity to attractions like The Brazen Head (7-minute walk) and Phoenix Park (17-minute walk) makes it ideal for a Dublin itinerary.
As a non-working distillery, some visitors (e.g., Reddit users) prefer Teeling or Roe & Co for active production. The basic tour can feel rushed or gift shop-focused, and limited interactivity disappoints some. Italian-speaking visitors note the lack of consistent audio guides in their language. Weather may affect outdoor elements, and no refunds are given for cancellations within 24 hours.

What’s New:

Enhanced Premium Experiences: The Premium Whiskey Tasting and Cask Draw Experience are highlighted for 2025, with new cask offerings in the live maturation warehouse. Following positive feedback (e.g., Reddit reviews praising the 19-year-old cask-strength tasting), these experiences may feature exclusive Midleton whiskeys or new cask selections.
Whiskey enthusiasts can expect a deeper dive into rare bottlings, with the warehouse’s intimate setting and expert guides enhancing the sensory experience. Booking early is advised due to limited slots.
New Taste Table Experience: Introduced recently, the Taste Table (price unconfirmed, ~€60) is hosted in the live maturation warehouse, pairing single pot still whiskeys from Midleton with hand-painted Irish chocolates. Visitors draw a rare whiskey from a cask and enjoy a cocktail in a reserved area.
This 2025 highlight appeals to food and whiskey lovers, offering a luxurious, multisensory experience. Its intimate setting makes it a must for connoisseurs, with bookings via www.jamesonwhiskey.com.
Continued World Travel Awards Promotion: After winning “World’s Leading Distillery Tour” (2018–2022), Jameson leverages this accolade in 2025 marketing, emphasizing its heritage and immersive storytelling. Social media posts highlight the distillery as a top Dublin attraction.
The award adds prestige, drawing more international visitors. Expect enhanced promotional campaigns, possibly with new digital content or virtual tour previews.
Integration with Dublin Pass and Go City: The Go City pass continues to offer free Bow Saint Experience entry and a 50% discount on a Go City Old Fashioned cocktail at JJ’s Bar in 2025. This deal, noted in reviews, encourages visitors to combine the distillery with attractions like the Guinness Storehouse or EPIC Museum. The pass enhances value for tourists, making the distillery a seamless addition to a Dublin itinerary. Non-alcoholic cocktail options ensure inclusivity.

Visitor Expectations and Tips

The Jameson Distillery Bow Saint is a top Dublin attraction, with 96% Tripadvisor approval for its engaging tours, passionate guides, and inclusive options (e.g., ginger and lime for non-whiskey drinkers). The compact 45–90-minute experiences fit busy itineraries, and the historic setting, JJ’s Bar, and exclusive bottlings delight visitors. Its location near The Brazen Head and Phoenix Park enhances appeal.
As a non-working distillery, it may disappoint those expecting active production (Teeling or Roe & Co recommended instead). The basic tour can feel commercial, and limited interactivity or artifacts may underwhelm some. Italian audio guide availability is inconsistent, and alcohol sale restrictions (before 10:30 AM weekdays, 12:30 PM Sundays) limit early purchases.
Tips: Book tours online at www.jamesonwhiskey.com or www.getyourguide.com 30 days in advance, especially for Saturday afternoons. Opt for the Cask Draw or Premium Tasting for whiskey enthusiasts. Arrive 15 minutes early and use the Luas Red Line (Smithfield stop) or hop-on hop-off buses. Request a tulip glass for bar orders to enhance tasting. For flight travel, confirm shipping options for large bottles, as carry-on is limited to 100ml. Combine with nearby attractions like the Guinness Storehouse (20-minute walk) or Saint Michan’s Church (5-minute walk).

Old Jameson Distillery Bow Saint offers a vibrant, immersive experience into Ireland’s whiskey heritage, with five guided tours, a historic setting, and JJ’s Bar. New for 2025, the Taste Table experience, enhanced premium tastings, and Go City pass integration elevate the visit, while its World Travel Awards legacy draws crowds. Despite the lack of active distillation, its storytelling and inclusivity make it a must-visit, 10 minutes from Dublin’s city center. Book at www.jamesonwhiskey.com or call +44 (0)28 9073 7860 for details