Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery, located at 121–122 James’s Street, Dublin 8, County Dublin, is Dublin’s only boutique, family-owned whiskey distillery. Housed in the restored 19th-century Saint James’s Church, it opened in 2017 under the vision of Pearse Lyons and his wife Deirdre, blending 800 years of history with Irish whiskey craftsmanship. Known for small-batch whiskeys and immersive storytelling, it won the 2019 Irish Tourism Industry Award for Dublin’s Best Visitor Experience.
Founded by Pearse Lyons (1944–2018), a biochemist and brewing/distilling pioneer, the distillery honors his family’s five-generation cooperage legacy in Dublin’s Liberties, once the “Golden Triangle” of 40 distilleries. The site, a former Church of Ireland church from 1859 (with roots to the 12th century), was restored over four years at a €20m cost, preserving its Gothic architecture and adding a glass spire. The distillery produces award-winning whiskeys, like the Pearse 5-Year-Old Single Malt, the first such age statement from a new Irish distillery in over 25 years.
Cultural Role: Set in the Liberties, a historic brewing and distilling hub, the distillery revives Dublin’s whiskey heritage alongside neighbors like Teeling and Roe & Co. Its connection to the Camino de Santiago (Saint James’s Church was a pilgrimage stop) and stained-glass windows depicting distilling and cooperage add unique cultural depth. The Lyons family’s Kentucky distilleries (Town Branch, Duelling Barrels) link Irish whiskey to global traditions, with Lyons honored by both Irish and U.S. whiskey industries.
- Guided Tours: Small, intimate tours (45–60 minutes) led by storytellers like Liam, Sheila, or Caitlynn emphasise the Liberties’ history, the church’s restoration, and whiskey production. Tours include:
- Visitor Centre: A glass-walled space with interactive displays on the church’s 800-year history, archaeological finds, and whiskey-making. A 10-minute video featuring Lyons introduces the distillery’s story, though some find it lengthy.
- Graveyard: An outdoor segment explores the 800-year-old Saint James’s Cemetery (100,000 burials, including Lyons’ relatives), tying into the Camino de Santiago and local history. Dress for weather, as this part is exposed.
- Distillery: Inside the church, visitors see two Kentucky copper stills—Mighty Molly (wash still) and Little Lizzie (spirit still with rectifying column)—producing 10,000 liters weekly. Stained-glass windows by Deirdre Lyons depict distilling and cooperage, with one honoring local cooper Robert Dunne. Guests touch, smell, and taste elements of the “grain to glass” process, using Alltech Yeast and Lyons’ barley/oats grown 25 km away.
Tasting Bar:
Tours end with whiskey and gin tastings in McCann’s Bar, guided to identify flavors (e.g., green apple, clove). Options include:
- Trilogy Tour (€20): Three tastings (Pearse Original, Distiller’s Choice, Founder’s Choice 12-Year Single Malt).
- Signature Tour (€25): Four tastings, adding Sherry-Cask Cooper’s Select.
- Legacy Tour (€30): Five tastings, including Ha’Penny 4-Cask and Marriage of Malt.
- Non-tasting tickets are available for companions (price not listed; contact info@pearselyonsdistillery.com).
Special Experiences:
- Gin School (€150, 2 hours): A two-hour class where participants create a 70cl personaliised gin using miniature copper pot stills, enjoying cocktails and charcuterie. Described as “hilarious” and “relaxed,” it’s a highlight for groups.
- Cocktail Experience (€50): Led by a mixologist, guests craft cocktails with Pearse whiskeys, including a distillery tour.
- Whiskey & Food Pairing: Pairs whiskeys with local seasonal produce, emphasizing Irish flavors (details via website).
- Art of Distilling: A premium tour with the head distiller, focusing on production nuances (booking required).
Amenities:
- McCann’s Bar & Tea Room: Serves drinks and light bites, with a cozy ambiance under stained-glass windows. Accessible without a ticket.
- Gift Shop: Offers Pearse whiskeys (e.g., Ha’Penny 4-Cask), Ha’Penny Gin, prints, and crafts at reasonable prices compared to other Dublin attractions.
- Ground-floor areas (visitor centre, distillery, bar) are wheelchair-accessible; the graveyard has uneven terrain. Booklets and videos are in seven languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese). Guide dogs are welcome.
- Exhibits and Atmosphere: The restored church, with its glass spire and stained-glass windows, creates a “magical” and “unique” setting, blending history and modernity. The intimate tour size ensures a personal experience, with guides praised for knowledge and humor. Some criticise the lack of palate-cleansing water or dishwasher odors in tasting glasses.
