This weekend I had the pleasure of exploring the charming town of Midleton, located in the heart of East Cork. This town is famous for its farmers’ market and the Jameson Distillery, where you can learn about the whiskey-making process and sample some of the world-famous Jameson Irish Whiskey. The town less than 30 minutes drive from Cork City and 35 minutes from Cork Airport.
Jameson Distillery Tour
My main stop in Midleton was the Jameson Distillery, and it did not disappoint. The tour was informative and interactive, taking me through the history of Jameson whiskey and the intricate process that goes into making it. I was fascinated to learn about the different types of barrels used for aging and how they affect the final product’s taste. And, of course, the tasting at the end was a highlight – I could taste the smoothness and complexity that goes into each bottle.
You can book tickets online here. At the time of writing its €26 for a standard ticket, €52 for a ‘tour and premium whiskey tasting’, or €65 for a ‘behind the scenes’ tour. It’s expensive, let’s say compared to the Guinness tour in Dublin that’s currently between €26-€38 euros for the basic packages. I went on the behind the scenes tour and were very happy at the end. Being honest, I’m not a huge fan of whiskey, but it was interesting to learn about the process and the history behind it.
Strolling through Town
In the morning before the distillery tour, I had a chance to explore the town’s farmers’ market – ‘Midleton Farmers Market‘. The market was a feast for the senses, with vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods. This runs every Saturday between 9am and 1.30pm.
As I strolled through the town’s streets, I was struck by the quaint architecture and the colorful houses. Midleton has a rich history, and it was fascinating to see how it has been preserved through its buildings and landmarks.
The History of Midleton
Midleton has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The town’s name derives from the Old English “middle town,” as it was located between Cork city and Youghal. Midleton played an important role in the area’s agricultural and trade industries, and its location on the River Owenacurra made it a hub for shipping goods.
The town’s development was heavily influenced by the Brodrick family, who were granted the land in the 17th century and played a significant role in its growth and development. Today, the town is proud of its heritage and has preserved many of its historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Old Midleton Distillery and the Clock Tower, which serve as reminders of its rich history.
Getting There
Getting to Midleton is easy and convenient, as it’s located just a short distance from Cork City.
From the Airport
If you’re arriving from outside of Ireland, Cork Airport is the closest international airport to Midleton, and it’s only a 30-minute drive away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to get to Midleton.
From Cork City
If you’re traveling from Cork City, there are several transportation options available. The most convenient way to get to Midleton is by car, and the journey takes approximately 25 minutes. If you’re not renting a car, you can take the bus or train from Cork City to Midleton. The train journey takes around 30 minutes, and the station is located in the center of town, making it a convenient option for travelers. Alternatively, the bus journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and the bus station is also located in the center of Midleton.
From Dublin
If you’re traveling from Dublin, there are several transportation options available to get to Midleton in East Cork. The most convenient way to travel is by car, and the journey takes around 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. From Dublin, take the M7 motorway southbound towards Cork, then take the M8 motorway towards Waterford. Exit the M8 at Junction 18 for Midleton and follow the signs into town.
If you’re not renting a car, you can take the train from Dublin Heuston Station to Cork City, which takes around 2.5 hours. From Cork City, you can take the train to Midleton, which takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Dublin Busaras Station to Cork City, which takes around 3.5 hours, and then take the train or bus to Midleton.
