In the harbour town of Donaghadee, you'll find Copeland Distillery, a place where seafaring history meets the modern craft of spirit making. It's housed in a building with its own story as a former 1930s cinema that was once a community hub. The distillery draws inspiration from its coastal setting and Donaghadee's past as a key 19th-century port for Northern Ireland. This town, once known for smugglers and trade ships, now lends its adventurous spirit to the distillery's award-winning gins, rums, and maturing whiskeys. Each bottle seems to hold a hint of those old tales.
Taking a tour here is like stepping into that story. You'll hear local legends mixed with the practical art of distilling. Follow the journey from grain to glass and find out how local ingredients, like the Sea Pink Maritima flower gathered from the nearby Copeland Islands, give their gins a unique flavour. The tour wraps up with a tasting, perhaps the gold-medal Classic Irish Gin or the bold Smugglers' Reserve Rum, named to honour the town's past. There's also a comfy coffee shop where you can relax with a local brew and watch the copper stills working their magic through large windows.
Copeland isn't just about looking back; they're focused on the future too. They released their first 5-year-old Single Grain Irish Whiskey in 2024, aged in bourbon and wine casks, marking a big step in their whiskey journey. With over 500 casks currently maturing, there's plenty more to look forward to. The distillery has strong community roots, starting partly through crowdfunding and even creating special spirits for Ulster Rugby. A visit feels best on a bright coastal day, perhaps combined with a walk along Donaghadee harbour. Whether you're there for a tasting or just to soak up the atmosphere, Copeland Distillery offers a real taste of Northern Ireland's vibrant spirit.
Getting There
By Car:
The distillery is easily accessible by car. From Belfast, take the A2 coastal road, which winds through scenic landscapes to Donaghadee-a journey of approximately 45 minutes. Drivers coming from Dublin can follow the A1 to Newry, then the A1/M1 to the A2, continuing along the coast into Donaghadee. The distillery's central location on Manor Street means it's just a short walk from parking areas in the town center.
By Public Transport:
Frequent bus services connect Donaghadee to Belfast and other towns. Buses from Belfast's Laganside Bus and Rail Station (near the city center) travel along the A2 route, taking roughly an hour to reach Donaghadee. Once in town, the distillery's proximity to the seafront and harbor makes it easy to spot-simply follow the coastal path or ask locals for directions.
Local Travel:
Once in Donaghadee, the distillery is within walking distance of the town centre. Its central location in the old picture house ensures it's a short stroll from the harbor, bus stops, and ferry terminals (the latter for trips to the nearby Copeland Islands, though not required to visit the distillery itself). Taxis are also readily available in the town for those needing door-to-door service.
Parking
On-site parking is freely available and just a 50-meter stroll to the distillery entrance, making it the most straightforward choice. Please note, overnight parking is not permitted here.
During peak seasons (July and August), on-site spaces can fill quickly, so plan to arrive early or consider the Strand Road car park as an alternative. Located 0.3 miles away, this lot charges £2 per hour on weekdays with a 2-hour time limit, though parking is free on weekends and public holidays.
Accessibility is well catered for, with designated disabled parking spaces and blue badge provisions at both the on-site lot and Strand Road. While limited street parking exists in the suburban area, it is not recommended due to scarcity. For the smoothest visit, prioritize the free on-site parking whenever possible.
Pricing
Admission fees for Copeland Distillery are set at £22.50 per adult, with no discounts available for children, seniors, or students. Tours are exclusively for adults aged 18+, and children must be accompanied by an adult on-site. Guided tours are included in the admission cost, providing an immersive experience of the distillery's operations.
Copeland Distillery Promo Code & Special Offers
Promo Codes:
- Sign up for the Copeland newsletter to unlock a 10% discount for first-time buyers.
Seasonal/Event Discounts:
- 30% off all whiskey collections during St Patrick's Day week.
- 25% off merchandise at monthly "Open House" events (first Saturday of every month).
- Use code WWA25 for 17% off all online and in-store products during World Whiskey Awards events.
- Try code BLACKFRIDAY20 for 20% off most items (excludes Hero bundles, Cask Share 3, and vouchers; no stacking with other offers).
Group Discounts:
- 15% off bookings for groups of 10+ visitors.
- 20% off private tour packages for groups of 8+.
Membership:
- Join the Friends of Copeland program for 5% discounts on purchases, exclusive tastings, and loyalty points.
Package Deals:
- Combine the Distillery tour with Saint Comgall's Heritage Centre visit for a 20% discount.
Nearby Attractions
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