Kilbeggan Distillery

Overview

Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest licensed distillery in the world, offering a rich history and exceptional whiskey tasting experiences. Visitors can explore the historic site and learn about the whiskey-making process.

The distillery has been producing whiskey since 1757 and is a landmark in Irish whiskey history.

Historical Site Tasting Experience

Location

Address

Lower Main Street, Kilbeggan, Westmeath

Neighborhood: Town Center

Coordinates

53.514100, -7.102900

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

€10

Children

€5 (under 12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-May

Best Time of Day

Mid-morning

Fewer crowds and optimal tasting conditions

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

• Blooming gardens
• Spring whiskey releases

summer

Warm to hot

• Extended tasting hours
• Outdoor events

autumn

Cool and crisp

• Fall foliage
• Harvest events

winter

Cold

• Holiday decorations
• Winter whiskey specials

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tours in advance
Bring valid ID for tastings
Check for weather updates

What to Bring

essential

ID Comfortable shoes Camera

seasonal

Umbrella Warm layers

not allowed

Large bags Pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Alcohol consumption
• Walking tours

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Typical Costs

entry €10

tasting €20-€40

tour €15-€25

souvenirs €10-€50

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable walking shoes, Closed-toe shoes recommended, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks
• Official website
• 48 hours in advance
• Available for tours and tastings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Kilbeggan Distillery App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Tour booking, Audio guide, Whiskey tasting notes, Map of the distillery

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Dublin Airport

Distance: 80 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

taxi

€100-€120 1 hour 15 min

public_transport

€20-€25 2 hours

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

bus

€5 10 min

taxi

€10-€15 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Proud of the distillery's history and whiskey heritage

Historical Significance: The distillery has been producing whiskey since 1757, making it a significant part of Irish history

Insider Tips

Visit early for a quieter experience
The best whiskey is often the limited releases
Local guides often share fascinating stories

Local Recommendations

• Try the local Kilbeggan whiskey
• Visit the nearby Kilbeggan Bridge
• Enjoy a meal at The Old Barrel Cafe

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Go raibh maith agat

where_is Cá bhfuil

how_much Cé mhéad

beautiful Álainn

ticket Ticéad

Guide Languages: English, Irish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Distillery entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide shots to capture the historic facade

Result: Stunning architectural photos

#KilbegganDistillery #IrishWhiskey #HistoricSites

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Visitor center

prohibited areas Tasting rooms, Production areas

flash photography Allowed in outdoor areas, not in indoor exhibits

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in outdoor areas, restricted indoors

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Tullynally Castle

Distance: 10 km

Walking: 2 hours

Type: Castle

Lough Derravaragh