Right on the waterfront in the lively town of Clonakilty, you'll find a distillery that mixes modern craft spirits with a deep respect for the land. Clonakilty Distillery was started in 2016 by the Scully family, whose roots in local farming go back nine generations. They live by a "grass-to-glass" idea, using barley grown on their own family farm just outside town. Being on the Wild Atlantic Way isn't just a location; the salty sea air blows right through their maturation warehouse (unusually close to the shore!), giving their award-winning Irish whiskeys, Minke Gins, and Minke Vodkas a unique coastal flavour. They've already picked up awards like "Best New Make & Young Spirit" at the World Whiskies Awards.
Everything here connects back to the local landscape. The barley thrives in Atlantic mists, and the spirits, after being triple-distilled in shiny copper pots, age in a variety of casks – think ex-Bourbon, sherry, even Bordeaux wine barrels – all chosen to enhance that seaside character. They're serious about sustainability too (certified by Origin Green) and even use local plants like rock samphire in their Minke Gin, partnering with marine conservation groups.
A visit takes you through the whole process. You'll start by learning Clonakilty's story (it used to be a brewing town!), then see the milling, mashing, and distilling happen, finishing, of course, with a tasting to appreciate how the place shapes the drink. Fancy getting hands-on? The Minke Gin School lets you create your own gin blend using local botanicals. The shop has exclusive bottles you won't find elsewhere, plus cool gear with their sea-inspired designs.
Summer is a great time to visit, when you can combine the distillery tour with exploring nearby beaches like Long Strand. But honestly, tasting whiskey mellowed by salty air is fascinating any time of year. A big milestone is their first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey made entirely on-site (launched in 2024), showing their ambition to make truly distinctive Irish spirits. Clonakilty Distillery offers a taste of West Cork that's as much about the land and sea as the spirit in your glass.
Getting There
Getting There: Clonakilty Distillery
Clonakilty Distillery is conveniently located on the waterfront, right on the edge of Clonakilty town centre in West Cork.
Driving:
- From Dublin:
- The drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. 1. Take the M7 southbound, then the M8 towards Cork. 2. Follow signs for the N40 South Ring Road (West) / N22 / N71 towards West Cork. 3. Continue onto the N71 South/West, following signs for Bandon and then Clonakilty.
- From Cork City / Cork Airport:
- It's a relatively straightforward drive of about 50-60 minutes.
- Take the N71 South/West directly from the Bandon Road Roundabout, following signs for West Cork / Skibbereen / Clonakilty.
- Approaching Clonakilty:
- As you arrive in Clonakilty on the N71 bypass, the distillery is prominently located on your left just before the main roundabout and bridge crossing the tidal bay. It's well-signposted.
Public Transport:
- Bus: Bus Éireann operates regular services (like Route 237) from Cork City (Parnell Place Bus Station) to Clonakilty.
- From the Bus Stop: The distillery is a short, manageable walk (approx. 5-10 minutes) from the main bus stops in Clonakilty town centre.
Parking
Visitors to Clonakilty Distillery enjoy convenient parking options tailored to different needs. The distillery provides free on-site parking adjacent to the main entrance, accommodating up to 50 vehicles. To access it, follow the road alongside the distillery building from the roundabout and take the first right. Designated disabled parking spaces are available on-site for easy access.
During peak season (June to August), the on-site car park fills quickly, so arriving early is recommended. If the on-site lot is full, street parking is available along the coastal road, though it carries a 2-hour maximum stay restriction. For longer visits, the nearby public car park offers paid parking at €2 per hour, with a 5-minute walk to the distillery entrance.
Pricing
Admission fees for the Clonakilty Distillery tour start at €20.25 (converted from $21.96 USD). This price applies to adults, and no specific discounts for children, seniors, or students are listed. The standard experience includes a guided tour and two 20ml whiskey samples.
Additional costs include optional upgrades to premium tastings (e.g., gin or vodka variants) or enhanced experiences, though exact pricing for these is not specified. The distillery's on-site shop offers a range of products, including:
- Miniature 5cl bottles from €7.50
- 70cl whiskey bottles priced between €39.95 and €175.00, with premium selections like the Clonakilty Old Glory reaching €179.60 (converted from $195 USD)
- Gift sets, such as a 3x5cl collection for €25.50
- Special edition items like the Clonakilty Tuath Glass (€15.00)
Payment methods likely include major credit/debit cards and cash, though specific details are not explicitly stated in source materials.
Nearby Attractions
West Cork Model Railway Village
Ever wondered what it feels like to be a giant? At the West Cork Model Railway Village in Clonakilty, you can! Step back into the 1940s and wander through charming, miniature versions of West Cork tow...
Distance: 0.0 km
Clonakilty Black Pudding Visitor Centre
In the town of Clonakilty, County Cork, this visitor centre is dedicated to a true Irish food hero: Clonakilty Black Pudding. It all started with a secret recipe created in the late 1800s at Edward Tw...
Distance: 0.1 km
Inchydoney Beach
Ask anyone about Ireland's best beaches, and Inchydoney, just off the West Cork coast near Clonakilty, will likely be high on their list. It's famous for its huge stretches of golden sand and great At...
Distance: 2.3 km