can you visit bushmills distillery

What to Know Before Visiting Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland

Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland holds the title for the oldest active distillery in the world. Granted a distilling license in 1608, the current distillery was built in 1784. So seeing the distillery is experiencing Irish whiskey history. But there’s a few things to know before visiting Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland.

My boyfriend and I spent a week traveling through Ireland visiting whiskey distilleries . But our Irish Whiskey adventure wouldn’t be complete without visiting Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland, so we spent two nights in Belfast just for that.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I may receive a commission from them. Thank you for supporting the companies that support Whiskied Wanderlust.

Bushmills Distillery is unique among Irish distilleries.

First, a little about Bushmills whiskey. It’s one of the few distilleries in Ireland to use 100% unpeated malted barley and one of the few that exclusively triple-distills its whiskey. Even more unique is that every step of the whiskey-making process takes place right at Bushmills — from mashing to distilling, aging, and bottling.

(That said, Bushmills only makes malt whiskey at their distillery. The grain whiskey used in their blended bottlings is sourced.)

And, always worth mentioning: Bushmills’ master blender, Helen Mulholland, was the first woman in Ireland to hold that title . Yay for women in whiskey!

Bushmills Distillery is an hour away from Belfast.

It’s often said that Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland is in Belfast. Or at least that’s what I’d heard before my recent distillery trip to Ireland ! But in reality, Bushmills Distillery is in County Atrim, about an hour’s drive from Belfast.

That means that the easiest way to get to Bushmills Distillery is to drive. That obviously comes with its own set of challenges, but the drive itself is really easy. It’s a pretty drive, too, through rolling green hills. And if you have time, you can add some detours along the way.

We stopped at The Dark Hedges , famously the filming location for the King’s Road in Game of Thrones. It was a good excuse to stretch our legs and take some photos. This tour includes transportation from Belfast and stops at several Northern Ireland sites.

(It’s worth noting that it is possible to get to Bushmills Distillery from Dublin. The drive is about 3.5 hours — which is long, but not impossible in a day. In fact, this tour actually includes a driver from Dublin if you don’t want to do it yourself!)

The distillery campus is huge!

When we got to Bushmills, I was shocked at the size of the distillery campus. Spanning a whopping 130 acres , there are dozens of buildings, including two distilleries with 10 (!) large stills. There are plans for four more distilleries, which will make Bushmills the world’s largest.

Once all that whiskey is distilled, it needs to be aged. At Bushmills, there are 46 warehouses right on site, each holding 50,000 casks each !

The distillery tour at Bushmills walks you through several buildings, including a distillery, the fermentation tanks, a bottling plant, and more. So wear your walking shoes!

No photos are allowed at Bushmills Distillery

A word of warning for camera-loving folks (like me): no photos are allowed inside Bushmills Distillery. Cameras must stay tucked away, and even cell phones must be off! That means if you’re hoping to take notes during the tour (*raises hand*), you better bring a pen and paper.

Our guide explained the no phones and cameras rule is due to the possibility that a spark from the electronics could ignite during the tour. And as you can imagine, a distillery of that size is quite flammable!

It was disappointing not to get photos of the inside of Bushmills Distillery, but I admit it made me pay attention to the tour a little closer! (And photos are allowed outside and in the tasting rooms.)

The Premium tour is worth the upgrade.

Bushmills Distillery currently offers two different tours : a one-hour tour and a Premium, 2.5-hour tour. Both include tours of the distillery, the only difference is the tasting that follows.

We took the Premium tour, which includes an upgraded tasting of Bushmills whiskey. I recommend that one because you get to taste such a wider range of spirits. (We tasted 10, 12, 16, and 21 year single malts, plus Blackbush, Bushmills Original, and an Acacia Finish.)

Being able to taste so many Bushmills’ whiskeys side-by-side really gave me a better sense of appreciation for the distillery. Although I still wish their whiskey had a higher ABV!

Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland is quite the experience. From the drive there to seeing inside the historic distillery, the whole day was memorable. I highly recommend a visit if you’re nearby, just remember to book tours in advance !

Related :: The Ultimate Guide to Distilleries in Ireland , How to Plan a Whiskey Trip to Ireland , and more Distilleries in Ireland

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Visiting The Old Bushmills Distillery: The Oldest Licensed Distillery on Earth

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 4, 2024

The Old Bushmills Distillery claims to be the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, but is it really?

