In the village of Bushmills on Northern Ireland's rugged north coast sits the Old Bushmills Distillery. It's famous for being the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, getting its permit from King James I way back in 1608. For over 400 years, they've been making triple-distilled single malt whiskey right here. What makes Bushmills special isn't just its age, but how it sticks to traditional Irish whiskey-making. They use local malted barley and water from St. Columb's Rill (a stream flowing into the River Bush), copper pot stills, and triple distillation – all key to that signature smooth taste.
You can take a guided tour to see how they make whiskey from "grain to glass." The 60-minute walk covers about 1 kilometre and includes over 150 steps, taking you past the old stills and into the warehouses where the whiskey ages, giving you a feel for the place and the process. Tours end with a tasting, where you can try different whiskeys like the popular Black Bush or the fancy 21-Year-Old single malt. Be aware that the tour involves quite a few steps and might be tricky for those with mobility issues, and kids under eight aren't allowed. There's also the 1608 Bar and a gift shop (though the café is currently closed).
Bushmills isn't just about whiskey; it has a place in culture too. It got a mention in James Joyce's Ulysses and even appeared on Bank of Ireland notes in 2008 for its 400th anniversary. The distillery has seen a lot – fires in the 19th century, Prohibition in the US, and changing economies. Today, they keep the traditions alive while also innovating, like building the new, eco-friendly Causeway Distillery to keep up with demand. Their whiskeys, aged in various casks like ex-bourbon, sherry, and rum, show this mix of history and new ideas. Visiting during the longer summer hours (March-October) gives you more flexibility, but the stories and the spirit of Bushmills are worth discovering any time of year.
Getting There
Pricing
Admission fees at Bushmills Distillery are structured to cater to various visitors, with pricing in euros converted using the rate of 1 USD = 0.92 EUR (assuming GBP amounts are treated as USD equivalents):
- Adult (over 18): £10 (~€9.22)
- Senior Citizen (over 60): £8.50 (~€7.84)
- Student (over 18): £8.50 (~€7.84)
- Child (8-17 years): £6 (~€5.53)
Special Rates & Discounts:
- Family Discount: Available but specific terms (e.g., number of family members or pricing structure) are not detailed.
- Group Rates: Offered for groups of 15+ people; contact the distillery directly for pricing.
Guided Tours & Additional Costs:
Guided tours are included in the admission price, though children under 8 are not permitted to join. No extra fees are mentioned for special exhibits or activities.
Notes:
- Children under 8 years can visit the site but cannot participate in the guided tour.
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