Tánaiste opens redeveloped Midleton Distillery Experience 

A multi-million euro redevelopment of the Irish Distillers’ Irish Whiskey Experience in Midleton, capable of welcoming over 200,000 domestic and international visitors annually to the East Cork region, has been officially opened by the Tánaiste Mícheál Martin.

Now rebranded as the Midleton Distillery Experience, the centre has been transformed into what is described as a “world-class, multi-sensory Irish Whiskey experience”.

The redevelopment comes ahead of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of a distillery in the East Cork town, in 2025.

The Midleton Distillery Experience, which incorporates an immersive auditorium and modern retail facilities, will offer visitors the opportunity to explore more about the history and future of Irish whiskey production at the distillery and offers opportunities for tasting its many brands, including Jameson, the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey and Midleton Very Rare.

Conservation and restoration of the existing structure, which includes buildings that date back to 1794.

Contractors made improvements and upgrades to preserve the fabric of the historic buildings using like-for-like materials whilst embracing modern construction techniques

Tánaiste Micheál Martin described the opening as a significant day for tourism in the region.

“There is no doubt this redeveloped experience will further serve to attract both domestic and international visitors in the years to come, supporting jobs in the region and building on Midleton’s long-established reputation as a tourism destination.”

Alexandre Ricard, CEO and Chairman of the owner of Irish Distillers, Pernod Ricard, said the growth of Irish whiskey was an amazing story.

“Our multimillion-euro investment in this redevelopment will conserve the heritage of this historical site for future generations and we look forward to welcoming even more people to experience the story of our Irish whiskeys at the new Midleton Distillery Experience.”

The Midleton Distillery was described as “the heart and soul of Irish whiskey” by the Irish Distillers chairwoman and CEO Nodjame Fouad.

“It will further build on its reputation for excellence on the international stage and cement its position as one of the top tourist attractions in the world,” Ms Fouad said.

New York-headquartered Ralph Appelbaum Associates, who have specialist experience in the planning and design of cultural attractions globally, led the design of the redevelopment and the construction was carried out by PJ Hegarty & Sons, amongst others.