Kilbeggan Distillery
Lower Main Street, Kilbeggan, Westmeath
Established in 1757, Kilbeggan Distillery had a 50-year production pause before reopening in 2007. Set in a whitewashed, slate-roofed heritage building, the historic Irish whiskey distillery houses vintage equipment including an antique pot still and a waterwheel that once powered the distillery.
The Basics
To visit Kilbeggan Distillery, join an on-site guided tour. Take the 1-hour Apprentice Tour for a tasting; 1.5-hour Distillers Tour for a meet-and-greet and tasting; 2-hour Artisan Tour for premium whiskey samples and cheese; and 3-hour Connoisseur Experience for an all-access tour, lunch, and premium tastings. Guided whiskey tours from Dublin often visit here. If traveling from Dublin to Galway, make a stop at Kilbeggan Distillery along the way.
Things to Know Before You Go
Kilbeggan Distillery is a must for Irish whiskey fans.
Book tours in advance to secure a spot.
Parking is available at the distillery, and designated drivers enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage at the tour's end.
How to Get There
Kilbeggan Distillery is situated in a town of the same name, Kilbeggan, in County Westmeath. From Dublin city center, the 57-mile (92-kilometer) drive takes just over an hour. Alternatively, ride the Bus Éireann No. 20 service from Busáras (Dublin’s central bus station) to Kilbeggan.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is between April and October, when tours take place more frequently. The distillery is open between November and March, though with fewer tours. The distillery typically closes for several days over the holidays.
What Else to See in Kilbeggan
The small town of Kilbeggan isn’t a tourist hot spot, but it is a good place for a wander, especially if you make time to stop in at one of its several cozy Irish country pubs. Kilbeggan also hosts one of Ireland’s five National Hunt (jumping) racecourses and, as may be expected, is extra lively when fixtures are in town.
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