The company that founded the distillery was formed in 1784 but a local landowner was granted a license to distill long before, in 1608.

We’ll dig into the history later! Located a short detour off the  Causeway Coastal Route , the distillery offers a hugely popular tour.

Below, you’ll learn about the story of Bushmills, the new ‘Causeway Distillery’ that opened in 2023 and what to expect from a visit.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about the Old Bushmills Distillery

Photos courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Although Bushmills is one of the more popular whiskey distilleries in Ireland and a visit is pretty straightforward, there are some handy need-to-knows:

1. Location

Located on Distillery Road just outside of Bushmills Town Centre, the distillery is a 10-minute drive from both Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway and a 20-minute drive from the  Carrick-a-rede rope bridge .

2. Opening hours

The distillery is open daily from 9.30am (9.15 in summer) until 4.45pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday hours are noon to 4.45pm. Last tours are at 4pm and the gift shop closes at 4.45pm.

3. Admission

Admission to Bushmills Distillery is £17.29 for adults with concessions for children (£6.92) and seniors (£13.83).

4. The tour

Over 120,000 visitors take the Bushmills Distillery tour every year. Your tour guide will take you through the distillery in small groups on a tour that takes about 40 minutes. Learn about the distilling process, see the barrels and casks in which the amber nectar is aged and visit the bottling hall. More info below.

5. The new distillery

In 2023, a state-of-the-art distillery called the ‘Causeway Distillery’  was opened next to the old distillery. It cost a whopping £37 million and it has doubled the distillery’s production capacity.

The History of the Bushmills Distillery

The History of the Bushmills Distillery tends to cause some confusion and this is due to two dates that are closely associated with the distillery – 1784 and 1608.

1608, which is printed on the bottles, refers to the date that a license was granted to distill whiskey. 1784 was when the company that operates Bushmills Distillery was formed.

Let’s look at the history a little closer at the most famous of the many whiskey distilleries in Ireland .

The royal license granted in 1608

So, the Old Bushmills Distillery itself  doesn’t  date back to 1608.

1608 was when Sir Thomas Phillips, a local landowner, was given a royal license to distil whiskey in Bushmills.

Hugh Anderson and 1784

It was many years later, in 1784, that the ‘Bushmills Old Distillery Company’  was created by Hugh Anderson.

Many argue that this is the true date that the distillery should be tied to and, if that was the case, the ‘t Lootsje’ in Amsterdam, which opened in 1575, would be the world’s oldest.

Turbulent years followed

The Bushmills Distillery closed a number of times in the years that followed. In fact, there are no records of it being open in 1802 or 1822.

In 1860, the distillery was purchased by two Belfast spirit merchants, but it wasn’t until 1880 that they formed a LTD company.

In 1885, the original buildings were scorched by fire and, while the distillery was damaged, it was rebuilt.

SS Bushmills

The end of the 1800s (1890, to be precise) saw the distillery launch a steamship called the  ‘SS Bushmills’ , which brought Irish whiskey to America and beyond.

The ship stopped at Philadelphia and NYC before taking a long journey to Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Prohibition problems

As is the case with Irish whiskey brands to this day, the American market was key to success. Which is why prohibition in 1920 caused the whiskey industry to plummet.

Despite the challenges, Bushmills managed to weather the storm.

Later years

After WWII ended, Bushmills Distillery was bought by a Scottish businessman named Isaac Wolfson. Soon after, in 1972, it was taken over by Irish Distillers.

The years that followed saw the distiller change hands on several occasions:

• 1988 : Irish Distillers, along with Bushmills, were taken over by Pernod Ricard
• 2005 : Bushmills was bought by Diageo
• 2014 : Diageo exchange Bushmills for the Don Julio tequila brand
• 2024 : Bushmills remains in the ownership of Proximo Spirits

What to expect on the Old Bushmills Distillery Tour

Photo via Bushmills

There’s plenty to see and do on the Old Bushmills Distillery tour that make it well worth a visit (especially if you’re nearby when it’s raining…).

Below, you’ll discover what to expect from a visit, from the production of the whiskey to some very unique features.

1. Discover the story behind the world’s oldest distillery

For over 400 years, the tiny village of Bushmills has been home to the oldest working distillery in Ireland.

Opened in 1608, Bushmills Distillery has produced fine whiskey in small handcrafted batches, creating the famous smooth taste it is known for.

Bushmills uses 100% malted barley to create malt whiskey. Some are blended Irish whiskeys which combine malt whiskey with lighter grain whiskey.

