Carlow is set to welcome whiskey enthusiasts from across Ireland and beyond with the launch of the inaugural Carlow Whiskey Festival, taking place on 29-30 January 2027. Developed through a unique collaboration between the Carlow Whiskey Society, Carlow County Council, Carlow Tourism and County Carlow Chamber, the festival will bring together leading distilleries, independent bottlers and local hospitality businesses for a weekend celebrating Irish whiskey, local enterprise and visitor experiences.
The two-day festival programme will feature six premium tasting and visitor experiences across a range of venues throughout Carlow town and county. Festival-goers can begin the weekend with a Walsh Whiskey Tasting at Scraggs on Friday evening, followed by a W.D. O’Connell Whiskey Tasting at The Irishmans. Saturday’s programme includes a Tour of Royal Oak Distillery, a Killowen Distillery Whiskey Tasting at Tully’s, a Redacted Bottlers Whiskey Tasting at Ewings, and concludes with a special Bushmills Distillery Whiskey Tasting at Teach Dolmain. Together, the events offer visitors an opportunity to explore some of the most exciting names in Irish whiskey through guided tastings, distillery insights and premium whiskey experiences.
Ivor McLoughlin, The Irishmans, and speaking on behalf of the Carlow Whiskey Society, said:
“The Carlow Whiskey Festival is an exciting new addition to Ireland’s whiskey calendar and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the quality, diversity and innovation that exists across the Irish whiskey sector. We are delighted to bring together leading distilleries, independent bottlers, local venues and whiskey enthusiasts for what we hope will become a flagship annual event for Carlow. The strength of this festival lies in the partnership between all involved and in creating memorable experiences for visitors while celebrating our shared passion for Irish whiskey.”
Cllr. Ken Murnane, Mayor of Carlow, welcomed the initiative and praised the collaboration behind the event:
“The Carlow Whiskey Festival demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations and stakeholders work together to create something genuinely unique. By bringing together leading whiskey producers, local hospitality businesses and community partners, we are creating a distinctive visitor experience that showcases the very best of Carlow. This festival adds a unique product to our tourism offering and further strengthens Carlow’s reputation as a destination for quality events and experiences.”
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, highlighted the role of collaboration in developing the visitor economy:
“Successful destination development depends on stakeholders working together to create authentic and compelling experiences for visitors. The Carlow Whiskey Festival is an excellent example of that collaboration in action. By bringing together the whiskey sector, hospitality providers, tourism partners and local organisations, we are creating a new visitor experience that generates economic benefit, supports local businesses and further enhances the Carlow narrative. Events like this help build a stronger visitor economy while showcasing Carlow as a county that is innovative, welcoming and ambitious.”
The festival is expected to attract whiskey enthusiasts, tourists and visitors from across Ireland, providing a welcome boost to local accommodation providers, restaurants, cafés, pubs and retailers during the winter tourism season.
Tickets for all festival events are now on sale through Eventbrite. Early booking is recommended as capacity is limited across all events and significant interest is expected from whiskey enthusiasts around the country.
Carlow Whiskey Festival is founded by Carlow Whiskey Society, Carlow County Council, Carlow Tourism and County Carlow Chamber, working together to champion Carlow’s tourism offering, support local businesses, strengthen the county’s visitor economy and create new opportunities for the region’s hospitality and drinks sectors.
Come for the whiskey. Discover Carlow.
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