A survey on distillery tourist attractions by the Irish Whiskey Association shows a rise in visitor numbers from key overseas markets and increased staff numbers at the attractions.
Distillery tours are attracting a more varied age range of visitors, with a noticeable increase in visitors between ages 18 and 34.
Despite the recovery, the sector cites challenges such as increased production costs, supply chain issues, and high prices and availability of holiday accommodation impacting the business.
Distilleries like Powerscourt and Kilbeggan acknowledge the positive recovery but express concerns about rising costs and the need for government assistance.
The Irish Whiskey Association represents 48 Irish Whiskey distilleries 29 of which also operate visitor centres.
Information on Irish whiskey distilleries can be found at www.IrishWhiskey360.ie, where visitors can also collect stamps in an IrishWhiskey360° Passport to record their distillery visits.
