With Cork Whiskey Festival in full swing, raise a glass and get into the spirit, wherever you may be …
Cards on the table: I don’t consider my love of an occasional Old Fashioned or Irish coffee cause to pretend I’m authoritative about whiskey. That said, I know many people are connoisseurs, including whiskey knowledge fountain Shamin De Brún, who highly recommends these bars for a tipple.
The Palace Bar, Co Dublin
No list would be complete without The Palace Bar, a legendary haunt that has been serving the good stuff since 1823. Tucked away on Fleet Street, it has the kind of old-world charm that makes you want to order a measure of Redbreast 21 and pretend you’re writing the next great Irish novel. The whiskey list is vast, the bartenders know their stuff, and the crowd is a glorious mix of locals, whiskey aficionados, and slightly lost tourists who’ve just stumbled into one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets. www.thepalacebardublin.com
Bowe’s, Co Dublin
Whiskey drinkers whisper about this unassuming bar in reverential tones. It’s small, atmospheric, and it has one of the most extensive whiskey selections in the city. If you’re looking to taste something special – say, a Midleton Very Rare or a lesser-known gem from a boutique distiller – this is the place to try it. The bartenders are passionate but never pushy, always happy to offer a recommendation, or let you peruse the bottles in peace. It’s the perfect spot to escape the chaos of Temple Bar, without sacrificing quality. www.bowespub.com
Bittles Bar, Belfast
A small but mighty institution in Belfast, Bittles Bar is one of the best places in Northern Ireland to take a deep-dive into the world of whiskey. Instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive flat-iron shape, this bar has an enviable selection of Irish (and Scottish) whiskeys, from well-loved classics to under-the-radar gems. The staff is enthusiastic without being overbearing, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a whiskey bar – warm, inviting, and just the right amount of lively. www.bittlesbar.com
Dick Mack’s, Co Kerry
A pub, a leather workshop, a whiskey haven. Dick Mack’s in Dingle feels like it has always existed, and in many ways, it has … serving pints and potent drams since 1899. The whiskey selection here is nothing short of impressive, with everything from local Dingle Distillery releases to rare finds tucked away behind the bar. It’s the kind of place where you can sip a whiskey by the fire, rub shoulders with both locals and tourists, and maybe even leave with a handmade leather belt. That’s if you don’t get too distracted by the sheer joy of an unpretentious pub that just happens to be world-class when it comes to whiskey. www.dickmackspub.com
Celtic Whiskey Bar, Co Kerry
For those who want to do more than just drink whiskey (though, let’s be honest, that’s the main draw), the Celtic Whiskey Bar in Killarney is a must-visit. You can even check out the tasting notes of the whiskey on offer before you visit, so you don’t look like a complete amateur, although that’s okay too. Whether you’re into single malts, blended whiskeys, or the seriously smooth pot still style, there’s a tasting for you. And with staff who know their stuff, you’ll leave not only a little merrier but also a little wiser. Incidentally, they serve food too. www.celticwhiskeybar.com
The Shelbourne Bar, Cork
Not to be confused with its glitzy Dublin namesake, The Shelbourne Bar in Cork is a whiskey drinker’s paradise. Found on Cork’s famous MacCurtain Street, this cosy and characterful bar boasts the title of Ireland’s largest whiskey collection, which means it’s more than likely the most impressive selection in the country. The bartenders here are more like whiskey evangelists, eager to share their knowledge and help you find your perfect pour. Whether you’re after a classic Jameson, a hard-to-find Teeling’s, or something truly special from Midleton Distillery down the road, this is where Cork’s (and Ireland’s) whiskey lovers come to worship. For us relative newbies, a whiskey flight feels like the right move. www.theshelbournecork.ie
WHERE TO VISIT AT CORK WHISKEY FEST
Historic Bottle Opening
March 22: The Officers Mess at Collins Barracks
Vintage Irish Bottle Tasting
March 23: The Shelbourne Bar
Killowen Distillery Charity Tasting
March 23: Macau Sporting Club
For tickets and more information, visit www.corkwhiskeyfest.com