Located in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties district, Roe & Co Whiskey Distillery, housed in the former Guinness Power Station, offers a vibrant and immersive experience celebrating modern Irish whiskey and cocktail culture. Opened in 2019 by Diageo, the distillery honors George Roe, a 19th-century whiskey pioneer whose original Thomas Street Distillery was once Ireland’s largest. Visitors can expect a dynamic blend of history, whiskey production, and hands-on cocktail experiences, all set within a stylish, Art Deco-inspired urban setting.
- Immersive Tours: The distillery offers two main experiences, both lasting about 75 minutes and limited to small groups (up to 16 people) for a personaliised feel:
- Power House Tour: This fully guided tour, led by expert brand ambassadors like Jake, Isaac, Erin, or Luke, includes a sensorial whiskey tasting, a journey through the distillery’s copper pot stills (viewed from an elevated glass walkway), and an exploration of the five pillars of flavor (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami). Visitors learn about the history of George Roe, the distilling process, and the Roe & Co blend, culminating in crafting a bespoke cocktail tailored to their palate in the Power House Bar.
- Blending Held in Room 106, this tour focuses on the art of whiskey blending, revealing the secrets of Roe & Co’s signature 106 blend. Guests participate in a curated tasting, learn about distillation and maturation, and craft their own Whiskey Old Fashioned cocktail under expert guidance.
- Power House Bar and Dining: The tour concludes at the award-winning Power House Bar, where visitors can enjoy a complimentary Roe & Co cocktail or additional drinks. The bar’s modern glamour, infused with Art Deco elements and teal accents from the copper stills, creates a welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor Power House Garden hosts D-8TE, offering tasting menus inspired by international cuisines paired with bespoke Roe & Co cocktails. The venue is strictly for those aged 18 and over.
- Atmosphere and Design: The distillery blends industrial heritage with contemporary design, featuring a renovated Art Deco building, a historic pear tree, and Saint Patrick’s Tower, remnants of the original George Roe Distillery. The ambiance is modern yet rooted in history, with a cozy lounge and a tiki-inspired aesthetic reflecting Dublin’s skyline and whiskey heritage. Visitors praise the engaging, fun vibe, with reviews noting the distillery’s intimate feel compared to larger attractions like the Guinness Storehouse.
Practical Details:
- Located at 92 James’s Street, Dublin 8, the distillery is a 5-minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse, making it easy to pair with other attractions. It’s accessible by Dublin Bus (routes 13, 40, 123), the Luas Red Line (James’s stop, 500m away), or Dublin Bike stations. Tours run daily (12:00–17:00 Mondays, 12:00–20:30 Thursdays, 12:00–21:30 Fridays/Saturdays, 12:00–19:30 Sundays, closed Tuesdays/Wednesdays).
- Tickets cost around €25, with discounts available through partners like Dublin Whiskey Tours (15% off). Photography is allowed, and a retail area offers Roe & Co whiskeys, including exclusive blends.
- Limited disabled parking is available, with on-street parking for others. Advance booking is recommended via roeandcowhiskey.com.
- Online reviews highlight the engaging and knowledgeable guides (e.g., Jake, Erin, Luke, Isaac), who bring the history of Irish whiskey and Roe & Co to life through theatrical presentations and detailed explanations of the distilling process.
- The cocktail-making workshops are a standout, appealing even to non-whiskey drinkers, with hands-on activities that make the experience fun and educational.
- The distillery’s 4.7-star rating on OpenTable and Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award reflect its high-quality, immersive experience. Visitors typically spend 1–2 hours, often lingering at the bar or garden.
What’s New:
- Roe & Co Distillery was named Ireland’s Visitor Attraction of the Year and Brand Innovator of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards 2025, signaling its growing prominence.
- New Whiskey Releases: Roe & Co has introduced its first permanent single grain release, inspired by Jerez’s biological cask maturation, featuring complex notes of lemon, orange zest, marzipan, and charred oak. This follows their first single malt release, with flavors like maple syrup, roasted walnut, and dried fruits. These new whiskeys, now maturing from the distillery’s 2019 production start, will be featured in updated tasting sessions or available for purchase in the retail area.
- Enhanced Dining Experiences: The Power House Garden’s D-8TE dining experience, praised for its innovative tasting menus and cocktail pairings, is highlighted as a recommended visit. Reviews suggest new culinary collaborations or pop-up dining events, building on the success of 2024’s Socafro Kitchen. Expect refreshed menus with international flavors and Roe & Co cocktails, hosted in the heated, covered outdoor garden.
- Sustainability and Innovation: Diageo’s “Distilled 2025” initiative, exploring global consumer trends, may influence new eco-friendly practices or innovative tour elements, such as virtual reality components or sustainable cocktail ingredients, aligning with the distillery’s modern ethos.
Visitors to Roe & Co can expect a lively, educational, and interactive experience, ideal for whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. The distillery’s proximity to the Guinness Storehouse and other Liberties attractions (e.g., Teeling Distillery, Brazen Head pub) makes it a recommended stop on a Dublin itinerary. The small-group tours, expert guides, and hands-on cocktail crafting ensure a personal and memorable visit. The Power House Bar and Garden add a social, relaxed vibe, while new whiskey releases and dining events elevate the experience. Check roeandcowhiskey.com for the latest tour schedules, event announcements, and booking details to plan your visit.
