Overview: The 13th annual Irish Whiskey Awards will convene on Thursday, 3 December 2026, at McConnells Distillery in Belfast. Organised by Celtic Whiskey of their shop on Dawson Street, Dublin, the event recognizes established and emerging producers across the island of Ireland while supporting Mary’s Meals charity.
The Full Story
The ceremony celebrates the very best of Irish whiskey and spirits, with categories celebrating Irish whiskey, poitín, gin, vodka, liqueurs, and other Irish spirits. Judging for this year’s awards took place through a series of blind tastings coordinated by Celtic Whiskey in partnership with whiskey societies and clubs across Ireland.
The winners will be announced during the ceremony at McConnells Distillery. Proceeds from ticket sales and entry application fees support Mary’s Meals, providing meals for children in schools in some of the world’s poorest communities. Event organiser Ally Alpine noted the event is a fantastic celebration of quality, diversity and innovation within the Irish whiskey and spirits industry.
The venue formerly Crumlin Road Gaol relaunched as a distillery in 2020. McConnell’s Irish Whiskey chief marketing officer Barry Fitzpatrick added that since relaunching the brand in 2020, the company has been on a mission to put Belfast back on the whisky map.
Brand & Industry History
The venue formerly Crumlin Road Gaol relaunched as a distillery in 2020, creating a contemporary space to showcase the very best of Irish Whiskey and Belfast. Now in its 13th year, the Irish Whiskey Awards celebrate the very best of Irish whiskey and spirits, recognising both established and emerging producers and brands from across the island of Ireland.
What This Means
Hosting the awards at their brand home allows McConnell’s Irish Whiskey to welcome and celebrate the very best the industry has to offer. The event continues the tradition of supporting Mary’s Meals, ensuring children receive a daily meal while attending school through sponsorship efforts like the Kapatamoyo School in Zambia.
Consumer Takeaway
The 2026 ceremony offers enthusiasts a chance to witness the announcement of winners at McConnells Distillery in Belfast. Proceeds from ticket sales and entry application fees will once again go towards supporting the charity’s work.
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