2. Learn about the production

Bushmills Whiskey is produced in small batches and each cycle requires 40,000 litres of water. The mash takes 6.5 hours and then fermentation lasts for another 58 hours in the washbacks.

The distillery uses 10 pot stills to produce around 4 million litres per annum. Each warehouse contains 15,000 casks of maturing stock.

That’s a lot of liquor! The minimum term of maturity for Bushmills whiskey is 4.5 years with aged whiskeys being matured for 10 years or more.

3. Unique features

What makes the Old Bushmills Distillery so special is that it is the oldest licensed distillery in the world.

Despite its fame and considerable output, it remains a village business built on local grit and determination.

In 2008, the distillery featured on Bank of Ireland bank notes and has been retained on the new polymer version.

Families have worked in this historic distillery for generations, creating hand-crafted Irish whiskey that’s second to none.

4. Learn about the future of the distillery

Under the ownership of Jose Cuervo, Bushmills Distillery is going from strength to strength.

In 2023, a state-of-the-art distillery called the ‘Causeway Distillery’  was opened next to the old distillery.

It cost a whopping £37 million and it has doubled the distillery’s production capacity.

One of the latest innovations is the use of acacia wood casks to give character and spice to the aging whiskey.

What to do nearby

One of the beauties of doing the Old Bushmills Distillery tour is that it’s a short spin away from a clatter of other Antrim Coast attractions .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the distillery:

• The Bushmills Inn : An olde-world coaching inn that dates back as long as the distillery itself and includes inglenook turf fires, cosy snugs and an excellent menu
• The heavy hitters: Both Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway are less than 10 minutes by car
• More Antrim attractions: Dunseverick Castle (11 mins), White Park Bay Beach (13 mins) and the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge , (17 mins)

Frequently asked questions

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from is the Bushmills the oldest distillery in the world to how much tickets cost.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is the Bushmills Distillery tour worth doing?

Yes, the Bushmills Distillery tour is well worth checking out. It’s packed with history and you’ll see each step of the distilling process during your visit.

When did the Old Bushmills Distillery open?

The company that operates the distillery was formed in 1784 and it has been in constant operation since a fire in 1885 required the distillery to be rebuilt.

Is Bushmills the oldest distillery in Ireland?

It is indeed. The distillery was granted a license to distill whiskey way back in 1608, making it the oldest licensed distillery on earth.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Veronica R Morley

Wednesday 27th of October 2021

I have a family ancestor who was born in Ballyhome according to the 1881 England Census. Anthony Morley born about 1826 and 2 sons: Michael and Patrick were born in Ballyhome also before they went to settle in Blackburn England. The small town of Ballyhome is part of Coleraine now, I believe. There is an entrance to Ballyhome Road from Cloyfin Rd (B17) where there is a large entrance monument. Was it the original entrance to Bushmills Old Distillery? Do you know of any information regarding this arched gate? Bushmills Irish Whiskey dates from 1608; the company was formed by Hugh Anderson in 1784. Perhaps the date of the building of the stone arch entrance. Do you have information? It was a surprise to find this beautiful gate and I would love to know its history.

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Bushmills Irish Whiskey

Aged in Oloroso sherry casks

High single malt component, matured in sherry casks

We've been here for 400 years and don't plan on leaving soon

Triple Distilled

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There's a Bushmills for every occasion.

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The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world

Made with Black Bush

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The new standard

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Exploring the Old Bushmills Distillery: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated: Jul 28

Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, the Old Bushmills Distillery is one of the most iconic and historic distilleries in the world. With a rich history dating back over 400 years, this distillery has become a must-visit destination for whiskey enthusiasts and tourists alike. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Old Bushmills Distillery, from its history and ownership to visitor experiences and travel tips.

The History of Old Bushmills Distillery

Founded in 1608, the Old Bushmills Distillery holds the title of the oldest licensed distillery in the world. The distillery's history is deeply intertwined with the story of Northern Ireland itself, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

Key Historical Milestones:

1608:  Sir Thomas Phillips is granted a license to distill whiskey in Bushmills, marking the official beginning of the distillery's storied history.

1784:  The Old Bushmills Distillery Company is officially established.

1885:  A fire destroys much of the distillery, but it is rebuilt and continues to thrive.

1920s:  Prohibition in the United States impacts exports, but Bushmills continues to find success in other markets.

