Northern Ireland's craft beverage scene has undergone a renaissance over the past decade. What started with the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery at Bushmills has expanded into a thriving landscape of new distilleries producing award-winning spirits and craft breweries that rival anywhere in Ireland or the UK. As someone who's spent years exploring rural pubs and meeting local producers across Counties Antrim, Armagh, and Down, I've watched this transformation with genuine excitement.
This isn't just about tourism - though visitors increasingly plan trips around distillery tours and brewery taprooms. This is about Northern Ireland reclaiming its place in Irish spirits history while simultaneously building a craft beer culture from scratch. The quality is exceptional, the passion is authentic, and the experiences - from barrel-aged whiskey tastings to brewery-fresh IPAs - rival anything you'll find across the water.
Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur planning a dedicated spirits trail, a craft beer enthusiast hunting down limited releases, or simply curious about what we're producing here, this guide covers everything you need to know about Northern Ireland's distilleries, breweries, and the best pubs to experience them.
The Northern Ireland Whiskey & Spirits Renaissance
Irish whiskey's global popularity has exploded in recent years, and Northern Ireland is reclaiming its historical role in that story. While Old Bushmills has operated continuously since 1608, new distilleries have emerged across the region, each bringing distinct character and innovation to traditional craft.
What makes Northern Irish spirits distinctive is our access to exceptional ingredients - pure water from mountain springs, locally grown barley, and in some cases, unique botanicals foraged from coastal areas and inland forests. The newer distilleries combine traditional copper pot still methods with modern innovation, producing spirits that honor heritage while pushing boundaries.
Simultaneously, our craft beer scene has grown from virtually nothing fifteen years ago to a vibrant industry with breweries operating across all six counties. Belfast's East Belfast has become a genuine brewery district, while rural areas have seen farm-based breweries emerge, often incorporating locally grown ingredients.
Historic Distilleries: The Whiskey Trail
Old Bushmills Distillery
Old Bushmills Distillery £££
Location: Bushmills, County Antrim (Causeway Coast) | Tours: Daily, advance booking essential | Duration: 75 minutes
The jewel in Northern Ireland's whiskey crown and the world's oldest licensed distillery, operating since 1608. Located in the village of Bushmills on the stunning Causeway Coast, this working distillery combines heritage with exceptional visitor experiences. The standard tour takes you through the entire process - malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation - before finishing with a guided tasting of their signature single malts and blends.
What to try: The Bushmills 10 Year Old showcases their signature smooth, honeyed character. The Black Bush blend is exceptional value. For serious enthusiasts, the 16 and 21 Year Old single malts demonstrate complex maturation in sherry casks.
Tours & Pricing: Standard tours cost around £12-15 and run hourly. Premium experiences (£25-40) include extended tastings, access to limited releases, and food pairings. The distillery shop stocks exclusive bottlings not available elsewhere.
Visitor Tip: Book tours at least a week ahead during summer and weekends. The 10am or 11am slots are quietest. Combine with visiting Giant's Causeway (2 miles away) for a perfect North Coast day. Check our complete Bushmills guide for full details.
Echlinville Distillery
Echlinville Distillery ££
Location: Newtownards, County Down (Ards Peninsula) | Tours: Thursday-Sunday, booking required | Duration: 60-90 minutes
Northern Ireland's first new distillery in over 125 years when it opened in 2013, Echlinville operates from a working farm on the Ards Peninsula. They produce everything from grain to bottle on-site - growing their own barley, malting it in their own maltings, and distilling both whiskey and gin in traditional copper pot stills. This field-to-bottle approach is virtually unique in Ireland.
What to try: Their Dunville Irish Whiskey has won multiple international awards. The Echlinville gin range features locally foraged botanicals including kelp from Strangford Lough. They also produce potato vodka from Ulster-grown potatoes - unusual and excellent.
Tours & Pricing: Standard tours (£15) include tastings. Extended experiences (£35-50) feature food pairings and access to cask-strength releases. The farm setting makes this particularly appealing - you see the barley fields alongside the stills.
