Visitors spending more as Irish Whiskey distilleries pass one million mark for second year running

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Irish Whiskey distilleries have welcomed more than one million visitors for the second year running and surpassed last year’s total, according to the Irish Whiskey Association’s (IWA) annual Irish Whiskey Way survey.

The 2026 results, covering the period between June 2025 and June 2026, show that visitors are spending more, travelling further into rural Ireland and increasingly treating distilleries as cultural attractions.

Last year’s first million-visitor milestone could have been a high-water mark. Instead, distilleries have grown visitor numbers again, confirming that distillery experiences and visitor centres have become an established part of Ireland’s tourism offering. The total visitor number for the year up to June 2026 is 1,040,159, up more than 30,000 on last year.

That consistency stands out at a time when the wider tourism sector has been facing economic headwinds. CSO data shows that overseas visitor numbers and visitor spending declined during much of 2025, yet IWA member distilleries sustained strong footfall from both international and domestic visitors.

Visitors are also placing greater value on the experience itself. Average spend across IWA member distilleries rose to approximately €50 per person, up from approximately €42 per person in 2025, as more visitors choose premium distillery experiences.

Results demonstrate the broad appeal of Irish Whiskey tourism; the data shows that a substantial share of visitors do not consume alcohol on-site, more than one-third of all guests. Distilleries are drawing people interested in Ireland’s heritage, culture and craftsmanship, as well as those seeking a tasting experience.

The United States was the largest source of visitors to IWA member distilleries, followed by Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany and France, reflecting strong demand at home and from abroad.

Distilleries are also spreading the benefits of tourism across the country. Almost three-quarters (73%) of Irish Whiskey Way distilleries are located in rural areas, where they draw visitors to destinations beyond the main tourism hubs and support jobs, local businesses and community development.

These findings mirror wider shifts in how people choose to travel. Speaking at the recent “Spirit of Life” conference hosted by spiritsEUROPE in Brussels, Irish Examiner travel writer Thom Breathnach presented data showing that 43% of global travellers plan to avoid overcrowded destinations in 2026, up 11% year on year. Additionally, 78% of travellers now prioritise experience over destination, up from 54% five years ago.

The conference’s tourism panel featured distilleries from across the EU, with a particular focus on Irish Whiskey and Irish spirits tourism. Commenting on today’s tourism landscape, Mr Breathnach noted that Irish Whiskey distilleries are well-poised to capitalise on these changing consumer preferences:

“These strong numbers reflect the spirits industry's enhanced tourism offering throughout Ireland, as the sector meets demand for more immersive tourism experience: from tasting experiences and food pairings to interactive cocktail making classes. But beyond the actual product, the distillery experience is also offering its visitors an all-important window and snapshot into the wider local community, heritage and culture which is all important as we seek more authentic and local experiences.”

Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association welcomed these positive results:

“Reaching one million visitors for the second year in a row shows that Irish Whiskey tourism has real staying power, and that is down to the innovation and resilience of our distilleries and visitor centres. Just as importantly, visitors are spending more and travelling further, bringing that value into rural communities across the island. Since we launched the Irish Whiskey Way last November, it has given visitors a new way to discover our distilleries, and we welcome the renewed emphasis on culinary and experiential tourism in the Government’s Tourism Plan, which closely matches what our members offer. With continued support from Government, state agencies and our tourism partners, Irish Whiskey can play an even bigger role in growing tourism in every region of Ireland.”

The fastest growing Irish Whiskey distillery visitor experiences for the 12-month period up to June 2026

1. J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey Bonders, Co. Clare +85%
2. Ardara Distillery, Co. Donegal +33%
3. Skellig Six18 Distillery, Co. Kerry +20%
4. The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney, Co. Leitrim +20%
5. Titanic Distillers, Co Antrim +18%
6. Ahascragh Distillery, Co.Galway +17%

The top 5 Irish Whiskey distillery visitor experiences for the 12-month period up to June 2026

1. Jameson Distillery Bow St. – Dublin
2. The Old Bushmills Distillery- Co. Antrim
3. Teeling Whiskey Distillery – Dublin
4. Midleton Distillery Experience – Co. Cork
5. The Shed Distillery – Co. Leitrim

Notes:

[Photography attached of King Charles III and Queen Camilla visiting Belfast on May 19, 2026, to preview and celebrate the arrival of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, where they visited Titanic Distillers in Belfast]