Leitrim: Shed Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting with Local Guide

Summary

Curious spirits and real stories inside Shed Distillery Leitrim

You’ll step into Leitrim’s Shed Distillery for an honest look behind the scenes—smell botanicals in the air, taste Drumshanbo whiskey with your guide, and finish with gin at the Honey Badger bar. Kids get their own curious journey too. It’s not just about drinks; you’ll feel part of something local and quietly special.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the faint, earthy smell—something between dried herbs and old wood. Our guide, Aisling, waved us in with a grin that made me feel like we were about to hear a secret. The Shed Distillery sits just outside Drumshanbo, but it feels miles from anywhere familiar. I kept glancing at the copper stills; they almost looked alive under the soft lights. There was this moment when Aisling paused by a barrel and tapped it gently—she said, “That’s where the magic waits,” and honestly, I believed her.

I’d heard about Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin before (my cousin swears by it), but tasting it right there in the glasshouse bar was different. The tonic fizzed up and caught some of the botanicals on my tongue—citrusy but also something floral I couldn’t quite name. Someone next to me tried to guess all the flavors; I just laughed because I was still thinking about how PJ Rigney apparently traveled half the world looking for ingredients. There’s a story behind every bottle here, you can tell.

Kids were running around on their own little tour—one of them tried to pronounce “Drumshanbo” and nearly got it right (better than I did). For non-drinkers or drivers, they handed out these botanical mocktails that smelled like fresh lemon balm. The whole place is wheelchair accessible too, which you don’t always see in older buildings around Ireland. We finished at the Honey Badger bar with one last sip of whiskey—warm, a bit spicy—and then just sat for a minute watching rain streak down the glasshouse roof. Not sure why that part stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Shed Distillery and tastings

• Arrive at Shed Distillery
• Join fully guided distillery tour
• Learn about Drumshanbo spirits
• Enjoy expert whiskey tasting
• Sample Drumshanbo Gin and Tonic
• Relax at Honey Badger bar

Top questions

Is the Shed Distillery tour in Leitrim suitable for children?

Yes, under 18s are welcome and will have their own curious journey during the tour. All children must be accompanied by at least one paying adult.

Are non-drinkers or designated drivers included in tastings?

Yes, non-drinkers and designated drivers can sample a Curious Botanical Mocktail instead of alcoholic drinks.

Is the Shed Distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, including transportation options nearby.

What drinks are included on this distillery tour?

The tour includes an expert tasting of Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and a Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin & Tonic at the Honey Badger bar.

Where is Shed Distillery located?

The Shed Distillery is located in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland.

How long has Shed Distillery been operating?

Shed Distillery is the first distillery in Connacht in over 101 years.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the experience.

Can infants join this distillery tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

Your visit includes guided tastings of Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey led by one of their curious ambassadors, followed by a Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin & Tonic served at the Honey Badger bar inside their botanical glasshouse. Non-drinkers can enjoy a botanical mocktail instead—and everyone gets to hear stories from local guides along the way.