Getting There: About 30 minutes from Belfast. Combine with exploring the scenic Ards Peninsula and staying in nearby Portaferry or Strangford.
Belfast Distillery Company
Belfast Distillery Company ££
Location: East Belfast | Tours: Weekend tours, gin schools available | Duration: 60 minutes
Belfast's modern craft distillery brings spirits production back to the city after decades of absence. While their whiskey is still maturing (Irish whiskey requires minimum three years aging), they've built reputation on exceptional gins and hosting innovative gin-making experiences. The distillery occupies a converted industrial space in East Belfast's growing food and drink quarter.
What to try: Their flagship Belfast Gin uses local botanicals. Seasonal releases showcase ingredients like Armagh apples or County Down honey. The gin schools (£75-95 per person) let you create your own gin blend to take home - genuinely fun and educational.
Whiskey Coming Soon: Their first whiskey releases are due in 2025-2026. Early cask samples suggest something special - watch this space.
Craft Breweries: The Beer Scene
Northern Ireland's craft beer explosion happened later than England's or the Republic's, but when it arrived, it arrived with quality. From farmhouse breweries to urban taprooms, we now produce everything from classic IPAs to experimental barrel-aged stouts.
County Down Breweries
Whitewater Brewery ££
Location: Kilkeel, County Down (Mourne Mountains) | Taproom: Friday-Sunday | Tours: By arrangement
One of Northern Ireland's pioneering craft breweries, established in 1996 when "craft beer" barely existed here. Based at the foot of the Mourne Mountains with water sourced from mountain springs, Whitewater produces a core range of excellent beers widely available across NI pubs and off-licenses. Their Belfast Ale is the gateway beer that converted many locals to craft beer.
Beers to try: Belfast Ale (amber ale, perfectly balanced), Clotworthy Dobbin (IPA with citrus notes), Maggie's Leap (hoppy pale ale). Seasonal releases include barrel-aged stouts and experimental hop-forward beers.
Taproom: The weekend taproom showcases fresh beer direct from tanks alongside limited releases. Food trucks often attend. The mountain setting is spectacular.
Farmageddon Brewing ££
Location: Comber, County Down | Taproom: Friday-Sunday | Special Events: Regular tap takeovers
True farmhouse brewery operating from a working farm outside Comber. Farmageddon brings serious brewing credentials - the head brewer trained at respected UK craft breweries before returning home. Their beers lean American-style craft - big hoppy IPAs, New England pale ales, and creative stouts. Quality is consistently excellent, and they're not afraid to experiment.
Beers to try: Their core IPA showcases American hops beautifully. Seasonal double IPAs and barrel-aged imperial stouts sell out quickly. The taproom often features one-off experimental batches unavailable elsewhere.
North Coast Breweries
Lacada Brewery ££
Location: Portrush, County Antrim (Causeway Coast) | Taproom: Check seasonal hours
Portrush's craft brewery brings excellent beer to the tourist-heavy Causeway Coast. Lacada's location makes it perfect for post-beach or post-Giant's Causeway pints. Their beers reflect the coastal location - crisp, refreshing styles suited to seaside drinking alongside more adventurous seasonal releases.
Beers to try: The Lacada Pale Ale is an easy-drinking gateway to craft beer. Their IPAs showcase modern hop varieties. Summer sees fruit-infused sours perfect for beach days.
Belfast Breweries
Boundary Brewing ££
Location: East Belfast (Newtownards Road) | Taproom: Thursday-Sunday | Tours: Saturday afternoons
One of Belfast's best craft breweries, Boundary operates from East Belfast's emerging brewery district. Their taproom has become a destination - industrial-chic space, communal tables, rotating food trucks, and exceptional beer fresh from the tanks. Weekend tours offer behind-the-scenes access followed by tastings. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming - this is where Belfast's craft beer community gathers.
Beers to try: Their core IPA and pale ale are excellent gateways. Seasonal releases push boundaries - barrel-aged stouts, sour beers, experimental hop combinations. The taproom-only releases are often the most interesting.
Brewery District: Several other breweries operate within walking distance - make an afternoon of East Belfast's brewing scene.