2005:  The distillery is purchased by Diageo, a leading global spirits company.

2014:  Diageo sells Bushmills to Casa Cuervo, the current owner.

Visiting the Old Bushmills Distillery

The Old Bushmills Distillery is located in the small village of Bushmills, County Antrim, along the stunning North Antrim Coast. It is easily accessible from Belfast, making it a popular day trip destination for visitors to Northern Ireland.

How to Get There:

Tour Options:  Belfast Causeway Tours offers bespoke group and private tours to the distillery, providing a comfortable and informative travel experience.

Distillery Tours and Experiences

A visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery offers a unique opportunity to see the whiskey-making process up close and learn about the rich heritage of this historic site.

Tour Highlights:

Guided Tours:  Expert guides lead you through the distillery, explaining each step of the whiskey production process, from malting and mashing to distillation and maturation.

Tasting Sessions:  Sample some of Bushmills' finest whiskeys, including special editions and distillery-exclusive bottlings.

Heritage Room:  Discover the distillery's history through fascinating exhibits and archival materials.

Bushmills Distillery Gift Shop:  Browse a wide range of whiskey products, branded merchandise, and exclusive items that make perfect souvenirs.

Old Bushmills Distillery Reviews

Visitors from around the world have praised the Old Bushmills Distillery for its informative tours, friendly staff, and exceptional whiskey. Here are some excerpts from recent reviews:

"A fantastic experience! The tour was informative and engaging, and the whiskey tasting was a highlight. Highly recommend!"

"The distillery is steeped in history, and the guides are incredibly knowledgeable. A must-visit for any whiskey lover."

"The gift shop has a great selection of whiskeys and unique souvenirs. I left with a bottle of the 21-year-old single malt, and it's superb."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the Old Bushmills Distillery located?

The Old Bushmills Distillery is located in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The address is 2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, BT57 8XH.

Who owns the Old Bushmills Distillery?

The distillery is currently owned by Casa Cuervo, a leading producer of tequila and other spirits.

How do I get from Belfast to the Bushmills Distillery?

To visit Bushmills Distillery from Belfast, consider booking a tour with Belfast Causeway Tours . This convenient option includes transportation and a guided experience, allowing you to enjoy the scenic journey and the distillery tour without the hassle of driving or navigating public transport.

What can I find at the Bushmills Distillery gift shop?

The gift shop offers a wide range of Bushmills whiskeys, including exclusive distillery editions, as well as branded merchandise such as glassware, clothing, and accessories.

Are there any special tours or events at the distillery?

Yes, the distillery offers special tours and events throughout the year, including whiskey masterclasses, tasting events, and seasonal celebrations. Check the distillery's website for the latest information.

Why Choose Belfast Causeway Tours?

When planning your visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery, consider booking with Belfast Causeway Tours. We offer bespoke group and private tours that provide a seamless and enriching experience. Here’s why you should travel with us:

Expert Guides:  Our knowledgeable guides provide in-depth insights into the history and production of Bushmills whiskey.

Comfort and Convenience:  Travel in luxury vehicles with comfortable seating and amenities.

Customisable Itineraries:  Tailor your tour to include other nearby attractions, such as the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle.

Exceptional Reviews:  Our tours are highly rated by customers who appreciate our personalised service and attention to detail.

Ready to explore the Old Bushmills Distillery and more? Book your tour today !

The Old Bushmills Distillery is a cornerstone of Northern Ireland's heritage, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the world of whiskey production. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or a curious traveler, a visit to this historic distillery is a journey through time and taste that you won’t soon forget. With Belfast Causeway Tours, you can enhance your experience with expert guidance, comfort, and convenience. Don't miss the opportunity to explore one of Northern Ireland's most cherished landmarks.

For more information or to plan your visit, check out our Travel Guide  or Contact Us  today.

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How to Take a Day Trip to Giant’s Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery

If you’re in Northern Ireland, you can’t miss a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and the Old Bushmills Distillery. This area is one of the easiest day trips from Belfast and brimming with Irish history and culture. 

Even if you can’t make it to Belfast, you can still take a day trip here from Dublin. Albeit, it will be a much longer trip.

When we added Northern Ireland to our Irish road trip itinerary, I knew Giant’s Causeway had to be on it. The basalt rock columns make up one of the most unique geographic features I’ve seen with my own eyes. The Old Bushmills Distillery claims to be the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world and is under 10 minutes from Giant’s Causeway. Due to their proximity, they’re frequently combined into one trip.

