Irish whiskey, "Uisce Betha" in traditional Gaelic (meaning water of life) has been distilled on the fair isle of Ireland since the middle ages. It was once the most popular spirit in the world with Dublin alone producing over 10 million gallons per annum. Although a decline in the early 1900s forced the closure of most of the great whiskey distilleries of Ireland a massive resurgence in popularity in modern times has allowed some to reopen and even more new distilleries to flourish. Today you can tour many of these wonderful Irish Whiskey distilleries and hear how this fine Irish "aqua vitae" is produced and of course sample some of its rare and wonderful flavours.
Discover Ireland Tours, the number one Destination Management Company (DMC) in Ireland have been helping plan leisure and special interest tour itineraries for the 35 years. In the tour business since 1989 our experience and knowledge is unmatched. With this in mind we have put together a small summary of the most popular and interesting tour stop ideas and also some of our personal favourites. Our catalogue of tour ideas ranges far beyond what is found here and will certainly contain something to match your clients needs. Contact us today to see what we can do for you!
Located in Midleton county Cork, the Jameson experience and distillery is home to the best selling Irish Whiskey in the world. Originally established in Dublin in 1810 by John Jameson and his son (also John) this world renowned whiskey is now produced in Cork using barley sourced from a radius of 50km or less around the distillery.
A decline in sales due to the Irish war of Independence and also the American prohibition caused a huge decline in sales but the company managed to struggle on and is now stronger than ever. A tour of the Jameson Experience in Middleton country Cork is a must for any itinerary for whiskey tours in Ireland. Contact us today to add this to your clients tour.
With close to a million cases a year sold around the world Tullamore Dew is the second most popular Irish Whiskey on the planet. First established in 1829 in Tullamore, County Offaly the Tullamore Dew distillery closed in 1954 from which point it was produced in Cork. It is now once again back in its home town after a break of 60 years and stronger than ever.
Located in the heartlands of Ireland the The Tullamore Dew visitors centre opened its doors in 2012 and now runs tours and tastings all year round. To sample the fine flavours of this most Irish of Irish Whiskeys. Located in a former bonded warehouse of the original distillery the visitors centre is the perfect stop a whiskey tour of Ireland.
Founded in 1757 the storied history of this distillery follows the fate of so many of the great early Irish Whiskey producers. It closed its doors in 1954 due to the economic climate of post civil war Ireland. Nearly 250 years after it first opened it started production again in 2007 and is once again producing some of the most flavoursome whiskeys in Ireland.
Today the visitors centre located in the original distillery building and housing the original pot stills from the 1800's (one of which is sill in use in the new distillery making it the oldest operational pot still in the world). It is a thriving stop on the Irish Whiskey tour circuit. Contact us today to see what we can do for you and your clients on a whiskey tour of Ireland.
First licenced in 1608 the Bushmills distillery located in the far north of Ireland in County Antrim. Every bottle of Bushmills Irish whiskey is made from water drawn from a tributary of the River Bush. This along with being in near continuous production since 1885 has made Bushmills one of the pre-eminent Irish Whiskeys of our times.
The Bushmills Visitors centre located in the Distillery (which is only a stones throw away from the famous Giants Causeway in County Antrim) has become a famous attraction in its own right. A full tour of the Distillery and Visitors centre detailing the production and history of Bushmills (along with a tasting) makes this a great stop on the Irish Whiskey Trail.
At Pearse Lyons Distillery, whiskey is only part of their story. Whether you are an intrepid whiskey enthusiast, culturally curious or just an inquisitive Dubliner, you are sure to enjoy a journey through 800 years of history at St. James with their local storytellers. They are open 7 days a week and is a 5 minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse.
Their fully guided distillery tour gives an insight into the whiskey heritage and stories behind the iconic Dublin district known as The Liberties. Visitors can also touch, taste and smell every step of the distilling process, meet with their distillers and taste their signature Pearse Irish Whiskey.
A relative newcomer to the Irish Whiskey market but with a strong family history in the Whiskey Business this Dublin based Distillery has won numerous awards since opening their doors. Their visitors centre and tours of the Distillery are a pleasant stop on any tour of Ireland.
Located right in the centre of Dublin the Irish Whiskey Museum offers comprehensive tours and presentations on the history and culture of Irish Whiskey production including tastings and appreciation courses. You even get to blend your own whiskey to take away!
With their first whiskeys coming on the market in 2016 the Dingle Distillery is definitely the youngest distillery on our list. This "artisan" style distillery is located on the beautiful Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Tours of this distillery are available year round.
We also offer Special Interest Tours of Ireland, which include Agricultural Tours, Performance Tours, Faith Based Tours, Student Tours and Incentive Travel to Ireland to name just a few.
What we can add to your Irish whiskey tour today?
Fancy a tour of the Scottish Highlands to round off the trip? Perhaps a visit to some of the famous Scotch distilleries? Ireland and Scotland have a shared history and culture so it only makes sense to visit while you are here.
Our high standards extend across the sea so by working with our expert partners we can also arrange Multi-Country Tours to Scotland, Wales and England. Contact us today to see what we can do for you!
We will be in touch shortly.
If you already have an itinerary in mind then let us quote, and your clients can take advantage of the great rates we get at the accommodations and attractions all across Ireland.
