Overview: Recent data from the Irish Whiskey Association confirms that over one million people visited Irish whiskey distilleries for the second consecutive year. The Irish Whiskey Way survey covering the period between June 2025 and June 2026 shows total visitor numbers reached 1,040,159, surpassing last year’s total by more than 30,000.
The Full Story
Despite economic headwinds affecting the wider tourism sector and declining overseas visitor spending during much of 2025 according to CSO data, IWA member distilleries sustained strong footfall from both international and domestic visitors. The US remained the largest source of visitors to IWA member distilleries, followed by Ireland, the UK, Germany, and France, reflecting strong demand at home and from abroad.
Average spend across IWA member distilleries rose to about €50 per person, up from about €42 per person in 2025, as more visitors choose premium distillery experiences. Visitors are increasingly treating distilleries as cultural attractions, travelling further into rural Ireland and placing greater value on the experience itself.
Brand & Industry History
The Irish Whiskey Association reported that reaching one million visitors for the second year in a row shows that Irish whiskey tourism has real staying power. This resilience is attributed to the innovation and resilience of the distilleries and visitor centres. Since the Irish Whiskey Way was launched last November, it has given visitors a new way to discover distilleries, aligning with the Government’s Tourism Plan emphasis on culinary and experiential tourism.
What This Means
Distilleries are spreading the benefits of tourism across the country, with 73% of Irish Whiskey Way distilleries located in rural areas. These locations draw visitors to destinations beyond main tourism hubs and support jobs, local businesses, and community development. Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association, noted that continued support from Government, state agencies, and tourism partners allows Irish whiskey to play a bigger role in growing tourism in every region of Ireland.
Consumer Takeaway
The top five Irish Whiskey distillery visitor experiences for the year included the Jameson Distillery in Bow Street in Dublin, the Old Bushmills Distillery in Co Antrim, The Teeling Whiskey Distillery in Dublin, the Midleton Distillery Experience in Co Cork and the Shed Distillery in Co Leitrim. Fastest growing experiences included JJ Corry Irish Whiskey Bonders in Co Clare, Ardara Distillery in Co Donegal, Skellig Six18 Distillery in Co Kerry, the Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney in Co Leitrim, Titanic Distillers in Co Antrim and the Ahascragh Distillery in Co Galway.
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