Kilbeggan Distillery
Ireland's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, licensed in 1757, with a working waterwheel, steam engine and tastings for visitors.
Kilbeggan Distillery sits in the small town of Kilbeggan, about 35 km southeast of Athlone. It received its distilling licence in 1757 and is regarded as Ireland's oldest licensed distillery. The distillery went quiet in the mid-20th century but has since resumed small-scale production. Guided tours take you past the still-turning Brosna River waterwheel, old steam engines, copper stills and maturation warehouses, ending with a tasting of several whiskeys. Admission is charged, the tour takes about an hour, and advance booking is recommended in peak season. Drivers should note that you cannot drive after tasting, but you can ask for samples to be packed to take away.
Opening hours
About 10am–4pm (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Old Rail Trail Greenway
- Hill of Uisneach
- Clara Bog Nature Reserve
- Belvedere House & Gardens
- Lough Boora Discovery Park
- Corlea Trackway
- Sean's Bar
- Athlone Castle