Cork: Rebel City Distillery Tour with Gin & Absinthe Tastings

Summary

Founder-led distillery tour in Cork’s historic docklands with gin and absinthe tastings

You’ll step into Cork’s old Ford Factory for a founder-led distillery tour at Rebel City—tasting their signature Maharani Gin and Ireland’s only absinthe along the way. Hear stories from locals, breathe in Indian spices, and sample spirits right where they’re made. It’s warm, lively, and you’ll leave with new flavors on your tongue—and maybe a few stories of your own.

What’s the experience like?

“We always say you can’t rush a good gin,” Robert grinned as he handed me a glass, the scent of cardamom and citrus already rising up before I even took a sip. I’d never been inside an old car factory before—never mind one that now smells like coriander instead of engine oil. The place still has these huge windows looking out over the River Lee, but inside it’s all copper stills and laughter echoing off brick walls. Our group was small, maybe eight of us, and Robert (the founder) seemed to know everyone in Cork by name—or at least acted like it.

I guess I expected something more polished or formal, but this felt more like being invited into someone’s kitchen—if their kitchen had vats of gin bubbling away. Bhagya told us about sourcing botanicals from Kerala, her home in India, and how Maharani Gin is named for strong women. She poured a neat measure for us to try—tiny glass, big flavor—and I swear I could taste pepper and something floral I couldn’t quite name. Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “Maharani” properly; probably butchered it.

Then came the absinthe. Ireland’s only one, apparently? It’s greenish and sharp and honestly not what I thought it would be—kind of herbal but not harsh. The whole thing lasted about an hour but didn’t feel rushed; we wandered between stories about Cork’s docklands history and jokes about failed gin experiments (Robert claims there were plenty). Walking back toward the city center after, the rain had stopped but everything smelled faintly sweet—maybe from the botanicals clinging to my jacket or maybe just my imagination. Either way, I still think about that first sip sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rebel City Distillery guided tour

• Walk to Rebel City Distillery
• Enjoy Gin and Tonic welcome drink
• Take guided distillery tour
• Learn about distillation process
• Taste Rebel City spirits

Top questions

How long does the Rebel City Distillery tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour.

Is Rebel City Distillery accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Where is Rebel City Distillery located in Cork?

It’s in Cork city’s historic dockland area in the old Ford Car Factory, about a 15-minute walk from the city centre.

What drinks are included on the tour?

You get a gin & tonic on arrival plus tastings of neat gin and neat absinthe.

Who leads the Rebel City Distillery tour?

The tour is led by one of the founders of Rebel City Distillery.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can attend if accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult's lap or ride in a stroller.

Is public transport available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the distillery.

What’s included

Your experience includes a guided founder-led tour through Rebel City Distillery with plenty of stories along the way. You’ll enjoy a full gin & tonic as well as tastings of both neat Maharani Gin and Ireland’s only absinthe before heading back into Cork city center—all within an hour or so.