The Kilbeggan Distillery Experience, established in 1757, is the world’s oldest continuously licensed whiskey distillery, situated on the River Brosna in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. A working distillery owned by Suntory Global Spirits, it blends historical charm with modern whiskey production, offering an authentic glimpse into Ireland’s whiskey-making heritage.
Founded by Matthew MacManus in 1757, the distillery operated under the Locke family from 1843 until it ceased production in 1957 due to economic challenges, including high taxes, Prohibition, and competition from beer. The local community’s efforts revived it, with distilling resuming in 2007 after Cooley Distillery (now part of Suntory) purchased it in 1988. A copy of the 1757 license is displayed, to verify its claim as Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery (disputing Bushmills’ 1608 claim).
- Setting: The distillery features whitewashed walls, a weathered slate roof, a brick chimney stack, and a creaking 19th-century waterwheel still in use, creating a quintessential Irish scene. Visitors can explore original machinery, including an 1887 steam engine and 9-meter-high fermentation vats, alongside a modern boutique distillery with two small pot stills (3,000 and 1,800 liters) producing whiskey since 2007. The site’s “steampunk” aesthetic, with robust gears and equipment from the 1860s–1880s, adds historical charm.
- Production Process: The tour showcases traditional methods, including mashing in oak tuns, fermenting in Oregon pine vats, and double distillation in the world’s oldest working pot still (from Tullamore Distillery). Whiskey is made from barley, malted corn, and clear water, aged 10–30 years in oak casks in bonded warehouses. Visitors can see new Kilbeggan malt spirit flowing and smell fermentation aromas.
Tour Options:
- Apprentice Tour (1 hour, €15): A multilingual guided tour covering the old distillery’s history, traditional equipment, and modern production, ending with a tasting of three whiskeys (Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Kilbeggan Triple Cask, Tyrconnell Single Malt, or Connemara Peated Malt). Non-drinkers or drivers receive samples in take-home bottles. Includes a welcome cocktail served in a lanyard-worn glass.
- Distillers Tour (90 minutes, €30): Includes the old warehouses and distillers, with four tastings, offering deeper insights into maturation processes.
- Connoisseur Tour (3 hours, €150): A premium experience with lunch alongside a head distiller, seven tastings, and the chance to fill a 200mL bottle from an aged cask using a valinch.
- Self-Guided Tour (40 minutes, €10): A flexible option for exploring the museum and grounds, with a tasting at the end.
- Irish Coffee Masterclass (€20): A guided tour of the old distillery followed by learning to make a Kilbeggan Irish Coffee in the renovated Locke’s Lounge (over 18s only).
- Fill Your Own Bottle: Visitors can fill a 70cl bottle of Kilbeggan ‘Distillery Exclusive’ whiskey directly from a cask, a unique keepsake (additional cost, over 18s only).
- Whiskey Bar and Locke’s Lounge: The Warehouse Bar offers tastings from Kilbeggan’s portfolio, including Kilbeggan Single Grain, Small Batch Rye, and Single Pot Still, plus cocktails like Kilbeggan Irish Coffee (whiskey, coffee, brown sugar, whipped cream) or a lemon-syrup-bitters mix. Light snacks and Bewley’s teas/coffees are available.
- Whiskey Shop: Stocks the full Kilbeggan portfolio, including distillery-exclusive whiskeys, personaliised bottles, glassware, apparel, and local supplier products. Visitors can create custom hampers, making it a great spot for souvenirs.
- The Pantry Restaurant: Offers home-cooked dishes and tasty treats, augmenting the visit with local flavors.
- Atmosphere and Ghost Stories: The distillery’s rustic charm, with reported ghost sightings, adds intrigue. Visitors praise the enthusiastic staff, particularly guides like Tracy, for their knowledge and warmth.
- Tours range from 40 minutes to 3 hours, with 1–2 hours typical for most visitors, including time for tastings, dining, or shopping.
- The distillery is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, with free parking and accessible surfaces. Designated drivers receive non-alcoholic drinks or take-home samples. Guide dogs are permitted, but other pets are not.
- Visitor Feedback: With a 4.5-star TripAdvisor rating (2024 Travellers’ Choice Award), the distillery is lauded for its authentic, non-commercialized feel, informative tours, and accommodating staff. Some note that the small-scale production (most whiskey is made at Cooley Distillery) and occasional overlapping tours can affect audibility, but the experience remains memorable.
- Practical Information: Lower Main St, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, N91 W67N, off the M6 (Junction 5), 20 miles from Athlone and 1 hour from Dublin. Easily reached by car or public transport.
- Open 7 days, March–October: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last tour 4:30 PM); November–February: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM (last tour 4:00 PM). Closed Christmas and New Year.
- Admission: €10–€150 depending on tour type; group rates available. Book online at www.kilbegganwhiskey.com or contact info@kilbegganwhiskey.com for private tours/tastings. Valid ID required for tastings (19+ in Ireland).
- Nearby Attractions: Pair with Athlone Castle (20 miles), Sean’s Bar (world’s oldest pub), the Old Rail Trail Greenway, or the Hill of Uisneach for a full day in Westmeath.
What’s New:
- New Whiskey Releases: Following the success of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye (the first 100% distilled and matured on-site since 2010) and Single Pot Still, 2025 will see new limited-edition whiskeys or cask-strength offerings, reflecting Kilbeggan’s focus on innovation while honoring tradition. No specific releases are confirmed, but the distillery’s history of small-batch experimentation suggests potential surprises.
- Enhanced Locke’s Lounge: The newly renovated Locke’s Lounge, introduced in 2024, will host expanded Irish Coffee masterclasses and cocktail workshops, with new recipes or seasonal specials to enhance the visitor experience.
- Community Events: As part of Westmeath’s tourism push under Fáilte Ireland’s 2025–2030 Hidden Heartlands plan, Kilbeggan Distillery may participate in regional festivals or events, such as whiskey tastings or heritage days, to boost visitor numbers. Check www.kilbegganwhiskey.com for event announcements.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The distillery’s commitment to local suppliers and traditional methods may expand with eco-friendly practices, such as sustainable packaging for shop products or energy-efficient upgrades, though no specific 2025 projects are detailed.
- Planning Your Visit: Book tours in advance via www.kilbegganwhiskey.com, especially for Connoisseur or private tours, as they can sell out. Allow 1–3 hours depending on the tour, plus time for the shop or Pantry. Bring ID for tastings, and dress for variable weather, as parts of the tour are outdoors.
- Best Opt for the Distillers or Connoisseur Tour for a deeper dive into whiskey production. Visit the Pantry for a hearty meal, and explore the shop for unique bottles or personaliised gifts. Combine with a stop at Athlone’s Sean’s Bar or a cycle on the Old Rail Trail for a full day.
- Accessibility Note: The distillery is accessible, but confirm specific needs with staff at info@kilbegganwhiskey.com, as some warehouse areas may have uneven surfaces.
- Seasonal Tip: Spring or summer visits align with Westmeath’s vibrant tourism season, with better weather for outdoor exploration and potential festival tie-ins.
The Kilbeggan Distillery Experience offers an authentic, engaging journey into Ireland’s whiskey heritage, with its blend of historical machinery, modern distilling, and warm community spirit. For the latest 2025 updates on whiskey releases or events, visit www.kilbegganwhiskey.com or contact info@kilbegganwhiskey.com
