Bushmills Distillery is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. For over 400 years, Bushmills has been producing some of the finest Irish whiskey in the world, and today it is a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to experience the whiskey-making process and to learn more about the history and heritage of the distillery.
History of the Distillery
The distillery was established in 1608 by an Englishman, Sir Thomas Phillipps, who was granted a license by King James I to distill whiskey at the site. Since then, the distillery has been in continuous operation, passing through several owners over the centuries. In 1784, the distillery was acquired by the Steen family, who ran the distillery for over a century. The distillery was purchased by the current owners, Diageo, in 2005.
Attractions at Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills Distillery is a popular tourist attraction, offering a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The distillery offers a range of tours, including a Whiskey Tour, a History Tour, and a Tasting Tour. The tours offer visitors the chance to learn about the history of the distillery, as well as the process of whiskey-making. The distillery also has a visitor center, which is open to the public, and which offers a range of interactive displays about the history of the distillery and the whiskey-making process.
What to Expect on a Tour of the Distillery
The tours at Bushmills Distillery offer visitors the chance to learn more about the history of the distillery, as well as the whiskey-making process. On the Whiskey Tour, visitors will learn about the ingredients used to make whiskey, as well as the process of distillation. On the History Tour, visitors will learn about the history of the distillery and the whiskey-making process, as well as the history of Irish whiskey. On the Tasting Tour, visitors will have the chance to sample a range of Bushmills whiskeys and learn more about the whiskey-tasting process.
Admission and Tour Prices
Admission to the visitor center at Bushmills Distillery is free, and it is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Tours of the distillery are available from 10am to 4pm, and prices vary depending on the type of tour. The Whiskey Tour costs £15 per adult, the History Tour costs £12 per adult, and the Tasting Tour costs £20 per adult.
Tips for Tourists Visiting the Distillery
For visitors planning to tour the distillery, here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Book your tour in advance, as tours can fill up quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the tours involve a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities.
- Bring a jacket or sweater, as the distillery can be cool.
- Bring a notebook, as there is a lot of information to take in.
- Don’t forget to sample the whiskey!
Practical Information
The Bushmills Distillery is located in the town of Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The distillery is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and tours are available from 10am to 4pm. For more information about the distillery, including tour prices and booking information, visit the official website at www.bushmills.com.
