Irish Whiskey Museum

About the museum

The Irish Whiskey Museum opened on Grafton Street in 2014, opposite the main entrance of Trinity College. It is run as an Irish family business, part of the EI Travel Group, and it describes itself as independent of all distilleries so that it can tell the history of Irish whiskey without a brand agenda. It is a museum and not a working distillery.

Visits are by guided tour only, in English, and last about an hour. Guides lead small groups through the story of Irish whiskey, from the influence of Irish monks and early distillation techniques to the rise and fall of the industry, and the tour ends in a tasting room with a flight of whiskeys that changes every month. Audio guides in seven languages can be used on the Classic and Premium tours.

Besides the standard tours, the museum offers a blending experience, an Irish coffee masterclass and a cocktail masterclass. McDonnell's Whiskey Bar, a retail store and event spaces share the building, which is reached by narrow, winding stairs or by lift.

Highlights

• Fully guided tours with whiskey tastings that change every month
• Independent view of Irish whiskey history, not tied to a distillery
• Blending experience where visitors make a blend to take home
• McDonnell's Whiskey Bar and a retail store in the same building
• Audio guides in seven languages on the Classic and Premium tours

Permanent exhibition

• Guided Museum Tour – A one-hour guided journey through the history of Irish whiskey, from early monastic distillation to the industry's decline and revival, ending with a tasting.

Founded

2014

Operated by

Irish Whiskey Museum (part of EI Travel Group)

Admission & discounts

The standard ticket is the Classic Tour: a one-hour guided tour with three whiskey tastings, with a soft drink for children and adults who do not drink alcohol. Booking ahead is recommended because places are limited. Cancellations at least 72 hours before the tour are refunded in full, 50% between 48 and 72 hours, and nothing later. Tours can be rescheduled at any time subject to availability.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A lift serves all visitor areas, including the exhibition spaces and tasting rooms, and key areas can be reached without stairs; the stairs in this old building are narrow and winding. An accessible toilet is available and assistance dogs are welcome throughout. Some areas have low lighting or sensory effects, and staff can advise in advance.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

Children pay a reduced ticket and receive a soft drink instead of whiskey on the Classic Tour. The tour centres on whiskey history and tasting.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

McDonnell's Whiskey Bar in the building serves whiskey, flights, cocktails and Irish coffee. The retail store sells whiskey bottles, miniatures and souvenirs. Luggage can be left for €4 at the tourist office below the museum on College Green on presentation of a tour ticket.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 70 guests.

Three spaces can be hired: the Café Bar (up to 70 people), the Victorian Bar (50) and the blending room (25). Private tours and group packages are also offered.

Plan your visit