Ballina Whiskey Distillery Tours and Tastings

What to Expect

Ballina Whiskey, formerly Connacht Whiskey Company, distils on the banks of the River Moy in Ballina, inside a restored former bakery fitted with three custom copper pot stills built to the distillery’s own specifications in British Columbia. The guided tour covers the grain-to-glass process behind the triple-distilled single malt, explaining how the water drawn from the Moy and the shape of the stills shape the finished spirit. The tour also takes in the wider portfolio, which includes gin, poitin and vodka alongside the whiskey, before finishing with a personalised guided tasting and time to browse the distillery shop. It suits whiskey enthusiasts, visitors working through a Wild Atlantic Way food and drink trail, or anyone curious about a small, working Irish distillery rather than a large commercial operation. Because tours run by appointment in relatively small groups, there is generally room for questions during the visit rather than a fixed scripted walk-through. It sits alongside Mescan Brewery near Westport as one of the anchors of Mayo’s small but growing craft drinks scene, so the two make a natural pairing for anyone touring the county’s producers rather than just its scenery.

Good to Know

• Visitor centre open Monday to Friday, 10:30am to 5:00pm
• Tours run by appointment; book ahead through the distillery
• Covers whiskey, gin, poitin and vodka production, ending with a guided tasting
• Distillery shop on site for bottles and merchandise
• Phone: +353 (0)96 74902
• Price: paid tour, see website or call to confirm current pricing

Getting There

Ballina Whiskey sits on the River Moy within walking distance of Ballina town centre. Ballina has its own railway station on the Dublin-Ballina line via Manulla Junction, and Bus Éireann serves the town from Castlebar, Sligo and Dublin.

While You’re in Ballina

Ballina is Mayo’s largest town, known for salmon fishing on the Moy, with riverside walks close to the distillery. There is more to see in Ballina and across Co. Mayo.