Old Bushmills Distillery
Old Bushmills Distillery
Old Bushmills Distillery
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Opened in 1608, this is the oldest licensed distillery in the world and exports its whiskey internationally.
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- roy vTraralgon, Australia5,937 contributionsA must place to visitIt was a great place to visit whether you like whisky or not. The tour of the place is excellent, the guys that do the tour are humorous and know their game . Sadly no photos are allowed inside the distillery. After the distillery tour we went into the tasting room and got to taste a couple of their whiskeys, Very powerful brew, they have a little shop where you can buy their product. Not a whisky man but we did buy a little momento from them. Also we were given a tiny bottle of whiskey, very nice gestureVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 September 2023
- Mary S9 contributionsExcellent tour!The distillery tour was very good. We did not have a reservation, but we were easily able to join the next tour. All of the distillery staff were friendly and accommodating. Joe was our tour guide and he was great - funny, entertaining, and very knowledgeable about the distillery processes. If you have a couple of hours to spare while in the area, I highly recommend this tour!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 October 2023
- Marie M2 contributionsAmazing history and great whiskey!We had toured a few distilleries in Scotland, they were great, but the tour of the Bushmills distillery in Bushmill, was amazing! Our tour guide Joe was awesome! He gave us so much information in a nice easy was for us non chemists to understand, and was funny and interactive with us all. We had never tried Bushmills before, but enjoyed it so much we bought a bottle to bring home. Bushmills is a lovely town to explore, and the Bushmills distillery was the highlight for us! Thank you Joe, all the best from the Canadians!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 October 2023
- Keven OPrairie Village, Kansas99 contributionsDon’t miss out on Bushmills, even if you don’t think you like Irish whiskey!This was an excellent tour. The old distillery sits in a small town full of character. /we were early for our tour and got a snack at Lorna’s cafe. Our tour was not quite full. They don’t overbook so the tour moved at a casual pace with plenty of time to see everything and to ask questions. Part of the distillery was in renovation so the front desk gave everyone samples bottles to take home. Our guide, Jerry, was the best. He kept everyone engaged balancing his presentation so that novices and experts alike were happy. We had opted for the tasting tour and I’m glad we did. Jerry was very knowledgeable about all the offerings, tailoring his comments to meet the likes and dislikes for everyone. While I’m certainly not a connoisseur, my wife has always she didn’t enjoy whiskey. Jerry took this as a challenge finding all those new to Irish whiskey a glass they could enjoy. Easily the most enjoyable tasting of our trip.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- Mary FHudson, Wisconsin9 contributionsJoe’s your man for a tour of Bushmills DistilleryJoe, a transplant from Waukesha, WI, did a brilliant job leading our tour of Bushmills. With knowledge and wit, he took us step by step through the process of making some of the worlds finest whiskey. He walked us through how the different types of whiskey are made, and imbued in us the sense of history behind Bushmills.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
- ianbeavisLos Angeles, California1,144 contributionsThis was an exceptional experienceWe took the premium tour which included 7 tastings plus another. I have done 20 plus distillery tours and the combination of the tour and tasting with Tim, is up with the best. He was smart, knowledgeable, funny, and memorable. He made the experience. I have always had Bushmills in my bar but now I will have more. Highly recommended.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- Caroline MLancaster, United Kingdom136 contributionsDistillery TourGreat tour by Ricky today. Really informative, easy to follow and full of good humour. For a non whiskey drinker I still found it really enjoyable!! Would highly recommend and I enjoyed my whiskey cocktail at the end of the experience!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 October 2023
- Leslie H45 contributionsExcellent tour and tasting!An excellent and fascinating tour of the Bushmills Distillery! Our tour guide Andy was awesome! He did a great job of explaining the entire process, helping pick the best whiskeys, and taught us a lot about the whiskey making process. Such a fun afternoon!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 October 2023
- Zoe H6 contributionsWorth a visit whether you’re a whiskey drinker or not!We had such a great time on our tour at Bushmills. Our tour guide Andy was amazing. He had a great sense of humor and was very knowledgeable about the process start to finish; he even gave us a recommendation of a whiskey to get my Irish grandfather as a gift. He definitely made it a tour to remember. Would recommend this tour to anyone whether you enjoy drinking whiskey or not, it’s definitely worth a visit.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
- Charlotte MCaterham, United Kingdom2 contributionsAmazing informative afternoon!Amazing afternoon, incredibly friendly and informative staff, we were taken on the tour by Sean who was knowledgable, personable and all round amazing. Really interring from start to finish, taking us through the whole whiskey process. Would definitely recommendVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,988 reviews
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273
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41
Mr H
Lisburn, UK12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Good value for money £9 (adult) gets you and informative 40-50 minute tour with a tour guide who seems to know their stuff and able to answer questions well. You also then get a sample/cocktail/hot whiskey in the bar at the end of the tour - this lets you down slightly as it is such a busy area, it’s a struggle to find somewhere to sit to enjoy your drink. The gift shop is fairly priced and has a good variety of merchandise.