Or we can design the ideal itinerary for your clients. Every itinerary we design is unique, and starts with a conversation with you so we can fully understand the needs of your group. Specialist visits required? Not a problem at all, our range of contacts is unrivalled in the industry and we are uniquely positioned to provide custom special interest tours of Ireland.
As soon as your guests arrive in Ireland, we take over and look after the accommodation, logistics, entertainment and well-being of your group. Your very own authentic and knowledgeable Irish Driver-Guide or Expert Tour Manager is always on hand to provide information about the attractions and local flavour. Always friendly and approachable, your group will have plenty of 'craic' with your professional guide. Your clients are in good hands.
These are your guests. We will brand everything with your name, with us hidden in entirely in the background. Our aim is to make sure they cannot thank you enough for such a great Irish Experience.
The first thing is to get in touch and let us know what you are thinking of. Perhaps we can help with suggestions, ideas, and rough expectations of costs too.
Let us know what you'd like, and we'll get an exact itinerary together for you. Be as exact or general as you like. If you already know the itinerary you'd like then just let us know, we can arrange it all for you. Less hassle for you, and better rates for your clients due to the great rates we enjoy with attractions and accommodations across Ireland.
We are experts in all things Ireland, so if you'd like us to suggest and plan for your clients please just ask. Everything from leisure tours to technical special interest tours, we can use our expertise to create the perfect itinerary, whatever your groups needs.
We'll make sure your clients enjoy the perfect tour & a truly seamless experience whilst in Ireland.
We operate completely in the background on your customized tour. They are your clients, and they'll receive wonderful service with a the tour that's branded in your name.
Historic Castles & Luxury Manor Houses, three, four & five star Hotels or quaint B&B's and Farmhouses. Our contacts and friends are all over the country and we can provide accommodation to suit all. The buying power we have ensures the best prices for you and your guests. Our accommodation options are flexible and customizable, we can work with you to design a unique tour with lodgings tailored to your needs.
Our Hotel selection can be customised to you and your clients budget. From lively and centrally located to historic, quaint or secluded.
Ireland is steeped in history. We have the contacts to provide access to some of the finest Castles & Manors in the country.
If your guests want to get close to real Ireland, then quaint B&B's & Farmhouses that dot the countryside are available.
Popular on our student and educational tours of Ireland, hostels and homestays offer a unique cultural experience as well as a great value option.
We can arrange entry or access to all of Ireland's attractions and are always available to recommend attractions for you and your clients itinerary.
As special interest tour suppliers we can provide tours for any age or interest group, have a look at our customisable special interest tours and see what tours we can offer.
Organising special interest tours has not only made us experts in technical and niche tours but has also made us superior when it comes to providing Leisure Tours in Ireland.
From private cars to large coaches, and everything in between, we can provide the ideal vehicle or vehicles for your group. Many vehicles feature tinted windows, guest fridges, air conditioning and leather seats. Should you require something extra-luxurious please just ask.
Our driver-guides have a pristine record of ensuring the guests' safety, comfort and entertainment, and it is their desire to bring fulfilment to all members of your group that set us apart from other DMC's in Ireland. Many vehicles have been downsized, giving your clients extra legroom and comfort.
Our Driver-Guides and Tour Managers are passionate about Ireland, its heritage, and its people. Always on hand to give your clients the inside track on what is the best place for a pint of Guinness or to let you know about the seldom seen gems of Ireland.
As a leading Irish DMC we don't do "off-the-shelf" tours of Ireland, all our itineraries our fully customized to each unique group and every itinerary starts with a conversation with you.
From budget to 5 star luxury, contemporary to historic, Ireland has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all groups. We provide the best options at the best rates.
Engaging and highly knowledgeable, our expert-driver guides & tour managers will bring the vibrant history and culture of Ireland to life for your group.
Historic, cultural, iconic, expansive, vibrant; the range and variety of things to see in Ireland is quite incredible. We will plan and arrange everything here to bring the best of Ireland to your group.
Our large range of vehicles, from private cars for two 2 to large coaches for groups of 100+, offer superior comfort for your clients as they journey into Ireland's past and present.
As a leading business-to-business inbound tour operator, our job is to make your clients very happy. With everything branded in your name, our aim is to ensure your clients are extremely satisfied and return to you for their next tour.
Operating since 1989, we are the leading Irish destination management company, with unrivalled local knowledge. From the iconic sights to the unknown gems, we are your experts for all things Ireland.
Our scale and supplier relationships give us excellent purchasing power, giving your clients the very best rates. Booking through us is not only wonderfully easy, but also better value that booking hotels and attractions direct.
After 35 years in business our contacts throughout Ireland are industry-leading, including a huge range of specialist options for niche tours.
We are a business-to-business Irish inbound tour operator, and your clients will only see your name. Our aim is to give your clients the best possible experience, giving you the repeat business.
As your one-stop solution for everything Ireland, you can relax. Our expertise is here to plan and deliver everything for you and your clients. If you already have an idea of the itinerary then let us quote, and if you would like us to design one for you, well that's what we're here for.
35 years in business and the reputation as Ireland's leading ground handling agent have not come from nothing. Get in touch today and let us show you what we can do.
Tell us your ideas for Leisure and Vacation Tours?
We also offer Leisure Tours all across Ireland North and South.
