Dingle Distillery, Dingle (must see)

Dingle Distillery is an esteemed Irish whiskey distillery located in the picturesque town of Dingle, on the outskirts of Milltown. Established in 2012, the distillery prides itself on being an 'artisan' distillery, focused on crafting high-quality spirits with a touch of traditional craftsmanship.

Situated in a converted sawmill in the heart of a Gaeltacht, an Irish-speaking region, Dingle Distillery exudes a unique charm and character. The distillery's location in such a culturally rich area adds to the authenticity and heritage of its spirits.

After years of meticulous craftsmanship and dedication, Dingle Distillery released its first batch of whiskeys in late 2016. This marked a significant milestone for the distillery, as it became the first independent Irish distillery in several decades to release a single pot still whiskey. This achievement showcased the distillery's commitment to reviving traditional whiskey-making techniques and its passion for innovation within the industry.

The vision for Dingle Distillery was spearheaded by Oliver Hughes, a co-founder of the renowned Porterhouse brewing and restaurant group. Hughes's passion and expertise in the beverage industry laid the foundation for the distillery's success. Tragically, Hughes passed away, but his legacy lives on through the exceptional spirits produced at Dingle Distillery.

The distillery itself was converted from the Fitzgerald sawmill, a historic establishment that has been transformed into a haven for whiskey production. The transformation was completed in 2012, and the distillery opened its doors on November 29th of that year. This conversion project not only brought a new dimension to the sawmill but also created employment opportunities, with at least 25 jobs initially and more expected with the launch of a visitors' center.

One of the distinctive aspects of Dingle Distillery is its custom-designed copper pot stills, which were expertly crafted by John McDougall. These stills play a vital role in the distillation process, allowing the master distillers at Dingle to create spirits of exceptional quality and character.

In addition to their exquisite whiskey, Dingle Distillery also produces and markets Dingle vodka and Dingle Gin. These spirits reflect the same attention to detail, craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence that are synonymous with the distillery's name.