Special Experiences: Irish Whiskey Trail from £665pp for 7nts
The history of whiskey in Ireland goes back to the mid 12th century, and the oldest licensed distillery is at Bushmills in County Antrim, however just four distilleries survive to the present day. Irish whiskey is traditionally being "triple distilled" - once more than nearly all Scotch whisky - and is rarely peated. (And as you can see its spelt with an e, whereas Scotch is not!)
Our Irish Whiskey Trail covers three contrasting distilleries and places, from the vibrant city of Dublin, the home of Jameson, to the historic Kilbeggan distillery in Westmeath, then tours north with a stop in the Cooley peninsula and finishes in the historic small town of Bushmills, with a visit to the distillery to which the town has given its name. As well as tours of the three distilleries you will have plenty of time to enjoy the many other attractions of the areas, from the galleries and history of Dublin, to the coastal splendour of Country Antrim, including the Giants Causeway.
Day One - Dublin
Your first base is the Georgian capital city of Dublin, a perfect introduction to Ireland.
Your Hotel
Enjoy the best of both worlds in this welcoming guest house. Comprising two imposing Georgian townhouses, it is situated in a remarkably peaceful leafy avenue just to the South of Dublin city centre. Yet you are just a short walk from St Stephen’s Green, a pint or two of Guinness in a local bar, or a delicious meal in one of Dublin’s many fine restaurants. As exploring the city on public transport and on foot is recommended, it is ideal that there is plenty of free parking here for guests.
Day Two - the Old Jameson Distillery
This visitor centre is located on the site of the original distillery founded in 1780, and home of probably Ireland's most famous whiskey. Although production is now focused in the Middleton Distillery in Cork, this has become one of Dublin's most popular visitor attractions and gives an excellent introduction to the art and lore of whiskey production, and its history in Ireland. The journey begins with an audio visual presentation followed by a guided walk through the recreated distillery scene and culminates in the Jameson Discovery Bar with a complimentary glass of Jameson plus a chance for selected volunteers to become a "Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster".
Day Three - visit the Kilbeggan Distillery
From Dublin head west to the county of Roscommon, with time to explore the Curragh, perhaps follow Queen Elizabeth and take in the National Stud and beautiful Japanese Garden near to Kildare. Next cross the peat bogs to Kilbeggan. Locke's Distillery in Kilbeggan is a wonderful piece of industrial heritage, saved from dereliction by the local community. With a working water wheel, it once again operates as a boutique distillery. Your tour will include some tastings of the new and experimental products and a chance to explore the workings for yourself.
You will stay close by in a riverside hotel just north of the town of Athlone. This popular destination for special occasions has a superb location, right by the famous Shannon.
Day Four - Carlingford
From Athlone a cross country route to the east coast, with options to visit the world heritage site of Newgrange, will bring you to the county of Louth and the hidden gem known as the Cooley peninsula. Your hotel is in the historic waterside village of Carlingford
Your Hotel
This beautiful Georgian house is set within a walled garden, just a few steps away from the mediaeval heart of Carlingford. The welcome is very friendly – this is very much a home and not a hotel, furnished with delightful antiques and well-worn rugs. The views of the garden or lough are great, whether you stay in a bedroom in the original house or neighbouring, modern extension. Best of all is the food – the restaurant has won many awards, and is renowned as a destination throughout Ireland. The wine list is extensive and compiled with an expert’s touch. We strongly recommend the oysters – which travel just 500m from the lough to your plate.
Day Five - Bushmills
Today cross into Northern Ireland, with plenty of time to explore as you tour, including Downpatrick, Strangford Lough and the Georgian village of Hillsborourgh. Your destination is the picturesque coast of County Antrim, and the village of Bushmills.
Your Hotel
Centuries of history exude from the old timber beams and rough plaster walls of this landmark inn. At its heart is the gaslit sixteenth century snug, with soot-stained walls and ceilings and a pulley suspended above the fireplace. You could spend hours here over a Guinness or a dram, dreaming up romantic notions of encounters goneby. The snug is encased by a mere two-hundred year old inn, with an even more modern, yet sympathetically designed, outer shell. Guest rooms are spacious and atmospheric, with individual character and attention to detail to keep design in-keeping with the building's charm. This place is a genuine meeting point for travellers and locals alike, buzzing with conviviality and conversation throughout a jigsaw puzzle of interconnecting public rooms and cosy corners. The outdoor courtyard and terrace come into their own in the summer months, while open peat fires provide the perfect ambience in other seasons. Service is attentive and friendly, many staff being young, local and very proud of the area. The menu offered throughout the restaurant and conservatory fuses local produce with a touch of creativity to make this one of the most renowned dining destinations in the North of Ireland.
Day Six - the Bushmills Distillery
This is the only distillery in Ireland to make triple-distilled malt whiskey. This is at the heart of all Bushmills whiskeys and creates a unique combination of smoothness and richness. In 2008 the distillery celebrated the 400th anniversary of the original licence to distil whiskey granted to the area in 1608.
After the guided tour you will enjoy a tutored tasting with an expert member of staff, which will introduce you to the craft of making Irish Whiskey and to unravel some of their trade secrets, from the special water from St. Columb’s Rill and the finest malted barley to the art of triple distillation in copper stills and finally to aging in oak casks. You will then be invited to nose and taste three Bushmills Whiskeys and to compare them with an American Bourbon and a Scotch Whisky. Complete the visit with a dram of the exclusive Bushmills Distillery Reserve 12 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey.
Day Seven
Time to enjoy this famous coastline, with its numerous castles, beaches, historic houses and quaint villages. Perhaps take a day trip to Rathlin Island, test your nerve on the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, drive the tortuous Torr Head road, wonder at the Giants Causeway, relax on the beach at Cushendun or gaze at the views from the Mussenden Temple.
Day Eight
Return Home.
Prices & Dates
This holiday is available from February to November 2012.
The price is £575 per person for holidays in February, March & November, £595 per person for April & October, £635 per person for May, June to September. Prices are based on two adults sharing a double or twin room for 7 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, including tours of the Jameson, Kilbeggan and Bushmills distilleries.
Travel to Ireland
We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland for this holiday.
The most convenient ferry routes are those from Holyhead to Dublin & Dun Laoghaire, and from Scotland to Belfast & Larne.
There are direct flight connections to Dublin & Belfast from many UK airports.
All our holidays include a map of Ireland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
