(Small Group) Whiskey Distillery Tour: Kilbeggan & Tullamore D.E.W.

Pick-up Points

• 08:30 - Paddywagon Office, 34 O'Connell Street Lower (The Spire)

Itinerary

• Depart Dublin

  Your journey begins on O'Connell Street, directly across from the historic GPO. To ensure a refined and intimate atmosphere, you will travel in our bespoke Mercedes-Benz touring van, which accommodates a maximum of 14 guests in premier comfort.

  
  

  As we depart westward alongside the River Liffey, we pass through the legendary districts of The Liberties and Smithfield. During the height of the Victorian era in the 19th century, this specific square mile was celebrated as the "Golden Triangle," home to an incredible 37 active distilleries.

  
  

  At the time, Ireland’s position within the United Kingdom provided Dublin whiskey with an elite global platform. It was regarded as the premier spirit of the British Empire—valued significantly higher than Scotch—and exported to the furthest reaches of the globe, from Hong Kong and India to Canada and the United States.

  
  

  The industrial scale of the Golden Triangle was truly remarkable. The atmosphere in The Liberties was famously perfumed by the "Angel’s Share"—the aromatic vapors rising from the distillation process. The sheer magnitude of production here was unrivaled; George Roe’s facility spanned 17 acres, making it the world’s largest distillery at the time. Even John Power, the smallest of Dublin’s "Big Four" producers, maintained an output five times greater than the largest distillery in Scotland.

  
  

  As we travel toward Kilbeggan, we leave behind the former "Wall Street" of global whiskey to explore its authentic, rural foundations. Relax as we transition from the bustling docks of old Dublin into the serene heartlands of Irish spirit production.

• Kilbeggan Distillery (entrance included)

  Arrive Kilbeggan at 10:00

  
  

  Your morning begins at the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland. This premium experience moves beyond the standard tourist trail, offering an authentic look at an industrial legacy that has been preserved since 1757. Upon arrival, you are welcomed with a Kilbeggan Black and Ginger served in a complimentary commemorative wee dram glass as a memento of your visit to this landmark of Irish tradition.

  
  

  This is far more than a museum; it is a fully operational distillery where historic craftsmanship meets modern excellence. A specialist guide will lead your group through the unique distillation process, highlighting the architectural heritage of the famous Ctesiphon Warehouse. The visit concludes in the atmospheric Old Cooperage for a private 4-Whiskey Master Class, allowing for a sophisticated comparison of the finest Kilbeggan expressions.

  
  

  The EUR 35.00 entrance fee is fully included in the cost of this tour.

  
  

  Depart Kilbeggan at 11:30

• Sean's Bar Athlone

  At 12:00, we reach Sean’s Bar in Athlone, a legendary establishment verified by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest pub in Ireland.

  
  

  Founded in 900 AD, this site has provided a warm welcome at this vital River Shannon crossing for more than 1,100 years. It stands as a landmark of Irish history, having been established long before the Norman invasion or even the creation of modern whiskey.

  
  

  While here until 12:50, you can examine the authentic 9th-century wattle and wicker walls, which have been authenticated by the National Museum of Ireland. This visit offers a unique chance to enjoy Sean’s Specially Blended Whiskey or a classic Irish coffee in a setting that has been welcoming travelers since the early Middle Ages. It is a short but significant experience at the very roots of Irish hospitality.

  
  

  Guests are welcome to enjoy refreshments at their own leisure and expense.

• Old Warehouse Bar for Lunch - Gastronomy and Golf Heritage

  At 13:30, we pause for lunch at The Old Warehouse in Tullamore. This beautifully restored 1829 bonded store was the founding home of Tullamore D.E.W. and is currently co-owned by Irish golf star Shane Lowry, a key member of the 2023 and 2025 European Ryder Cup teams. Recently honored as Ireland’s "Number One Pub" by the Sunday World, the building’s interior preserves its industrial soul with authentic stone masonry and a unique spiral staircase crafted to resemble the interior of a whiskey cask.

  
  

  The upstairs dining room features a sophisticated menu centered on premium local produce. Guests can enjoy elevated dishes ranging from Wagyu beef burgers and crispy pork belly to prime Irish filet mignon served with garlic langoustines sourced from the Celtic Sea. This setting perfectly marries historic architecture with modern culinary excellence, offering a refined atmosphere for a relaxing midday break before we depart at 14:45.

  
  

  Lunch and refreshments are enjoyed at your own leisure and expense.

  
  

  Old Warehouse is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Guests travelling on those days will enjoy a good local alternative.

• Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery

  At 15:00, we arrive at the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery. Established in 1829, this iconic brand achieved international fame under the visionary leadership of Daniel E. Williams—the namesake "D.E.W." found on every bottle—whose innovative spirit continues to guide the distillery’s house style today.

  
  

  This visit provides an exclusive look at the only facility in the world to operate three distinct types of stills—pot, malt, and grain—all on a single site. It represents a masterful fusion of 19th-century tradition and 21st-century engineering. Throughout this immersive tour, you will go behind the scenes to witness the distillery’s signature "triple" philosophy: triple distilled, triple blended, and triple wood matured.

  
  

  Your experience begins with a classic, professionally prepared Irish coffee. You will then enter the maturation warehouse for a "Dip the Dog" tasting, offering the rare privilege of sampling whiskey directly from the cask. The session concludes with a tutored masterclass featuring three of the distillery’s award-winning premium expressions, providing deep insight into the family heritage and ingenuity that established this global empire.

  
  

  It is the perfect digestif to follow your midday meal.

  
  

  We depart at 17:00.

  
  

  The Distillery Experience is valued at EUR 47.00 per person and lasts approximately 105 minutes - included in your tour price.

• Return to Dublin

  We return to the city center at 18:15.

  
  

  For those interested in concluding the evening with a final glass of Uisce Beatha, The Palace Bar on Fleet Street is located just a short walk away in the Temple Bar district. This historic venue boasts an exceptional whiskey library, providing the perfect setting for a final toast to the day's journey.

• Guest Notice

  This intimate tour is a celebration of Ireland's long-standing distilling traditions. Please note that the legal age for alcohol consumption in Ireland is 18, and due to the specific entry requirements of the distilleries, this excursion is strictly reserved for guests aged 18 and over.

  
  

  We recommend that any guests who appear to be under the age of 25 carry a valid government-issued photo ID.

  
  

  To ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers and to remain in accordance with Irish legislation, we are unable to accommodate individuals who show signs of visible intoxication. In the event that a guest is denied transport for this reason, they will be required to coordinate their own return travel to Dublin at their own expense.

Route Map

Cancellation Policy