Belfast Whisky Tasting McConnell's Distillery Award-Winning

Sample Belfast whisky the way it's made, right where it's distilled

McConnell's Distillery in Belfast is a guided tour and tasting experience where you sample three award-winning whiskies (the 5 Year Series, Sherry Cask finish, and new make spirit fresh from the stills) inside the restored A-Wing of Crumlin Road Gaol. The tour includes a welcome drink, insight into the distillation process and the brand's revival, and access to the shop and café. Children from age 10 are welcome. The experience runs about an hour and is fully wheelchair accessible.

The experience

The distillery occupies what was once a Victorian prison wing, transformed into what the operator calls the most atmospheric distillery setting in Ireland. You'll walk through the space on a guided tour that explains both how McConnell's whisky is made on site and the story of the brand itself: born in 1776 and now revived in Belfast after decades away. A guide leads you through the behind-the-scenes setup of the state-of-the-art stills and production areas.

The tasting is the core of the visit. You'll sample the 5 Year Series (the signature expression), the Sherry Cask finish, and new make: the raw spirit pulled straight off the stills that day. A welcome drink arrives when you check in. The whole experience sits inside the distillery building, so you're tasting in the same space where the whisky is actually produced, not in a separate tasting room elsewhere. After the tour, you can browse the shop or sit in the café and bar if you want to stay longer.

The tour runs about an hour. Children from age 10 can join. Younger children can come along in a pram or stroller. The space is fully wheelchair accessible, and public transport options are nearby if you're not driving. You'll need to be 18 or older to taste the alcoholic drinks. Anyone under that age can still do the tour and the welcome drink will be non-alcoholic instead.

What’s included

• A guided tour of the distillery production areas.
• three whisky tastings (5 Year Series, Sherry Cask finish, and new make straight off the stills).
• a welcome drink on arrival.
• insight into the distillation process and the history of McConnell's.
• access to the shop and café.

Options for this experience

2 options

Signature tour of McConnell's Distillery, without a tastingGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00

Signature tour of McConnell's Distillery, including a tastingGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 11:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience

Is this one for you?Book the tour with tasting if you want to sample the whisky as part of the full distillery experience. Choose the tour without tasting if you'd prefer to walk through the production space and learn the story without the alcohol component, or if you're under 18.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

How long does the McConnell's distillery tour take?

The tour and tasting experience runs for about an hour from start to finish, including the guided walk through the distillery and the three whisky samples.

What exactly do I get to taste at McConnell's?

You'll sample three expressions: the McConnell's 5 Year Series (the signature blend), the Sherry Cask finish, and new make. The unaged spirit straight off the stills on the day you visit. A welcome drink is included when you arrive.

Where exactly is McConnell's distillery located in Belfast?

McConnell's is set inside the restored A-Wing of Crumlin Road Gaol, a former Victorian prison that was transformed to house the distillery when it opened in 2024. Public transport options are available nearby.

Is the distillery accessible if I use a wheelchair?

Yes, the entire distillery is fully wheelchair accessible, including all areas, surfaces and the tour route itself. Transportation options to reach the venue are also wheelchair accessible.

What's included in the tour, and what costs extra?

The tour includes the guided experience, the three whisky tastings, a welcome drink, and access to the shop and café. Food, snacks, and any additional drinks or purchases from the bar are separate and not included.