Raise a Glass to Ireland’s New Whiskey Trail
Special to Road Trips for Foodies
By Discover Ireland
History, heritage and ‘a drop in your hand’ of the finest whiskey in the world combine in one of the Emerald isle’s newest visitor attractions – The Ireland Whiskey Trail.
Created by internationally-recognized Irish whiskey expert, Heidi Donelon, this free touring guide takes whiskey lovers across the island to discover the finest Irish pubs, hotels, whiskey shops and distilleries.
The trail features nearly 40 different places, ranging from the famous Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin, to less well known whiskey emporiums such as Fairhill House Hotel in Connemara, which boasts a stock of over 170 different whiskies.
First stop for the whiskey connoisseur is the website, where a free touring map in English, French or German, as well as discount vouchers, can be downloaded.
Heidi Donelon says: “The trail is a great way for people to smell, see, taste, talk and capture the story and magic of Irish whiskey, while discovering the heart of Ireland through the Irish characters they will inevitably meet in the pubs and bars across the island.”
“Each venue in the trail has been personally selected by me. It is a great touring guide for whiskey lovers, but also for anyone who wants to find that perfect Irish pub during their trip, whether they are whiskey drinkers or not.”
“Some of these pubs are the last links to old and forgotten distilleries. These are not just great whiskey pubs, but also some of the very best traditional Irish pubs in the country.”
As well as the in-depth tour guide, the Ireland Whiskey Trail website gives information about the history of Irish whiskey, insight into the difference between brands, Irish Coffee and whiskey recipes and details of whiskey tasting events.
The Irish are credited with inventing whiskey, called uisce beatha in Gaelic, which translates as ‘water of life’.
For 1,500 years it has warmed the hearts of the Irish and their guests and today it is a worldwide success with sales of brands such as Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew and Kilbeggan increasing at an unparalleled rate.
(Photo courtesy of Tourism Ireland)
