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Ballykeefe Distillery
Ballykeefe Distillery
5
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About
Ballykeefe is situated in the heartland of Ireland, adjacent to its medieval capital, Kilkenny city. It is steeped in a historic heritage and tradition, holding the unique distinction of being the birthplace of Irish Whiskey. It is from our area that the first written account of distilling in Ireland comes in 1324. It was written in the Red Book of Ossory. The word “whiskey” is an Anglicisation of the Gaelic phrase, uisce beatha, meaning “water of life”. At Ballykeefe we are now bringing a truly special “water of life” from centuries past to a new generation for their pleasure and good health. The tour; You will see up close every step in the process and also enjoy and have explained the many different aromas and smells at each stage of the brewing and distilling process. Many secrets will be revealed by our award winning Master Distiller . How he makes the “cut” to create the ''Spirit of Kilkenny''
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5.0
218 reviews
Excellent
208
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8
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2
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0
Melissa M
12 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Excellent tour given by the owner. You have to request a tour by email or phone. Can’t wait to ask my local liquor store if they will get their whiskey for me!
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yamfan
Hartlepool, UK104 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
We've been a few distillery tours but this was by far the best. Smaller than others we've done but plenty of time to ask questions and understand how everything works and how the farm & distillery operates.
Generous samples of their whisky, poitin, vodka and gin - something for everyone, and they were delicious so couldn't help coming away with a couple of bottles. Definitely worth buying at the distillery as was cheaper than in Kilkenny.
Generous samples of their whisky, poitin, vodka and gin - something for everyone, and they were delicious so couldn't help coming away with a couple of bottles. Definitely worth buying at the distillery as was cheaper than in Kilkenny.
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mekie
Delaware90 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
What a treasure. We were in Kilkenny and discovered this tour. I have been to many distilleries in Ireland, but this one is a keeper. We learned more about the process and have the highest admiration for the people. The products are marvelous and not the usual takes home. Don't miss calling and experiencing your own tour of this wonderful place. THANKS!!
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
Morgan is really knowledgeable and it was great learning about his distillery. I’m so glad I did this tour instead of going to Guinness or Jameson on my holiday in Ireland!
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petee G
3 contributions
Feb 2020
Compared to some Scottish and other Irish distilleries a somewhat small one, but boy was it a nice afternoon. Everything felt more like a family visit than a tour. Morgan, the owner, showed us around and had us sample everything he had to offer. I'm really looking forward to his whiskey, which should be available any time now. If you are in the region of Kilkenny, love whiskey, gin or poitin, you have to go there. Otherwise you will regret it.
Written 18 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve19742014
Pforzheim, Germany9 contributions
Feb 2020
I have been to some distillery tours before, but nothing compares to this: Great, fantastic, funny, interesting, breathtaking. It´s worth every Cent.
If you are ever close to Kilkenny make sure to visit this place.
Keep up this family atmosphere!!!!
Can´t wait to buy your whiskey!
If you are ever close to Kilkenny make sure to visit this place.
Keep up this family atmosphere!!!!
Can´t wait to buy your whiskey!
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JAG
13 contributions
Sep 2019
Sinead (originally of Belfast), gave us a 90 minute customized tour and whiskey tasting. It was fantastic tour of how Whiskey, Poitin (moonshine), and a range of premium spirits: potato-based gin and vodka (distilled in a variety of botannicals) are made. We felt at home and very welcomed by Sinead. One of our very best distillery tours. Thank you Sinead
Written 21 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonah
Seattle, WA2 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Went here with my wife and we both absolutely loved it. The family and staff were incredibly kind and their gin and vodka are delicious. They’re aging their whisky now and I can’t wait to try it when it’s released.
Written 14 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRG
3 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
My husband and I had an incredible experience with this distillery that is as authentic as it gets. From farm to still, Ballykeefe does it all on site. The staff was amazing as were their products. A short drive from Kilkenny, this is a MUST SEE for gin and vodka lovers (and soon whisky lovers too).
Written 14 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimmcc4
Sunshine Coast, Australia18 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Every now and then you meet a family that really touches your heart❤️
Yesterday, we had the unexpected pleasure of meeting the Ging Family; owners of Ballykeefe Distillery.
Ballykeefe Distillery is a family farm, centuries of cattle and grains, that 3 years ago diversified, bravely putting it all on the line, to build a state-of-the-art Distillery and a legacy for the next generation.
Entrepreneurial, innovative, local, knowledgeable and welcoming. Ballykeefe Distillery is a MUST SEE on your next visit to County Kilkenny🍀💕🍀They embody all that is this quote “Appreciate the tough times; because one day, they’ll be part of your success story🙏”
Can’t wait to see their products sold in Australia🇦🇺
Yesterday, we had the unexpected pleasure of meeting the Ging Family; owners of Ballykeefe Distillery.
Ballykeefe Distillery is a family farm, centuries of cattle and grains, that 3 years ago diversified, bravely putting it all on the line, to build a state-of-the-art Distillery and a legacy for the next generation.
Entrepreneurial, innovative, local, knowledgeable and welcoming. Ballykeefe Distillery is a MUST SEE on your next visit to County Kilkenny🍀💕🍀They embody all that is this quote “Appreciate the tough times; because one day, they’ll be part of your success story🙏”
Can’t wait to see their products sold in Australia🇦🇺
Written 30 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liz c
wexford6 contributions
Looking at visiting next April would you be able to accomadate 30-35cars for parking and would be aprox 60 people to do the tour and how long do you think would we spend there.
Ballykeefe Distillery
Kilkenny, Ireland1 contribution
Hi Liz, many thanks for your recent message and enquiry. We would be absolutely delighted to look after you and your group next year in Ballykeefe Distillery. I would love the opportunity to speak with you further about your requirements, you can contact me on 087 700 4538 at any stage. Alternatively if you message me here with your number, I will give you a call. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you again for your enquiry, kind regards, Clodagh
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ballykeefe Distillery
- Ballykeefe Distillery is open:
- Mon - Fri 16:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Ballykeefe Distillery:
- (3.94 km) Newlands Lodge
- (0.86 km) Ballybur Lodge
- (8.30 km) Lawcus Farm Guest House
- (7.47 km) Butler Court
- (3.93 km) Newlands Country House B&B
- Restaurants near Ballykeefe Distillery:
- (7.55 km) Truffles Restaurant
- (7.64 km) Petronella Restaurant & Cafe
- (7.49 km) Zuni Restaurant, Bar & Boutique Hotel
- (7.68 km) Indique
- (7.83 km) Royal Spice Kilkenny