So, why should you do this day trip to Giant’s Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery, and how can you make it happen? Read on to learn more.

History of giant’s causeway.

Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top sites in all of the United Kingdom. The beach is a geographic wonder of tens of thousands of basalt (volcanic rock) columns jutting up out of the sand and sea. 

Officially, the unique geographic features of Giant’s Causeway is caused by a volcanic fissure eruption. However, Gaelic folklore tells a different story. According to legend, a giant named Fionn was challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant. Fionn built this causeway so the two giants could meet. In most tales, Fionn won the battle. Then the Scottish giant fled back to Scotland in fear, ripping up the causeway so the two would not ever meet again.

Today, you can visit the area and stand atop the basalt columns. Just be careful not to slip!

Visiting Giant’s Causeway

If you’re visiting Giant’s Causeway independently rather than taking an organized tour, you have a couple of options. The easiest is to park at the visitor center then take a bus or 20-minute trail down the hill. Starting from the visitor center will be your only option if you take an organized tour.

If you have a car, you can also park farther away and hike a coastal trail to visit the site. You really only need about 30 minutes at Giant’s Causeway to appreciate it. I recommend one of these trails if you want to spend more time soaking up the beauty in the area. This option was what we chose.

There are several trails in the Causeway Coast Area , with varying degrees of length and difficulty. We took the Portballintrae Causeway Loop, which was fairly flat and not too strenuous. It gave us beautiful views of the coast, basalt cliffs and bluffs as we walked along it. But there are a couple of things to be aware of if you choose this loop.

• It is windy. Be aware that wind can be strong, and there are long stretches where you’re walking along a cliff
• Trail maintenance is not the best. There were a couple of sketchy areas for us along the trail. One area had you walk down wooden steps that were not very solid. They were still easy enough to navigate if you watched your step. Another area was missing the bridge at a short water crossing. So we had to walk in the cold rushing water and slipper rocks for a few feet to complete the trail.

I’d still recommend this trail for the views, but it depends on your level of comfort.

When to Visit Giant’s Causeway

Peak season to visit Giant’s Causeway is June to August for a chance at the best weather. However, crowds will be higher at this time, and there is always a chance of wind, rain and fog no matter what time of year you go. 

Shoulder season is April/May and September/October, which might be better for avoiding crowds. We went in November, and it was perfect. We had some light rain here and there along the trail, but when we got to Giant’s Causeway, we had it to ourselves for a full 10 minutes. For one of the most famous sites in Northern Ireland, that was an unexpected surprise. We also got to see a rainbow when leaving the Causeway.

We did visit fairly early in the morning (before 10 a.m.), and the buses weren’t running yet from the visitor center. If you’re traveling there independent of a tour group, I absolutely recommend visiting earlier in the morning before the tour buses arrive.

Why Combine a Day Trip to Giants Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery?

People frequently combine a day trip to Giant’s Causeway with Old Bushmills Distillery. It’s less than a 10-minute drive from the Giant’s Causeway visitor center, and even closer if you park at one of the trailheads. Because Giant’s Causeway doesn’t take too much time – especially if you’re not hiking one of the coastal trails – combining it with a trip to Old Bushmills makes it a very worthwhile full day trip from Belfast (or Dublin). 

A distillery tour is on most people’s Irish bucket list. As a whiskey/bourbon lover (and occasional Scotch drinker), it was definitely on mine. As the Old Bushmills Distillery is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, it’s also one of the best to visit.

History of the Old Bushmills Distillery

The Old Bushmills Distillery claims to be the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Its license dates back to 1608, though the company officially started in 1784. It has undergone many ups and downs throughout the centuries, but remains an important part of the area’s history. In fact, the Bank of Ireland in the 2000s issued bank notes with the distillery on one side.

Nowadays, it is so popular that it’s opened a second, more advanced distilling area to keep up with demand. It makes several different Irish whiskeys, which you learn about on the tour. At the end of the tour, you get to choose one from a handful of options to taste.

Touring the Distillery

I’ve been on a few bourbon distillery tours in Kentucky, craft brewery tours in Florida and Seattle and wine tours in Napa . So you can imagine I was excited to see how this would compare, and if I’d learn anything new. 

The tour started from the visitor center where the guide took a poll on what types of whiskeys everyone liked. There was one lighthearted joke aimed at bourbon, and several at Scotch throughout the tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun, interactive and educational – everything you could want from a distillery tour.

