Glendalough Distillery

Glendalough Distillery

Region
  • Ireland
Awards
  • World Whiskies Awards – Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey, Awards for distinctive Irish gins distilled from hand-picked wild botanicals from the Wicklow Mountains
Website
  • https://www.glendaloughdistillery.com/
Phone Number
  • +353-1 675 9744
Address
  • Unit 9 – 10, Newtown Business and Enterprise Centre, Co. Wicklow, A63 A439, Ireland

Glendalough Distillery

History of Glendalough Distillery


Glendalough Distillery was founded with the spirit of adventure and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the story of St. Kevin, who left the comfort and safety of home to create something meaningful in the Wicklow Mountains, the distillery embodies a similar ethos. The founders aimed to create a distillery that reflects the natural beauty and depth of the Wicklow Mountains in every bottle.

Location and Environment

Nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, the distillery is deeply connected to its natural surroundings. The sights, smells, and tastes of the Wicklow Mountains are integrated into the crafting process, ensuring that each product evokes a sense of place. The distillery’s location is not just a backdrop but a crucial element in creating their unique spirits.

Craft and Innovation

Glendalough Distillery is known for its innovative approach to whiskey making. They have introduced several world-firsts, including Irish single malt whiskey aged in rare Japanese Mizunara oak and Irish single malt whiskey aged in Wicklow Irish oak. This innovative spirit extends to their range of distinctive Irish gins, which are distilled from fresh, hand-picked wild botanicals foraged daily in the Wicklow mountains.

Types of Whiskey

The distillery offers a variety of luxury spirits, with a strong emphasis on whiskey. Some notable products include:

  • Glendalough Single Malt Mizunara Cask Finish: This whiskey is aged in rare Japanese Mizunara oak, giving it unique flavor characteristics.
  • Glendalough Single Grain Burgundy Cask Finish: A single grain whiskey finished in Burgundy casks, providing a rich and complex taste.
  • Glendalough Single Grain Calvados XO Cask Finish: This whiskey is aged in Calvados casks, imparting distinct apple and spice notes.

Awards Won by Glendalough Distillery

  • World Whiskies Awards: Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey recognized for outstanding quality.
  • Icons of Whisky: Celebrated for significant contributions to the whisky industry.
  • Regional Recognition: Numerous regional awards for craftsmanship and innovation.
  • Specific Achievements
    • Use of rare Japanese Mizunara oak and Wicklow Irish oak in whiskey aging.
    • Awards for distinctive Irish gins distilled from hand-picked wild botanicals from the Wicklow Mountains.

Glendalough Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Located in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough Distillery offers an enchanting tour experience that perfectly blends Ireland’s rich history with modern whiskey craftsmanship. Known for its scenic surroundings and high-quality spirits, the distillery promises an unforgettable visit for whiskey enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

Tour Highlights

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a warm welcome by the friendly staff. The tour begins with a brief introduction to the history of Glendalough Distillery, including its founding story and the inspiration behind its name, derived from the ancient monastic settlement of Glendalough.

Distillation Process

Visitors are guided through the distillation process, where they can observe the traditional methods used to create Glendalough’s renowned whiskeys and gins. The tour covers the entire production line, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and aging.

Tasting Sessions

A key highlight of the tour is the tasting session. Guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of Glendalough’s award-winning spirits, including their flagship Wild Botanical Gin, Double Barrel Irish Whiskey, and seasonal releases. Expert guides provide insights into the unique flavors and characteristics of each spirit.

Botanical Garden

The tour includes a visit to the distillery’s botanical garden, where many of the ingredients for their gins are sourced. Guests can explore the garden and learn about the different botanicals that contribute to the distinct flavors of Glendalough spirits.

Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities

The picturesque surroundings of the distillery offer numerous photo opportunities. Visitors can capture the stunning landscapes of the Wicklow Mountains and the serene environment of the distillery grounds.

Gift Shop

The tour concludes at the distillery’s gift shop, where guests can purchase exclusive Glendalough products, including limited-edition spirits, branded merchandise, and locally sourced gifts. The shop also offers personalized bottle engraving, making for a unique souvenir.