Written 3 January 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.
radarharp
Florida290 contributions
Mar 2020
From the rime we walked in the tour waiting room to the gift shop at the end we had a wonderful time. There is an excellent historical video loop to watch while your tour is organized. Jerry, our guide, was easy to listen to and his ad libs made the narration enjoyable without seeming canned. An introduction of the barley selection started us on the educational side of Irish Whiskey production. Making of mash, wort, fermentation, the triple distillation process, barrel storage, selection of blends, bottling, labeling, and yes...tasting, made it an enjoyable tour.
After making our purchases at the Bushmill's store we were on our way to the car park when
I noticed that our rental car's left rear tire was flat. Not just low, but flat. I made my way back to the exit gate, explained my problem to Julie D., and asked about a tire repair garage. This was late on Sunday afternoon so I assumed that the prospects for a repair were bleak. Not only did Julie offer directions to the garage in town, but she followed me to the parking area and produced an electric air pump from her own car. Three nice Irish people offered to help and we plugged the little compressor into their vehicle's cigarette lighter, inflated the tire, and were on our way. Now that is hospitality!!
After making our purchases at the Bushmill's store we were on our way to the car park when
I noticed that our rental car's left rear tire was flat. Not just low, but flat. I made my way back to the exit gate, explained my problem to Julie D., and asked about a tire repair garage. This was late on Sunday afternoon so I assumed that the prospects for a repair were bleak. Not only did Julie offer directions to the garage in town, but she followed me to the parking area and produced an electric air pump from her own car. Three nice Irish people offered to help and we plugged the little compressor into their vehicle's cigarette lighter, inflated the tire, and were on our way. Now that is hospitality!!
Written 15 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.
David N
Paddock Wood, UK35 contributions
Aug 2022
One distillery is the same as another, no not in this case. Had to wait about an hour from booking the tour but they run every 20 minutes or so. Lovely chap called Andrew who gave us the tour, very informative, answered questions and had a sense of humour.
At the end of the visit all adults were given a tot of either Blackbush or the 12year old not small measures either. Good bar area which led to the gift shop. Some nice clothing and souvenirs all quite good quality and not overpriced plus of course bottles of Bushmills. At 10 euros per adult we thought it was very good value.
At the end of the visit all adults were given a tot of either Blackbush or the 12year old not small measures either. Good bar area which led to the gift shop. Some nice clothing and souvenirs all quite good quality and not overpriced plus of course bottles of Bushmills. At 10 euros per adult we thought it was very good value.
Written 1 September 2022
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.
Steve Y
Silver Spring, MD4,050 contributions
Aug 2019
Decided to visit here while we were touring NI. Unfortunately I believe the entire tour fell way short of our expectations. Our tour guide seemed really uninterested in her job and made lots of sarcastic comments (which were meant to be in good spirits?) while explaining the distillation process, and showing us equipment.