Hilden Brewery ££
Location: Lisburn (just outside Belfast) | Taproom & Restaurant: Wednesday-Sunday
Ireland's oldest independent brewery, established 1981 - decades before "craft beer" became fashionable. Hilden pioneered real ale in Northern Ireland when everything was mass-market lager. Today they combine traditional brewing methods with modern styles. The brewery operates from a beautiful courtyard setting with taproom and restaurant serving food designed to pair with their beers.
Beers to try: Hilden Ale is the historic flagship - traditional Irish red ale done properly. Their porter and seasonal stouts showcase darker beer expertise. The taproom features experimental small-batch releases.
Best Pubs for Craft Beer
Beyond brewery taprooms, several pubs across Northern Ireland have embraced craft beer culture with excellent selections and knowledgeable staff.
Belfast
The Sunflower Public House (Union Street) - Belfast's original craft beer pub, 15+ rotating taps, excellent pizza, relaxed atmosphere. This is craft beer central.
The Points Whiskey & Alehouse (Victoria Square) - Combines 200+ Irish whiskeys with excellent craft beer selection. Upscale atmosphere, knowledgeable staff.
Hercules Brewing Company Taproom (Cathedral Quarter) - Brewery-fresh beer in industrial taproom setting. Popular with after-work crowds, weekend brewery tours available.
Derry-Londonderry
Walled City Brewery - Derry's craft brewery with attached taproom and restaurant. Full range of house beers plus guest taps, food menu designed for beer pairings.
Across the Counties
Traditional rural pubs increasingly stock local craft beers alongside Guinness and standard lagers. Ask at village pubs in Counties Down, Antrim, and Armagh - many now feature at least one local craft option. This trend reflects growing local pride in Northern Irish brewing.
Irish Whiskey vs. Scotch: Understanding the Difference
If you're new to whiskey, understanding what makes Irish whiskey distinctive helps appreciate what you're tasting:
Spelling: Irish whiskey (with an 'e'), Scotch whisky (without). This alone tells you the origin.
Distillation: Irish whiskey is typically triple-distilled (three times through the stills) versus Scotch's usual double distillation. This creates smoother, lighter spirit.
Peat: Most Irish whiskey is unpeated - no smoky peat flavor. Scotch, especially from Islay, often features heavy peat smoke. This makes Irish whiskey generally more approachable for beginners.
Ingredients: Both use malted barley, but Irish whiskey often includes unmalted barley in blends, creating distinctive creamy texture.
Aging: Both require minimum three years in oak barrels. The character develops from the barrels - bourbon casks create vanilla sweetness, sherry casks add dried fruit complexity.
Flavor Profile: Irish whiskey tends toward smooth, sweet, vanilla, honey, and orchard fruit notes. Scotch varies widely but often features heavier malt, grain, and sometimes smoke.
Creating Your Whiskey & Beer Trail Route
Planning a dedicated drinks trail requires some strategy to maximize experiences while maintaining responsible drinking practices.
The Causeway Coast Whiskey & Gin Route (1-2 Days)
Day 1: Start at Old Bushmills Distillery (morning tour), explore Bushmills village and grab lunch, visit Giant's Causeway (2 miles), afternoon at Lacada Brewery in Portrush (taproom beers), dinner and overnight in Portrush or Bushmills.
Day 2: Explore Causeway Coast attractions, visit craft shops and scenic spots, evening traditional music session in coastal pub.
The County Down Distillery & Brewery Trail (1-2 Days)
Day 1: Echlinville Distillery tour (book morning slot), lunch in Newtownards, explore Ards Peninsula coastal scenery, overnight in Portaferry or Newcastle.
Day 2: Morning visit to Whitewater Brewery taproom in Kilkeel (weekend only), afternoon exploring Mourne Mountains, evening at Farmageddon Brewing in Comber if timing works.
The Belfast Craft Beer Experience (1 Day)
Afternoon: East Belfast brewery district - Boundary Brewing taproom and tours, walk to nearby breweries, sample multiple taprooms.
Evening: City center craft beer pubs - The Sunflower, The Points, Hercules Taproom. All within walking distance in Cathedral Quarter and surrounding areas.
