Dublin, Ireland – Irish whiskey distilleries are experiencing a historic tourism boom, with visitor numbers soaring past the one million mark for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
New figures from the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) reveal a remarkable 23% increase in visitors compared to the previous year. Just over one million people toured the island’s distilleries during the 12-month period ending last June.
Significant Economic Impact
The surge in visitors has delivered a substantial economic boost to local economies.
- Direct Economic Benefit: Visitors generated €41.6 million in direct revenue for local communities.
- Average Spend: The average on-site spend per person in the distilleries was €41.24.
- Export Milestone: This success in tourism complements the wider industry’s achievement, with Irish whiskey exports surpassing €1 billion in value last year.
Visitor Profile and Top Destinations
The IWA data highlights that the primary markets for distillery visitors are the US, UK, Germany, France, and Ireland. The most frequent visitors are in the 34-45 age bracket, closely followed by the 45-54 age group.
The five most visited Irish whiskey distilleries were:
- Jameson Distillery, Dublin
- Bushmills Distillery, Co Antrim
- Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Dublin
- Midleton Distillery Experience, Co Cork
- The Shed Distillery, Co Leitrim
Industry Outlook: A Flagship Attraction
IWA Director Eoin Ó Catháin called the distillery experiences “flagship tourism attractions,” noting the strong performance of both urban and rural sites. “While the wider tourism landscape faces challenges, our distilleries are thriving, welcoming visitors from around the world and driving regional growth,” he stated. He added that the sector needs targeted Government support and investment to sustain this momentum.
Tourism Ireland’s Chief Executive, Alice Mansergh, praised the role of distilleries in showcasing the island’s heritage: “It’s a story touching on history, people, flavours and local ingredients, with distilleries welcoming visitors from Bushmills to Kilbeggan, from the mountains of Mourne to the Sceilg coast.”
The IWA is set to further capitalize on this growth with the launch of its new tourism initiative, The Irish Whiskey Way, this month.