She also lacked quite a bit of knowledge about the entire process.
I will say that the experience at Jameson Distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was much more exciting and enjoyable!
I recommend going there rather than coming to this distillery.
The only good thing really was that we were given a shot of whiskey to taste. Bushmills whiskey is not even great! There are many other better tasting and superior brands - Jameson, Midleton Rare....Johnnie Walker and pretty much any scotch!
She also lacked quite a bit of knowledge about the entire process.
I will say that the experience at Jameson Distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was much more exciting and enjoyable!
I recommend going there rather than coming to this distillery.
The only good thing really was that we were given a shot of whiskey to taste. Bushmills whiskey is not even great! There are many other better tasting and superior brands - Jameson, Midleton Rare....Johnnie Walker and pretty much any scotch!
Written 26 January 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.
KWMcauseway
Belfast, UK27 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Brought our dad here as he likes whiskey and we had a great tour and thought it was great value. We'd done the Jameson tour last summer and had enjoyed it but this is more interesting because you're actually walking around the working factory. We had coffees, buns and a panini in the cafe before the tour and found it really reasonably priced. We bought a bottle of 12 year old whiskey as a present at the end and it was personalised which our dad loved. I would certainly recommend this tour.
Written 3 January 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.
Michael
Derry, UK6 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
A very interesting tour of The Famous Bushmills Distillery. Andy was our tour guide today and he certainly made the tour both informative and humorous.
You feel that you are seeing history in action.
The staff are very friendly, the tasting session at the end of the tour was very enjoyable.
The shop offers lots of good quality Bushmills merchandise and priced quite reasonably.
There is also a wide range of the Bushmills product available.
Overall I enjoyed the tour and site visit very much.
I feel that I received great value for money and I would certainly recommend it.
You feel that you are seeing history in action.
The staff are very friendly, the tasting session at the end of the tour was very enjoyable.
The shop offers lots of good quality Bushmills merchandise and priced quite reasonably.
There is also a wide range of the Bushmills product available.
Overall I enjoyed the tour and site visit very much.
I feel that I received great value for money and I would certainly recommend it.
Written 3 December 2022
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.
Chelsea S.
Cape Girardeau, MO6 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
We visited with friends on our first visit to Ireland. It’s a very charming distillery with an insightful, interesting tour. Rickie, our tour guide, made the experience a delight with interactive portions of the tour and a tasting of the whiskey at the end. It’s was the perfect length to learn about how the whiskey is made and get to see the inner workings of the distillery. Would visit again! Gift shop was reasonably priced as well.
Written 20 October 2022
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.
Michael J
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
I went along to Bushmills Distillery on Tuesday 8th August 23 with a group of old friends and took part in a tour and VIP tasting of Bushmills products.
We were guided by Tim who was excellent both during the tour and during the very enjoyable tasting of six of the fantastic whiskeys produced at the distillery.
Tim has an exceptionally friendly and approachable manner but also has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Distillery and its whiskeys which kept us all enthralled for the duration of the tour.
I'm already looking forward to returning with some German friends in the near future.
I highly recommend this tour!!
We were guided by Tim who was excellent both during the tour and during the very enjoyable tasting of six of the fantastic whiskeys produced at the distillery.
Tim has an exceptionally friendly and approachable manner but also has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Distillery and its whiskeys which kept us all enthralled for the duration of the tour.
I'm already looking forward to returning with some German friends in the near future.
I highly recommend this tour!!
Written 12 August 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.
Beverley S
14 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Tour guide Gerry was very knowledgeable about the whole whiskey process and a very skilled communicator. He brought a light touch of humour, engaging all the group, very entertaining. A brilliant tour, highly recommend it.
Written 4 October 2022
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.
Sophie H
73 contributions
July 2023 • Friends
We had such a good day here, our guide Darren was really funny and made the tour even more interesting. We went on a Saturday so the bottling wasn’t happening but we still seen the inside of the process. At the end we were allowed two drinks to compensate for this. For £15 this was well worth the money and I definitely recommend if you are in the area!
