Irish Distillers has today announced the opening of its redeveloped Irish whiskey experience in Midleton, Co. Cork. The rebranded Midleton Distillery Experience was officially opened today by Tánaiste, Micheál Martin.
The visitor centre has undergone an extensive multi-million-euro redevelopment, and has been transformed into a new world-class, multi-sensory Irish whiskey experience in advance of the 200-year anniversary of Midleton Distillery in 2025.
The redeveloped site has the potential to welcome more than 200,000 domestic and international visitors to the East Cork region annually and will further cement Midleton’s reputation as a world-class whiskey destination.
The new Midleton Distillery Experience will offer visitors from Ireland and around the world the opportunity to explore more about the past, present, and future of Irish whiskey production at Midleton Distillery. The experience brings together all of Irish Distillers’ whiskey brands including Jameson, the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey, Redbreast, Midleton Very Rare, Powers, The Spot Whiskeys, Method and Madness and Knappogue Castle.
The upgraded tourist attraction features new and immersive whiskey tours, tastings, and experiences incorporating all seven of Irish Distillers’ whiskey brands as well as an immersive auditorium, modern retail facilities, whiskey tasting and cocktail making rooms, a newly built café, and new workspaces.
Conservation and restoration of existing structures and features was central to the redevelopment as many of the original distillery buildings date back to 1794. Every effort was made to restore and improve the buildings, marrying the old with the new. Contractors made improvements and upgrades to preserve the fabric of the historic buildings using like-for-like materials whilst embracing modern construction techniques. This has resulted in a unique visitor experience that encapsulates the history and heritage of Midleton Distillery, in a beautiful, state-of-the-art modern experience.
Commenting on the opening of the Midleton Distillery Experience, Tánaiste, Micheál Martin said: “Today is a very significant day for tourism in the region as the newly redeveloped Midleton Distillery Experience officially opens. There is no doubt this this redeveloped experience will further serve to attract both domestic and international visitors in the years to come, supporting jobs in the region and building on Midleton’s long-established reputation as a tourism destination. I am delighted to officially open the redevelopment today.”
