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Top Irish Craft Beer, Whiskey & Breweries 🍻

- Posted on: 03/10/2024 - By: Sofia Carraro Rocha [UPDATED: 18/11/2025] $itemValue.title
  • Presents a curated guide to Dublin’s top breweries and distilleries, including exclusive tours and tasting experiences.​

  • Highlights the best spots for small batch craft beer and premium Irish whiskey, plus advice on food pairings and local pub culture.​

  • Offers practical FAQs for visitors seeking authentic, memorable drink adventures in Dublin.

Ireland’s charm isn’t just about its stunning landscapes and rich history. It’s also the land of pints and drams that could make even a leprechaun smile. From historic distilleries to cool craft breweries, the Emerald Isle has something for every drink lover. Whether you’re all about that craft beer or have a soft spot for whiskey, our top breweries and distilleries will give you a taste of Ireland’s vibrant drink culture. Think of it as a fancy pub crawl with a side of history! Check out our guide for the best spots, what to expect, ticket prices and tour details.

After all, if there’s one thing the Irish know, it’s how to pour a good pint and keep the good times. Sláinte!

Guinness Storehouse, Dublin 

A must-visit in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse offers an immersive look at the legacy of Ireland’s most famous beer. The tour covers everything from the brewing process to the brand's history, ending with a pint in the Gravity Bar, which offers stunning views of Dublin. Spend around 3-4 hours here. Tickets start at €20 per person. 

Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Dublin 

Experience the rich tradition of Jameson whiskey at the Bow Street Distillery. This tour delves into the history and production of Jameson’s renowned whiskey, with interactive tastings and the chance to pull your own pint of Jameson Cold Brew. Tickets may vary as they have plenty options of tours

 

 

Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Dublin 

Teeling Whiskey has quickly made a name for itself with its award-winning blends. Their distillery tour offers a comprehensive view of the whiskey-making process and features exclusive tasting sessions. Tickets start at €20 and different tours options

ROE&CO Distillery, Dublin

Discover ROE&CO Distillery in Dublin, where tradition meets innovation in Irish whiskey. The tour showcases their unique blending process and features exclusive tastings of their acclaimed whiskey blends. Tickets start at €25 per person, with several tour options available. Explore the future of Irish whiskey with ROE&CO’s expertly crafted experiences.

Galway Bay Brewery, Galway 

Galway Bay Brewery is a haven for craft beer lovers, known for its diverse range of award-winning brews. The tour provides an in-depth look at their brewing process and includes a tasting of their unique beers. Tickets may vary. 

Dingle Distillery, Dingle 

The Dingle Distillery, a newer player in the whiskey world, offers a hands-on look at their artisanal whiskey production. Known for their limited editions and small-batch approach, the tour includes tastings of their premium whiskies. Tickets start at €19 per person. 

Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim 

In Northern Ireland, the Bushmills Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in the world. Their tour showcases the time-honoured process behind Bushmills whiskey, with tastings of their classic and rare editions. Tickets start at €15 per person. 

Redbreast Whiskey Distillery, Dublin 

Known for its exceptional single pot still whiskey, Redbreast offers an in-depth tour of their distillery. The experience includes a detailed look at the whiskey-making process and a tasting of their celebrated expressions. Tickets are around €25 per person. 

Kilbeggan Distillery, County Westmeath 

Kilbeggan Distillery is Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery and its tours provide a glimpse into traditional whiskey production. Explore the historic site and enjoy tastings of their well-regarded whiskies. Admissions are €30 per person. 

The Shed Distillery, County Leitrim 

Famous for its Drumshanbo products, The Shed Distillery offers a modern take on traditional whiskey-making. The tour includes a look at their innovative processes and a tasting of their signature drinks. Tickets start at €19 per person. 

 

 

Whiplash Brewing, Dublin

Whiplash Brewing, founded in 2016, is celebrated for its bold approach to craft beer and inventive, award-winning brews. Located in Ballyfermot, their modern facility churns out both classic and new styles, with a focus on limited releases that reveal their creativity. Their Fidelity Bar on Queen Street is a destination for serious craft beer lovers, offering a rotating array of Whiplash specials and guest taps in a lively, music-driven space.

Rascals Brewing, Dublin

Rascals Brewing is famous throughout Dublin for its welcoming taproom in Inchicore and adventurous, flavour-packed beers. Visitors can expect regular new releases, pizza and food pairings, and a laid-back atmosphere tailor-made for gathering with friends or enjoying music nights. Their brewery tours highlight the care and creativity behind every batch, making it a favourite in local craft beer circles.

Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin

Located in a beautifully restored former church, Pearse Lyons Distillery blends local history with whiskey innovation. The tour offers a captivating look at both the heritage of the site and the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle, with tastings that highlight Dublin’s modern distilling renaissance.

