Embrace Northern Ireland’s Giant Spirits on a new distillery-led experience

Northern Ireland’s time-honoured craft of distilling some of the finest spirits in the world is set to be showcased in a unique way with the launch of the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail.
By Helen McGurk
Published 2nd Mar 2023, 15:52 BST
The NI Spirits Trail was launched at a special eventin Belfast’s Banana Block. A host of distillers and foodie experience providers treated guests to an immersive programme of tastings and demonstrations. Pictured at the event is Tourism NI’s Food & Drink Tourism Manager, Gary Quate alongside Experience Development Executive Officer, Sylvia Trueick with a representative from each of the 10 participating distilleries.”The NI Spirits Trail was launched at a special eventin Belfast’s Banana Block. A host of distillers and foodie experience providers treated guests to an immersive programme of tastings and demonstrations. Pictured at the event is Tourism NI’s Food & Drink Tourism Manager, Gary Quate alongside Experience Development Executive Officer, Sylvia Trueick with a representative from each of the 10 participating distilleries.”
The NI Spirits Trail was launched at a special eventin Belfast’s Banana Block. A host of distillers and foodie experience providers treated guests to an immersive programme of tastings and demonstrations. Pictured at the event is Tourism NI’s Food & Drink Tourism Manager, Gary Quate alongside Experience Development Executive Officer, Sylvia Trueick with a representative from each of the 10 participating distilleries.”

On the trail, visitors will embark on a journey of discovery across 10 distilleries and spirit-led experiences throughout Northern Ireland.

They will learn about the distilling process and hear stories from the pioneering legends who put their heart and soul into every bottle they make.

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A key element of the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail is the Distillery Trail Passport.

Visit each of the unique experiences, collect a stamp on your passport and receive a special souvenir when you have completed all points on the trail.

There are a host of spirits to discover, from the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world at the Old Bushmills Distillery, to the drumlins and mountains of County Down, home to Copeland Distillery, Echlinville Distillery, Rademon Estate Distillery, Hinch Distillery and Northern Ireland’s smallest distillery at Killowen.

Get hands-on with Belfast Artisan Gin School and learn to distil with a difference at Woodlab Distillery. Awaken the senses at Wild Atlantic Distillery and experience the spirit of Co Fermanagh at Boatyard Distillery.

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Tourism NI’s Food & Drink Tourism Manager, Gary Quate, said: “This is an exciting tourism initiative which brings many of Northern Ireland’s leading distilleries and spirit-led experiences together in one place for the first time.

“A special welcome awaits you at our distilleries, and you will be amazed by what you learn and be inspired by the people you meet and the stories they tell. Let your senses be your guide as you visit the participating distilleries, where other great experiences across Northern Ireland are just waiting to be discovered.

“We also look forward to working with more distillery projects during 2023 and beyond.”

Dr Terry Cross OBE, Chairman of Hinch Distillery, said: “Northern Ireland has an amazing variety of spirit-led experiences, and every one of them featured within the passport offers something unique to visitors.

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“Since opening in 2020, we have experienced tremendous success and continue to increase our production lines, with increased demand for our whiskey and gin on a global scale.

“Visitors to our distillery have the chance to make memories and enjoy incredible products that will ignite their senses. On one of our whiskey and gin tours, you can get up close to the raw ingredients, stunning copper pot stills, and spectrum room where sensory stimulation explains how a barrel breathes life into the spirits."

The NI Spirits Trail was launched at a special event this week in Belfast’s Banana Block. A host of distillers and foodie experience providers treated guests to an immersive programme of tastings and demonstrations.

In addition to meeting the makers, guests enjoyed some delicious treats from local food champions including Indie Füde and NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate Makers. Entertainment from Belfast Traditional Music Trail added to the atmosphere and authenticity of the event.

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Visitors can download the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail Passport from Discover Northern Ireland’s website. Alternatively, you can pick one up at one of the 10 participating distilleries.

To find out more information and to plan your next Giant Adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com and www.discovernorthernireland.com/food-and-drink/ni-spirits-trail

Related topics:Northern IrelandHinch Distillery