Located in the picturesque fishing village of Portmagee, Co. Kerry, on the Iveragh Peninsula along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Portmagee Whiskey and The Spirit of the Sea Experience is a unique visitor attraction that combines Irish whiskey tasting with an immersive exploration of the village’s maritime and smuggling heritage. Housed in purpose-built geodesic domes at Barrack Hill, this experience, launched in 2022, celebrates the legacy of Captain Theobald Magee, an 18th-century smuggler who gave the village its name, and the local tradition of seine boat fishing. Managed by brothers John and James Murphy, along with whiskey expert Stuart McNamara, it’s a recommended visit for whiskey enthusiasts, what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, and families exploring the Skellig Coast.
Key Attractions and Experiences:
- Spirit of the Sea Tour: The flagship experience is a 60-minute guided tour through 300 years of Portmagee’s history, focusing on its smuggling past, fishing traditions, and seine boat racing culture. Visitors learn about Captain Magee, a Jacobite officer turned smuggler who traded contraband spirits, textiles, and tobacco between France, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland. The tour culminates in a 360-degree immersive cinematic experience inside a three-story geodesic dome, where guests board an authentic seine boat to “sail” through Portmagee’s past. The immersive projection, designed by Katapult, features dramatic coastal landmarks, changing weather conditions, and a bespoke poem, “Spirit of the Seas,” narrated with tales of smugglers and fishermen. Reviews describe it as “innovative” and “heart-thumping,” with a surprise element requiring “muscle power” (likely rowing) that delights families.
- Whiskey Tasting: The tour concludes with a tasting of Portmagee Whiskey’s award-winning expressions, including Portmagee 9 (a blend of nine-year-old single grain and thirteen-year-old single malt, finished in Barbados rum casks), Single Pot Still (triple-distilled with malted and unmalted barley), and Small Batch Whiskey (single malt and grain, also rum-cask finished). The whiskey, crafted to reflect the village’s seafaring heritage, is noted for its smooth, elegant finish, comparable to top Speyside and Japanese whiskeys. Visitors often purchase bottles (€70–€100, pre-2025 prices) from the gift shop.
- Tour Options: Four tour options are available, ranging from basic whiskey tastings to premium experiences led by founders John or James Murphy. The premium tours offer deeper storytelling about the Murphy family’s six-generation connection to Barrack Hill and the seine boat tradition. Tours start hourly during opening hours (typically 10am–5pm, subject to seasonal changes).
- Visitor Centre and Domes: The experience is set in a modern visitor centre with a rustic aesthetic, featuring oak furniture, barrel seating, and rope walls that complement the high-tech domes. The “History Dome” introduces Portmagee’s smuggling and fishing past with interpretation boards and local imagery, while the “Smuggler’s Walk” leads to the immersive dome. The centre is fully accessible, with free parking and a gift shop selling whiskey, gift cards, and local souvenirs.
- Cultural and Community Connection: The experience emphasizes Portmagee’s vibrant community spirit, with stories of the Skellig Rangers GAA team and the annual Portmagee Regatta, where seine boats race. Visitors learn about the village’s role as a gateway to Valentia Island and its significance as a filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi due to its proximity to Skellig Michael. The Murphy brothers’ passion for sustaining Portmagee’s future through tourism and whiskey production resonates throughout the tour.
- Family-Friendly Features: While whiskey tasting is for adults, the immersive dome and seine boat experience engage all ages, with children enjoying the interactive rowing element. The centre’s welcoming atmosphere, as noted in reviews, ensures families feel included, and the nearby Skellig Coast offers additional family activities like boat tours to Skellig Michael (April–October, booked separately).
Visitor Expectations:
- Visitors can expect a 1–1.5-hour experience combining history, culture, and whiskey in a “hidden gem” setting.
- The tour is praised for its passionate storytelling, particularly by James Murphy, whose enthusiasm for Portmagee’s heritage captivates guests. The whiskey is a highlight, with its rum-cask finish earning comparisons to premium global brands.
- The 360-degree dome is a standout, offering a modern, immersive contrast to traditional Irish attractions, avoiding the “twee” tourist trap feel.
- The centre’s location, 5 minutes from Portmagee village and 20km from Cahersiveen, makes it an easy stop on the Ring of Kerry, with stunning views of the Skellig Coast.
- Admission prices (pre-2025) range from €15–€30 depending on the tour, with group discounts available. Reviews highlight the “fabulous” guides, “fantastic” whiskey, and the centre’s sustainable vision, though some note the need to book in advance during peak season (summer or Star Wars festival). The experience is accessible, but visitors should confirm wheelchair access for the dome.
What’s New::
- Portmagee Whiskey Experience is part of an ongoing project with plans for a full distillery at Barrack Hill, the site of a former Royal Irish Constabulary barracks owned by the Murphy family.
- Planning permission for the distillery was secured pre-2025, with construction likely progressing, though no opening date is confirmed. This could lead to expanded tours or new whiskey releases, using Kerry-sourced raw materials.
- The annual May the 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival (May 3–5, 2025), tied to Portmagee’s Star Wars fame, will feature new events like film screenings, a comic book convention, or themed whiskey tastings, building on its 2023 success.
- The South Kerry Greenway’s development may also boost visitor access, prompting enhanced facilities or parking. For the latest updates, check www.portmageewhiskey.com or contact +353 87 413 4541.
Additional Tips:
- Book tours online in advance, especially for premium founder-led tours or during the May the 4th festival.
- Wear comfortable clothing for the interactive dome experience, as rowing will be involved.
- Combine with Skellig Michael boat tours (booked separately) or a visit to nearby Valentia Island.
- Visit early (10am) to avoid crowds, particularly in summer or during festivals.
- Check seasonal hours, as the centre may close in winter (typically November–March).
- Try the Portmagee 9 whiskey for its unique rum-cask finish, a favourite among visitors.
Portmagee Whiskey and The Spirit of the Sea Experience offers a blend of maritime history, immersive technology, and world-class whiskey, with potential distillery developments and festival enhancements making 2025 an exciting year to visit
