Whiskey Festivals in Ireland that are well worth going to
Tourism is back with a bang now that we’re past the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic with everyone chomping at the bit to get back to normal, and get out there and see the world. Ireland, and the Irish Whiskey industry, are well placed to welcome visitors with our Céad Míle Fáilte and warm and generous hospitality.
For those of you who are looking to combine your love of Irish Whiskey with a trip to the Emerald Isle you’d be wise to time your trip to coincide with of the growing number of Irish Whiskey Festivals which are now becoming fixtures on the calendar.
I’ve listed out the ones that I know of below in order of when they take place on the calendar and if I’ve missed any please let me know (they must be events that feature multiple distilleries/brands.)
South East Whiskey Festival - Held in early March each year the the South East Whiskey Festival is a weekend event that takes place in Wexford Town. The festival was founded by industry stalwarts John Barron of The Sky & The Ground, Daithí O’Connell of W.D. O’Connell, and Michael Cowman of Last Drop Distillers who launched the event this year (2023) and over time they intend to spread to the main towns and cities in whole South East region.
The 2024 South East Whiskey Festival will take place from 1st – 3rd March 2024 and will feature Bar Takeovers, Master Classes, and Industry Lunches.
Cork Whiskey Fest - Held in mid to late March each year the Cork Whiskey Fest is the perfect excuse to visit Cork, as if you need an excuse to visit this beautiful part of the world. Founded by the ever energetic Laurie Dwyer who hosts the wonderful Whiskey Chats podcast the Cork Whiskey Fest is now firmly established on the annual calendar of Whiskey Festivals in Ireland.
The 2024 Cork Whiskey Fest will take place from 22nd – 24th March 2024 across Cork City's historic Victorian Quarter and will feature 25 events across the three days.
WhiskeyLive Dublin - Considered to be the Mother of all Irish Whiskey Festivals and Events WhiskeyLive Dublin has been running for years now and is organized each year by the great folks at the Celtic Whiskey Shop. It has taken place at various venues around Dublin over the years but now seems to have found its home at the RDS in Ballsbridge in Dublin and a new “permanent” date in mid May.
The event now takes place across two days with two sessions each day and features over 100 stands on the main floor and an impressive array of Master Classes. In 2024 WhiskeyLive Dublin will take place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th May, 2024.
Belfast Whiskey Week - Founded by Paul O’Cahan who also runs the Belfast Whiskey Society the Belfast Whiskey Week is an epic few days (a week and a day) featuring over 100 unique event and experiences. If you ever needed an excuse to visit Belfast this may be the one for you.
The Belfast Whiskey Week takes place in mid to late July guaranteeing brighter, and longer, summer evenings and there are a plethora of events to attend including Tutored Tastings, Cocktail Classes, Distillery Visits, Pub Walking Tours, Whiskey & Food Pairings, and so much more. The week finishes off with a Gala Dinner where the good and the great of the industry are acknowledged at the Irish Whiskey Industry Awards.
The 2024 Belfast Whiskey Week (plus a day) will take place from Friday 19th to Saturday 27th July 2024 in and around Belfast and will feature well over 100 events across the “week.”
Poitín Now - And yes there’s even an event to celebrate the historically illicit white sprit, legalized since 1997, and it takes place at the famed BAR 1661 in Dublin 7. This one-day, two-session event is for a spirit in Irish distilling that is well worth exploring and has been championed by BAR 1661 owner Dave Mulligan.
The 2023 Poitín Now event will take place on Saturday 18th November 2023 and will feature Poitín and Cocktail tastings, exclusive Poitín releases, keynote speakers and discussions, and a free prize drawing.