Written 30 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.
How do you get there from Belfast City Centre?
Written 15 January 2024
So sorry! TripAdvisor didn't notify me there was a question. You've probably been to and gone from Ireland by now.
Anyway, my friend and I were in a rental car.
Written 20 August 2024
We’ve booked a distillery tour but hope to see Giants Causeway first and end up at the Distillery after.
Can we park our car at Bushmills, then walk to the Causeway and explore there, and come back for our tour? It’d be nice to not have to repark our car and also not have to pay the fee to park at the Causeway.
is this plan doable? Thanks.
Written 27 April 2023
Hi Bluesmama! There are two parking areas at the Giants Causeway. One is right next to the visitors center where you have to pay to park and to enter the Causeway! There is a parking lot further up the hill that you still have to pay for, but, it is free to enter the Causeway. Parking there is not expensive. I want to say that it was less than 10 pounds. That said, walking distance from that parking area to the Bushmills factory is pretty far. For me, it was worth paying the $. Additionally, since the Bushmills tour is timed, I would recommend going there as early as possible then spending most of my time at the Causeway. It's a pretty far walk from the entrance down to the six sided stones. You really want to budget a good deal of time to relax, enjoy, and take it all in. On the way back to the car, spring for the 1-2 pounds to take the shuttle back up the hill. Your feet will thank you. Have a great time!
Written 27 April 2023
Can you purchase tickets on line before going to the distillery?
Written 4 October 2019
No need to purchase in advance now. We walked in and only 7 people in the tour
Written 15 October 2019
how much is admission to Bushmills if not taking a tour
Written 20 September 2019
There is definitely a fee for the tour - this includes a tasting at the end. Our tickets were 9 GBP each. As we were there in August, it was busy. Reservation was not required but it was a good thing we arrived in the morning. Tour buses were arriving at a steady rate.
Written 25 September 2019
Is there age restrictions on kids doing the tour
Written 21 August 2019
Yes the tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old.
Written 23 August 2019
Hi, I'm thinking of doing this tour in a few weeks. We have 2 children in our party, ages 8 & 10. My sister in law
has offered to miss out and have them - ideal if there's a park or something near by. Or is it worth them joining the tour? What can kids do there?
Also are you given enough tasters to be over the limit to drive? Just so we know if to arrange public transport.
Thanks
Written 16 March 2019
At 8-10 they could certainly do the tour, up to you on if they might find it interesting or boring! The village of Bushmills is close enough for your sister inlaw and children to find something to do while you are on the tour, is a beautiful wee village. Enough tasters to put you over the limit to drive? To the best of my knowledge, you are provided a token for one free drink at the bar, I do not know your constitution for alcohol, nor am I up to date with the local driving limit, that is a decision you need to make for yourself- but certainly there is nobody at each station forcing a taster down your throat and you make your own decision of if and when to drink alcohol when driving?
Written 5 April 2019
Do you need to make a reservation for the tour. Wondering if I need to book ahead of time. Going mid week end of March
Written 26 February 2019
Hi Micheal
Just to let you know you can only book in advance if you have a group of 15 or more. If it’s only a couple or few people you just turn up and book the next available tour, sometimes it’s busy and you just wait to the next tours going. If you check their website , they give you times for last entry to tour, otherwise there a tasting you can do for £8pp. And you can get that at the 1608 bar with out booking. It’s good ,
If it’s a tour your looking to take you to the distillery then look no further I can arrange it all for you. Check out. Theirishtourguide.
Thanks .. The Irish tour guide
Written 26 February 2019
Do you have to do the tour, or can you go in and just have a drink?
Written 10 February 2019
Yes the tour is a great tour and well worth going on, but if you only have a short time you can just do a tasting at the 1608 bar and there’s pretty good food st the cafe, then there’s the shop and you can buy limited addition whiskey there., it’s all good .
Written 26 February 2019
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