- Tours last 45–60 minutes, with special experiences (e.g., Gin School) extending to 2 hours. Plan 1.5–2 hours for a full visit, including bar or shop time.
- Cost: €20–€30 for tours, €50 for Cocktail Experience, €150 for Gin School. Non-tasting tickets are available; contact the distillery. Go City Dublin Explorer Pass covers tours; Dublin Pass offers discounts. Book viawww.pearselyonsdistillery.com.
- Appeal and Reviews: With a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, the distillery is lauded for its “fabulous” storytelling, “stunning” church setting, and high-quality whiskeys like Ha’Penny 4-Cask. Visitors (whiskey fans, what Tourism Ireland marketing department calls the “culturally curious”, couples) praise guides like Sheila and Liam for insights into the Liberties and Camino connections. Some note the video’s length or tasting issues (e.g., gin inclusion), but most call it a “must-do.”
- Criticisms of tThe 10-minute video, outdoor graveyard segment in poor weather, and occasional tasting glass issues (smell, no water) have been flagged on social media. The distillery’s small scale may surprise those expecting larger operations like Jameson.
- Location and Getting There: At 121–122 James’s Street, Dublin 8 (D08 ET27), it’s a 5-minute walk from Guinness Storehouse, 25 minutes from Trinity College, or 35 minutes from O’Connell Street. Dublin Bus (13, G1, G2, S2, 123) stops on James’s Street (€2, 10–15 minutes from Dame Street). Luas Red Line (Saint James’s) is nearby. Hop-on hop-off buses (Big Bus, Do Dublin) stop outside. No on-site parking; use James’s Street pay-and-display.
- Nearby Attractions: Pair with Guinness Storehouse or Roe & Co Distillery (6-minute walk), Phoenix Park or Irish Museum of Modern Art (11-minute walk), or Kilmainham Gaol (17-minute walk). Christ Church Cathedral and Chester Beatty Library are en route from the city center.
What’s New:
- Monday–Thursday and Saturday (9:30 AM–6:00 PM), Friday (9:30 AM–7:00 PM), Sunday (11:30 AM–6:00 PM). No changes are noted, but confirm via www.pearselyonsdistillery.com.
- Continued Experiences: The Gin School, Cocktail Experience, and Whiskey & Food Pairing remain popular, with seasonal updates (e.g., new gin botanicals or cocktail recipes). The Legacy Tour’s five tastings, including the Marriage of Malt, will continue to draw whiskey enthusiasts.
- Exhibitions or Renovations: No major infrastructure changes are planned, as the €7.2m restoration (2013–2017) is complete. The focus remains on the church’s stained-glass windows, graveyard, and stills as core attractions.
- Tourism Boost: Dublin’s 2025 cultural calendar, including the Dublin Stories Festival (October 11–26, 2025) with history-themed tours, may feature Pearse Lyons for its Liberties narrative, offering special storytelling sessions. Increased tourism from events like the Dublin Street Photography Festival (August 8–10, 2025) could prompt minor enhancements, such as improved signage or promotional packages with nearby distilleries.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- How to Get There: Walk from Guinness Storehouse (5 minutes) or take Dublin Bus 13/123 from O’Connell Street (€2, 10 minutes). Luas Red Line to Saint James’s or hop-on hop-off buses stop outside. Use GPS (D08 ET27). Park on James’s Street (pay-and-display). Book tours via www.pearselyonsdistillery.com.
- What to Bring: Wear weather-appropriate clothing for the graveyard segment; bring a camera for the church’s stained-glass windows (photography allowed). McCann’s Bar covers dining; try local pubs like Searson’s for more options.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for smaller groups; Sundays for relaxed vibes; August for Heritage Week events. Book early for summer or festival periods.
- Tips: Book tours online to secure spots (€20–€30). Go City Dublin Pass saves on tours. Non-drinkers can join without tastings (contact distillery). Pair with Guinness Storehouse or Teeling for a whiskey-themed day. Check weather for the graveyard portion.
- Combine with Other Sites: Visit Guinness Storehouse, Roe & Co, or Phoenix Park for a Liberties itinerary. Kilmainham Gaol or Christ Church Cathedral add historical depth.
- For the latest 2025 updates, contact Pearse Lyons Distillery (+353 1 691 6000, info@pearselyonsdistillery.com) or visit www.pearselyonsdistillery.com.
