Belfast: McConnell’s Distillery Tour & Whiskey Tasting

Summary

Wander the old gaol halls, taste whiskey right off the stills, hear belfast stories

You’ll walk Belfast’s Crumlin Road Gaol with a local guide, see how McConnell’s whisky is made right where history happened, and sample new make spirit plus two aged whiskies in their tasting room. Expect stories you won’t find online and maybe even leave with a bottle or two — it sticks with you longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

We walked through the old Crumlin Road Gaol entrance — not something I expected to do on a whiskey tour, honestly. The stone walls had this chill to them, and you could almost smell a mix of wood polish and something sweet from the distillery. Our guide, Jamie, grew up just down the road; he grinned at our group and started with a story about how McConnell’s Irish Whisky disappeared for decades before coming back to life right here in North Belfast. I tried to imagine what this place was like when it was still a prison — kind of wild that now there’s copper stills humming away where cells used to be.

Jamie walked us past these massive tanks and pipes (I barely understood half of it but he made it sound simple), explaining how they triple-distill everything. The best bit? He handed us a tiny glass of ‘new make’ — clear as water, straight from the stills. It burned but in a good way, almost grassy. There was this faint echo in the hallways while we sipped; someone joked about ghosts but honestly I was too busy trying not to cough. The tasting room itself felt warmer somehow, with old whiskey barrels stacked against brick walls and everyone loosening up after that first sip.

We tried McConnell’s 5 Year next (smoother than I expected) and then the Sherry Cask — which Jamie said was his favorite “for late nights”. I’m not sure if it was the whiskey or just being surrounded by all that history, but you could feel people relaxing into their chairs. Someone asked about Belfast’s distilling past and Jamie launched into another story — apparently his granddad worked at an old bottling plant nearby. Afterward we wandered through their shop (I picked up a little bottle for my dad) and sat in the café for coffee before heading out into the drizzle again. Still think about that first taste of ‘new make’, sharp as anything.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Distillery tour and whisky tasting

• Arrive at McConnell's Distillery
• Join guided tour of distillery
• Learn history of Belfast whisky brand
• Observe triple-distilled single malt process
• Taste welcome drink and whiskies
• Sample McConnell's 5 Year whisky
• Sample McConnell's Sherry Cask whisky
• Sample new make straight off stills
• Visit distillery shop and café
• Enjoy licensed bar after tour

Top questions

Is pickup included for the McConnell's Distillery tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests arrive at Crumlin Road Gaol on their own.

What whiskies are included in the tasting?

The tasting includes McConnell's 5 Year, McConnell's Sherry Cask, and 'new make' spirit straight from the stills.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join if accompanied by adults but must not participate in alcohol tastings.

How long does the distillery experience last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect enough time for a full tour plus tastings and optional café stop.

Can I use public transportation to reach McConnell's Distillery?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby.

Is there food available at McConnell's Distillery?

Yes, there is an all-day café onsite as well as a fully licensed bar after your tour.

Do I need to book in advance?

No specific info given, but booking ahead is recommended especially for tastings.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry to McConnell’s Distillery inside Crumlin Road Gaol, a guided behind-the-scenes tour led by a local guide, samples of ‘new make’ spirit plus both McConnell’s 5 Year and Sherry Cask whiskies during your tasting session. There’s also access to their shop, café, and bar if you want to linger after your tour ends.