Dublin Round Trip, Ireland – A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip
A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip: Dublin
Region and Route Overview
Ireland’s whisky heritage is experiencing a vibrant renaissance, with both ancient names and modern innovators redefining the spirit. This 5-day road trip starts and ends in Dublin, taking in the Midlands and southern counties, and includes 6 distilleries — from the world’s oldest licensed distillery to contemporary producers leading the New Irish Whiskey wave. Scenic towns, traditional pubs, and dramatic landscapes add colour to the journey.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Dublin → Kilbeggan → Athlone
Distilleries to Visit
- Teeling Whiskey Distillery (Dublin)
Overview: Founded 2015, rooted in 1782 legacy.
Known for: Small Batch & innovative cask finishes.
Tour: Teeling Tour (€18).
Website: teelingwhiskey.com
Contact: +353 1 531 0888 - Kilbeggan Distillery (Kilbeggan)
Overview: Founded 1757, Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery.
Known for: Pot still whiskies & Single Grain.
Tour: Heritage Experience (€16).
Website: kilbegganwhiskey.com
Contact: +353 57 933 2134
Accommodation
Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone (€90/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
Thyme Restaurant, Athlone
Dish: Whiskey-glazed pork belly (€18).
Website
Scenic Stop
Athlone Castle — 13th-century fortress (€10).
Driving Details
Dublin → Kilbeggan: ~1 hr 15 mins (95 km).
Kilbeggan → Athlone: ~30 mins (25 km).
Day 2: Athlone → Tullamore → Limerick
Distillery to Visit
- Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery
Overview: Founded 1829, revived 2014.
Known for: Smooth triple-distilled blends.
Tour: Ultimate Distillery Experience (€18).
Website: tullamoredew.com
Contact: +353 57 933 2000
Accommodation
The George Limerick Hotel (€85/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Locke Bar, Limerick
Dish: Irish beef stew with soda bread (€15).
Website
Scenic Stop
Birr Castle Gardens — heritage estate.
Driving Details
Athlone → Tullamore: ~40 mins (45 km).
Tullamore → Limerick: ~2 hrs (130 km).
Day 3: Limerick → Midleton (via Adare & Foynes)
Distillery to Visit
- Midleton Distillery / Jameson Experience
Overview: Founded 1825 (rebuilt 1975).
Known for: Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Green Spot.
Tour: Distillery Tour + Tasting (€23).
Website: jamesonwhiskey.com
Contact: +353 21 461 3594
Accommodation
Midleton Park Hotel (€90/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
Farmgate Restaurant, Midleton
Dish: Pan-fried hake with whiskey cream sauce (€20).
Website
Scenic Stops
Adare Village — thatched cottages & abbey.
Foynes Flying Boat Museum — birthplace of Irish Coffee (€14).
Driving Details
Limerick → Midleton: ~2 hrs (110 km).
Day 4: Midleton → Wicklow (via The Vee Pass)
Distillery to Visit
- Powerscourt Distillery
Overview: Located in Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry.
Known for: Fercullen Irish Whiskey.
Tour: Distillery Tour (€18).
Website: powerscourtdistillery.com
Contact: +353 1 506 5656
Accommodation
Wilton Hotel, Bray (€85/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
Platform Pizza, Bray
Dish: Whiskey BBQ chicken pizza (€16).
Website
Scenic Stops
The Vee Scenic Drive — Knockmealdown Mountains.
Powerscourt Waterfall — Ireland’s tallest waterfall (€7).
Driving Details
Midleton → Vee Scenic Drive: ~1 hr 30 mins (80 km).
Vee → Powerscourt: ~2 hrs (120 km).
Day 5: Wicklow → Dublin
Distillery to Visit
- Pearse Lyons Distillery (Dublin)
Overview: Located in restored 12th-century church.
Tour: Signature Tour (€18).
Website: pearselyonsdistillery.com
Other Activities
Irish Whiskey Museum (€20).
St. Stephen’s Green — park stroll.
Celtic Whiskey Shop — souvenirs.
Farewell Dinner
The Brazen Head, Dublin
Dish: Whiskey BBQ ribs (€17).
Website
Driving Details
Bray → Dublin: ~45 mins (30 km).
Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
- Distillery Tours (6): ~€110–120
- Accommodation (5 nights): ~€450
- Meals (10 meals): ~€130
- Fuel (~800 km): ~€80
- Other (scenic/museums): ~€30
Total Estimate: ~€800–850
Tips and Notes
- Best Time: May–September for good weather.
- Driving: Left-hand side; rural Wicklow & Tipperary roads narrow.
- Responsible Tasting: Use spittoons / designate driver.
- Parking: Free at most distilleries, paid in Dublin city.
- Book Ahead: Powerscourt, Midleton, Teeling tours.
This 5-day whisky trail offers a well-balanced loop from Dublin, blending heritage distilleries like Kilbeggan and Midleton with modern innovators such as Teeling and Powerscourt. Add in scenic towns, castles, and pubs — it’s Ireland at its spirited best. Sláinte!
These travel guides are designed to give you a start point or framework to create your own trip, allowing you to use as much or as little as you wish. We recommend doing your own research, particularly checking opening times and costs, as well as personalising your visits to best suit your tastes.
Our UK Whisky Bars Map & List may come in useful!