Where to Buy Bottles to Take Home
Taking Northern Irish spirits and craft beer home makes excellent souvenirs and gifts.
Distillery Shops: All distilleries sell their full range plus exclusive bottlings not available elsewhere. Prices are often better than retail, and staff offer expert advice.
Specialist Off-Licenses: Belfast has several excellent whiskey and craft beer shops. The Vineyard (multiple locations) stocks comprehensive local selections. Direct Wine Shipments specializes in craft beer.
Brewery Shops: Many breweries sell bottles and cans direct. Prices are usually better than pubs, and you'll find limited releases.
Airport: Belfast International and Belfast City airports stock major Northern Irish whiskey brands in duty-free, though selection is limited compared to visiting distilleries directly.
Food Pairings with Whiskey & Craft Beer
Northern Irish food pairs beautifully with our drinks. Many restaurants and pubs now offer dedicated pairings.
Whiskey Pairings: Irish whiskey's smoothness pairs excellently with smoked salmon, aged Irish cheeses, traditional wheaten bread with local honey, and rich desserts like bread pudding. Bushmills and chocolate is a classic combination.
Craft Beer Pairings: IPAs cut through rich, fatty foods - perfect with fish and chips or burgers. Stouts pair classically with oysters from Strangford Lough. Pale ales complement grilled fish and lighter dishes. Many restaurants across Northern Ireland now feature local beer pairing menus.
Festival Dates & Special Events
Whiskey Live Belfast: Annual whiskey festival (typically November) featuring tastings from distilleries across Ireland and Scotland, masterclasses, and rare bottlings.
Belfast Beer Week: Week-long celebration (usually June) with brewery events, tap takeovers, and special releases across Belfast pubs and breweries.
Brewery Open Days: Many breweries host seasonal open days with tours, tastings, food trucks, and live music. Follow breweries on social media for announcements.
Distillery Special Events: Bushmills and Echlinville host seasonal tasting events, whiskey dinners, and release parties for limited editions.
Practical Tips: Booking Tours & Prices
Booking Advance: Book distillery tours 1-2 weeks ahead for summer and weekends, especially Bushmills. Brewery taprooms generally don't require booking except for formal tours.
Tour Prices: Standard distillery tours run £12-20 per person. Premium experiences with extended tastings cost £30-50. Brewery tours are often cheaper (£10-15) or free with taproom purchases.
Duration: Distillery tours typically last 60-90 minutes including tastings. Brewery tours are shorter (45-60 minutes). Factor in time browsing shops and enjoying taprooms - the full experience often takes 2-3 hours.
Age Restrictions: Under-18s can attend some distillery tours but cannot taste alcohol. Brewery taprooms are typically 18+ only. Check individual policies when booking.
Group Bookings: Most distilleries and breweries welcome groups and offer private tour options. Contact directly for group rates and customized experiences.
Final Thoughts: Raising a Glass to Quality
What excites me most about Northern Ireland's whiskey and craft beer renaissance is the authenticity. These aren't corporate operations producing for mass markets - they're passionate producers crafting exceptional drinks while maintaining connection to place and community. The Bushmills distillery workers I've met take genuine pride in their centuries of heritage. The craft brewers I know personally often started as homebrewers who turned passion into profession.
When you tour these distilleries and breweries, you're not just tasting whiskey or beer - you're experiencing Northern Ireland's evolving identity. We're confident enough now to celebrate our traditions while innovating fearlessly. The quality speaks for itself, recognized increasingly in international awards and growing export markets.
Whether you spend a day touring Bushmills and drinking craft pints in Portrush, or dedicate a long weekend to exploring breweries across Belfast and County Down, you'll discover something special. The drinks are world-class, the experiences are genuine, and the people you'll meet - from master distillers to taproom staff - embody Northern Irish hospitality at its best.
Plan your route, book your tours, designate your driver, and discover why Northern Ireland's whiskey and craft beer scene rivals anywhere globally. Sláinte!
For more information, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's food and drink scene and find accommodation near distilleries and breweries.