Trouble Brewing, Dublin

Trouble Brewing’s beers can be found at many of Dublin’s top craft pubs, from amber ales to punchy IPAs. Known for innovative recipes and fresh flavour, Trouble Brewing stands out for its consistency and quality. Their brews are a staple on Dublin tap lists, ideal for those who want to explore local tastes in a casual, pub-based setting.

Dot Brew, Dublin

Based in Dublin, Dot Brew specialises in small-batch releases and barrel-aged beers that push boundaries in both flavour and technique. This brewery outdoes itself with experimental styles, including unique blends and complex ageing processes, and their limited batches are eagerly anticipated by local aficionados.

Powers Irish Whiskey, Dublin

A pillar of Dublin’s whiskey heritage, Powers is beloved for its rich, full-bodied flavours. Many Dublin venues serve Powers as their house whiskey, and guided tastings reveal its importance in shaping the city’s whiskey legacy. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring the roots of Irish whiskey.

The White Hag, Sligo

While The White Hag is headquartered in Sligo, their creative and diverse beers have a significant presence in Dublin’s craft beer scene. Known for wild ales, sours, and distinct IPAs, The White Hag’s beers pop up in many local bars and bottle shops, making them an essential try for anyone exploring Dublin’s modern craft offerings.

Kinnegar Brewing, Donegal

Kinnegar Brewing, based in Donegal, is a regular feature in Dublin’s craft venues. They’re loved for fresh, hop-forward beers and approachable styles that appeal to a broad drinker base. Their Farmhouse Ale and range of pale brews bring a taste of rural Ireland to Dublin’s busy city pubs.

Black Donkey Brewing, Dublin

Black Donkey Brewing delivers bold and innovative Irish beers that bridge traditional methods and new-world enthusiasm. Their flagship Sheep Stealer and other expressive beers are popular finds in Dublin taps and bring a bit of rural charm into the heart of the city’s beer culture.

Green Spot & Yellow Spot, Dublin

These premium single pot still whiskeys are legendary among Dublin enthusiasts, with distinctive smoothness and character. Tastings are often available at dedicated venues and whiskey shops, letting visitors sample the pinnacle of Irish craftsmanship.

Brú Brewery, Dublin

Brú Brewery offers one of Dublin’s widest ranges of craft beers, from lagers and IPAs to rich stouts. Their focus on quality and accessibility means their beers can be enjoyed in numerous pubs and venues, making them a reliable choice for craft newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

Bullhouse Brew Co, Belfast

Bullhouse Brew Co, originally from Belfast, collaborates frequently with Dublin bars and breweries for tap takeovers and beer festivals. Their varied lineup is a regular feature at city beer events, bringing fresh Northern Irish styles to Dublin’s thriving tap scene.

Slane Whiskey, Dublin

Slane Whiskey’s triple-casked blends are increasingly accessible in Dublin bars. Their smooth, complex flavours and innovative methods make them a favourite at tasting events and an up-and-coming brand to watch in the city’s whiskey scene.

Breweries and distilleries are as varied as their stunning landscapes, offering everything from age-old whiskey-making traditions to innovative craft beers. Whether you’re enjoying a pint at the legendary Guinness Storehouse or exploring new flavours at The Shed Distillery, each visit reveals a unique slice of Ireland’s vibrant drink culture. So, grab your travel plans, embark on these top tours, and dive into the best of Ireland’s spirited heritage. And if you’re also into discovering the best pubs, don’t miss our guide to the top pubs and bars in Dublin. Cheers to your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs 

  • Which brewery tours are best for first-time visitors in Dublin? Many first-timers love Guinness Storehouse and Rascals Brewing for their welcoming experiences and central locations.​

  • Can I book whiskey tastings in Dublin? Yes, distilleries like Jameson, Bow Street and Teeling offer guided tastings and interactive sessions.​

  • Are brewery tours family-friendly in Dublin? Yes, several breweries (such as Guinness Storehouse) welcome children and provide engaging activities for all ages.​

  • Where can I find small-batch craft beers in Dublin? Try Whiplash Brewing, Dot Brew, and Trouble Brewing for small batch releases and unique flavours.​

  • Do distilleries in Dublin cater to whiskey enthusiasts? Absolutely, with options ranging from classic single pot stills at Powers to inventive blends at Roe & Co.​

  • What food pairs best with Irish craft beer? Irish stouts and pale ales pair well with local cheeses, seafood, and hearty pub fare.​

  • How do I join a pub crawl focused on craft beer in Dublin? You can join scheduled events or plan your own route, including top spots like Rascals and Brú Brewery.​

  • Are there gluten-free craft beer options in Dublin? Some craft breweries offer gluten-free or special diet options; check venues like Galway Bay Brewery for current selections.​

  • What whiskey tours should I book for limited-edition tasting? Exclusive sessions are available at distilleries such as Teeling and Pearse Lyons—book early as spots fill up quickly.​

  • Where are the best places to buy whiskey gifts in Dublin? Visit distillery gift shops or specialist stores like Celtic Whiskey Shop for unique Irish whiskey presents.

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