The tour took us through the areas for mash, distilling, barreling and bottling. We learned about how Old Bushmills gets barrels from around the world – bourbon barrels from Kentucky, port wine barrels from Portugal, sherry casks from Spain, etc. We also got to smell three barrels and guess what originally housed which alcohol. 

The tour ended in the tasting room where we got to choose from four different whiskeys – the Bushmills original, the Black Bush, Bushmills 10 years and Bushmills 12 years. You could also choose a hot toddy or other whiskey cocktail if you preferred. I got the Bushmills 12 years because it is available only at this distillery and can’t be bought in stores or bars. My partner chose the Bushmills 10 years, which I got to mostly drink because he was the designated driver. For the rest of the time we were in Ireland, I got a pour of the Bushmills Black whenever I wasn’t feeling a pint, and it was also delicious.

Note that the Old Bushmills Distillery is closed on Sundays. Book in advance for the tour.

Getting to Giants Causeway and Old Bushmills

There are multiple ways to visit Giant’s Causeway and the Old Bushmills Distillery:

Organized Tour:

Giant’s Causeway is a popular day trip from Belfast, but it’s also accessible from Dublin. Luckily, the island is small enough that you’re never really too far from any one area of it. There are group tours that leave from both of these major cities that you can book through typical companies like Viator , Get Your Guide and Airbnb Experiences . Note that if you’re going to do the day trip from Dublin, it is going to be a long day. It is about three hours one way from Dublin while only a little over one hour from Belfast.

The biggest pro of taking an organized tour is that you don’t have to worry about driving. Not driving can be more relaxed, especially if you aren’t used to driving on the left side of the road, and that you don’t have to worry about having a designated driver after the distillery tour. 

The biggest con is the lack of flexibility (meaning you can’t do the coastal trail) and being there with a big group of other tourists. Typically an organized tour means you’ll be on a similar schedule as other tour groups, so you won’t just be with your group.

Public Transit:

If you’re staying in Belfast and don’t want to take a tour but also don’t have a car, it is possible to get to Giant’s Causeway via public transit. There is a direct bus that will take about two hours one way from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway and leaves as early as 9:30 a.m. If you want to visit Old Bushmills Distillery from there, you can find a taxi or take another 43-minute bus to the Distillery. This will be more complicated than an organized tour, but is doable.

Driving will be the most direct way to visit this area and will give you the most flexibility. However, it can also be the most stressful because you have to rent a car and get comfortable driving on the left side of the road. However, this means you can visit them when and how you want. 

Does this inspire you to take a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery? Reach out if you have any questions.

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Old Bushmills Distillery

In 2008, Bushmills celebrates 400 years of local distilling history…a unique, unbroken whiskey-making tradition still very much alive today at the Old Bushmills Distillery. Just two miles from the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, the distillery lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty which is rich in history and folklore. At Bushmills, the visitor can observe the craft and skills of making Irish whiskey. The guided tour includes the ingredients and processes, spring water from Saint Columb’s Rill and the finest malted barley, to the art of triple distillation in copper stills and ageing in oak casks. Of course, no visit would be complete without enjoying a complimentary glass of Bushmills whiskey. Today, Bushmills is a well known name for smooth, distinctive Irish whiskey. The whiskey maturing process takes time, between five and thirty years depending on the blend. Often there are around 171,000 barrels on site maturing. Recent accolades include a review by the New York Times in 2006 describing Bushmills 10 year Malt as -the best Irish whiskey Children under 8 are welcome to visit the Distillery but are not permitted to join guided tours. Groups of 15 or more, telephone to arrange your visit. *Due to the high demand of places on the guided tours there may be occasions when all tour places sell out early. Tour places are sold on a first come first serve basis and cannot be purchased in advance.*

Despite a lack of historical evidence, it is believed that troops of King Henry II drank Bushmills some 400 years before the distillery became officially licensed in 1608 by King James I. In 1784 the Bushmills Distillery became an officially registered company. From 1740 to 1910 Irish emigrants to the USA spread the word of Bushmills, as did the product's wins in international spirit and whiskey competitions.

