Ireland’s whiskey tourism sector is continuing to grow, even as the global whiskey industry faces declining sales, excess inventory, and production pauses at several distilleries.
According to the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA), 1,040,159 visitors toured member distilleries between June 2025 and June 2026, marking the second consecutive year that attendance exceeded one million. That figure represents an increase of more than 30,000 visitors compared with the previous year.
Visitor spending also climbed, rising from approximately €42 to €50 per person—around $55—as more travelers opted for premium distillery experiences. Yet alcohol consumption is not the main attraction for everyone: the IWA estimates that roughly one-third of visitors do not drink during their tours, instead exploring Ireland’s cultural heritage and whiskey-making traditions.
Ireland’s Best-Visited Whiskey Destinations
Established names continue to draw the largest crowds. Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Dublin led the rankings, followed by Old Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland, Teeling in Dublin, Midleton Distillery Experience near Cork, and Shed Distillery in County Leitrim.
Some smaller distilleries, meanwhile, are experiencing particularly strong growth. J.J. Corry in County Clare recorded an 85 percent increase in visitors, while Ardara, Skellig Six18 Distillery, Shed Distillery, Titanic Distillers, and Ahascragh also emerged among the fastest-growing experiences.
A New Trail Brings Visitors Beyond the Cities
The IWA credits part of the tourism growth to the Irish Whiskey Way, a distillery trail launched in November 2025. The route encourages visitors to explore whiskey producers across the island, including distilleries in more remote rural communities.
American travelers ranked as the largest visitor group, highlighting the continued international appeal of Irish whiskey.
IWA director Eoin Ó Catháin said the sustained visitor numbers reflect the resilience and creativity of Ireland’s distilleries and visitor centers. He also noted that travelers are spending more and venturing farther afield, helping channel tourism revenue into rural communities.
The association welcomed the Irish government’s renewed focus on culinary and experiential tourism, saying it aligns with the experiences its members offer.
While the wider whiskey business continues to contend with challenging market conditions, Ireland’s visitor figures offer an encouraging sign: distillery tours, cultural experiences, and premium hospitality are providing a growing source of activity for the industry.