Additional Information

  • Tour Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Tour Times: Multiple tours are available daily, with advanced booking recommended.
  • Accessibility: The distillery is wheelchair accessible, and accommodations can be made for visitors with special needs.
  • Booking Information: Tours can be booked online through the Glendalough Distillery website or by contacting their customer service team.

Flask & Barrel Review of Glendalough Distillery

I’ve been to more distilleries than I can count, and I have to say, Glendalough Distillery is up there with the best of them. Nestled in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, this place offers a great mix of history, nature, and, of course, fantastic whiskey.

First off, the staff was super friendly and welcoming. They kicked things off with a cool introduction about the distillery’s roots and the monastic history of Glendalough. It was interesting without dragging on, which I appreciated.

The tour itself was really well done. Seeing the traditional distillation process up close was a treat, especially for someone like me who’s seen a lot of different setups. They walked us through everything from mashing to aging, and I learned a few new things even as a seasoned whiskey collector.

The tasting session was the highlight. We got to try a variety of their spirits, including their Double Barrel Irish Whiskey and Wild Botanical Gin. Each sample was unique, and the guides did a great job explaining the flavors and what makes each one special. The Double Barrel, in particular, was a standout for me—smooth with a nice mix of vanilla and caramel notes.

Another cool part of the tour was the botanical garden. It’s where they grow a lot of the ingredients for their gins. Walking through it, you get a real sense of how much care goes into their products. Plus, the garden is just a nice place to relax and take in the scenery.

The whole place is picturesque, perfect for some great photos. The backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains is just stunning, and I found myself snapping shots at every turn.

The tour wrapped up at the gift shop, which had a good selection of their products. I picked up a few bottles to add to my collection and even got one engraved as a keepsake.

What To Do Nearby Glendalough Distillery

  • Glendalough Monastic Site and Visitor Centre (0.5 miles): Explore the ancient monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The site includes ruins of churches, a round tower, and a visitor center with historical exhibits​.
  • Upper and Lower Lakes Hike (0.6 miles): Enjoy a scenic hike around Glendalough’s two beautiful lakes. The loop takes 2-4 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  • Poulanass Waterfall (1 mile): A short walk from the main Glendalough area, this picturesque waterfall cascades into a natural amphitheater surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • Wicklow Mountains National Park (2 miles): Discover the rugged beauty of the Wicklow Mountains with activities like hiking, cycling, and fishing. The park spans over 20,000 hectares and offers numerous trails and scenic spots​.
  • Sally Gap and Guinness Lake (Lough Tay) (10 miles): Take a scenic drive through Sally Gap to see Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake due to its resemblance to a pint of Guinness. The drive offers breathtaking views and is a popular route for photographers​.
  • Powerscourt Waterfall (12 miles): Visit Ireland’s highest waterfall, located in Powerscourt Estate. The surrounding park has picnic areas, walking trails, and a playground, making it a great spot for families​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Glendalough Distillery?

The Mount Kennedy Inn, located on Main St in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, is a pub with a rating of 4.5 stars from 543 reviews. It is known for its fantastic waiting and bar staff and is open until 11:30 PM.

Henry and Rose Newtown, situated at 5 Main St in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, is a fish and chips restaurant with a rating of 4.5 stars from 116 reviews. It offers takeout and delivery but no dine-in, and it opens at 4 PM.

Margo’s Restaurant, found at the Parkview Hotel in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, has a rating of 4.6 stars from 9 reviews. It provides dine-in services and opens at 5 PM, though it does not offer delivery.

What hotels are near Glendalough Distillery?

Tinakilly Country House, a 4-star hotel with a rating of 4.5 stars from 939 reviews, offers refined rooms, free Irish breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned rooms. The price per night is $197.

The Coach House, with a rating of 4.2 stars from 997 reviews, provides free parking, free Wi-Fi, and kitchen facilities. The price per night is $213.

The Horse and Hound, Delgany / Bellevue Restaurant, rated 4.4 stars from 585 reviews, features free parking, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. The price per night is $119.