The Irish are known for their lively pubs and their excellent ales and spirits. For many visitors to the Emerald Isle, a trip to one of the country’s revered breweries or distilleries is yet another way to connect with Ireland’s history, culture, and people.
If you’re interested in learning more about Irish breweries and distilleries, you’ll enjoy this quick guide to the most famous and popular locations. Each company has made their mark as manufacturers of classic beers and whiskies that have been enjoyed throughout the world for decades.
The Guinness Brewery –
Undoubtedly the most well-known brewery in Ireland, the Guinness Brewery is located in Dublin and it produces the distinctive, barley-scented, dry Irish stout that has become synonymous with the Emerald Isle.
This first ales created by Arthur Guinness were brewed in 1759, at the St. James Gate Brewery in Dublin. The beer that is known and loved today has a heavy “head” of creamy bubbles, which result from a mixture of beer and nitrogen. Dark and heavy, Guinness is inspired by English porter, an ale which gained popularity during the early 1800’s.
Guinness has many nicknames, and this beloved drink is commonly referred to as “the black stuff” and “pint of plain”. More Guinness is sold in Ireland than any other alcoholic beverage…
Although this drink is considered “a meal in a glass”, it is actually a low-calorie beer, with only 198 calories in a typical serving. Originally stored in wooden casks, the beer now rests in aluminum kegs.
Today, tourists and beer aficionados enjoy touring the Guinness Brewery to take in the scope of the entire operation. The brewery caters to visitors by providing a detailed tour of the brewery itself, as well as access to an on-site pub (The Gravity Bar) and a gift shop.
This brewery is in fact the number one tourist attraction in Ireland! Sleek, glass elevators, massive steel beams, and stunning architecture offer a one-of-a-kind experience to visitors…
Old Jameson Distillery –
This classic Irish whiskey is produced at the flagship distillery on Bow Street in Dublin. For 220 years, this smooth, complex blend has been created using two types of malted and unmalted barley…
Known for their painstaking attention to detail, the purveyors of this revered Irish Whiskey are proud to produce a blend that is truly singular – “from grain to glass”. Every facet of the spirit’s production is carefully monitored to ensure an excellent result.
In 1780, the Bow St. Distillery opened it doors for business, and Jameson whiskey remains the top-selling Irish malt whiskey in the world. With sales of 31 million bottles per annum, it’s no wonder that tourists flock to the distillery to see how the signature beverage is created!
For visitors to this vibrant tourist attraction, the malting, milling, distilling, and aging process is explained in great detail. Each tour finishes with a tasting at the on-site Jameson bar. A visit to the restaurant and gift shop round out a trip to this fun destination – located right in the heart of Ireland’s capital city.
More Irish Tradition You Can Enjoy Every Day…
For those who embrace their Irish heritage, learning more about the culture and history of Ireland can be very fulfilling. If you’re interested in the ancient symbols of the Irish people, you might enjoy wearing a special piece of Irish jewelry that really honors the old Celtic traditions…
A traditional gold Claddagh ring can be the perfect way to capture Ireland’s spirit…every day! The classic heart and hands motif is a symbol of loyalty, love, and fidelity. In Ireland, brides and grooms often exchange Claddagh rings in lieu of plain wedding bands. But this ring can be worn by anyone…male or female, married or single…in fact, the way you wear your ring can tell its own story…the direction the crown faces while you wear it lets people know your romantic “status”!
To look at more lovely Irish designs, including engagement rings, earrings, and pendants, please visit our online Irish jewelry store…