A showcase at the distilleryIn the early 1900s, the USA was a very important market for Bushmills (and other Irish Whiskey producers). Prohibition in 1920 came as a large blow to the Irish Whiskey industry, but Bushmills managed to survive. Wilson Boyd, Bushmill's director at the time, predicted the end of prohibition and had large stores of whiskey ready to export. After the Second World War, the distillery was bought by Isaac Wolfson, and, in 1972, it was taken over by Irish Distillers, meaning that Irish Distillers controlled the production of all Irish whiskey at the time. In June 1988, Irish Distillers was bought by French liquor group Pernod Ricard.

Tours featuring this attraction

8 Night Discovering Northern Ireland Group Tour

14 Night Around Ireland Tour

(14 Nights)

14 Night Geological Tour of Ireland

6 Night Rail Tour of Southern and Northern Ireland

10 Night Rail Tour with Luxury Castle Stay

(10 Nights)

Northern Territories 10 Nights

Northern Territories Tour (7 Night)

Northern Territories Tour (8 Night)

All Ireland Tour (12 Night)

(12 Nights)

All Ireland Tour (14 Night)

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• Bushmills Distillery Tour: Must Read Review

By: Author James McAlister

The Bushmills distillery tour is a fantastic opportunity to see the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world in action. It’s something not to be missed if you’re in Northern Ireland . 

You don’t have to be a massive whiskey head to enjoy the Bushmills Distillery Tour. In fact it will probably appeal more if you’re not, but we’ll get into that in more detail a bit later.

The town of Bushmills itself is a popular base or stop off for people visiting the incredible Giant’s Causeway . Which let’s face it, should be on every Ireland itinerary .

But while lots of visitors will stay a night or two in Bushmills, most only spend a couple of hours marvelling at the unique charms of the Giant’s Causeway itself. And since the Bushmills distillery tour lasts roughly an hour, that should make it easily doable to squeeze in a visit to discover how they turn water into gold, even for the tightest of itineraries.

Bushmills Distillery Tour Review

This blog post will give you everything you need to know before you book a Bushmills Distillery tour. Including what the tour involves, where to buy tickets and accommodation recommendations for staying in Bushmills town overnight.

What the Bushmills Whiskey Tour Involves

The Bushmills Distillery Tour takes you through the entire process of whisky making from grain to glass, via a journey through their old distillery.

I say old distillery because also on site there is a brand spanking new 36 million pound facility that was only completed in 2022. But they’re super secretive about that and you’re barely allowed to look at it as you walk past, let alone visit as part of the tour.

Along the way you’ll learn about the raw ingredients that go into whiskey, the machinery and equipment that turns it into a spirit, the ageing process and the barrels used at the Bushmills distillery, as well as a look at the bottling process.

A Few Things to Know About Bushmills Distillery

There is absolutely no photography allowed throughout the tour. They say it’s due to the alcohol vapours in the air and the danger poised by battery operated devices. However I’ve never not been allowed to take photos on a distillery tour before (see our Jameson Experience Middleton review as evidence).

At the end your £15 ticket can be redeemed for a single drink, either the Bushmills Original, Black Bush, 10 Year Old or 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve.

The distillery has its own bar called 1608 Bar where you can purchase a wide selection of drinks separately including soft drinks, cocktails or a hot toddy. The bar is beautiful and the prices are pretty reasonable.

There are extra tastings available to buy separately at the 1608 Bar for £10 or £25 where you get to sample the Black Bush, 10 year old and 12 year old distillery reserve or the 12 year old distillery reserve, 16 year old and 21 year old respectively. 

Bushmills Distillery Tour Price

The Bushmills Distillery tour price currently stands at £15. Included in this is the roughly hour long guided tour through the old distillery and a single drink at the end.

There is only one type of Bushmills Whiskey tour available to purchase at the moment so there are no extra options to select from.

Bushmills Distillery Tour Tickets

The best way to purchase your Bushmills Distillery tour tickets is online direct via the Bushmills website .

It’s a very simple process of choosing your date, time and number of attendees and then entering your card details to complete the payment.

Tour groups ordinarily have a maximum size of 12, and this is the maximum number of tickets you are able to book online per slot.

However, if you have a larger group that you would like to enquire about being accommodated then you can email them directly to ask about this.

Either message [email protected] or alternatively email [email protected] for help with any unusual requests or options for your Bushmills Distillery tour tickets.

Bushmills Distillery Tour Times

Tours run daily Monday to Friday, with none running on the weekend. 

Bushmills Distillery tour times are every hour, on the hour starting at 10am and with the final tour commencing at 3pm.

This means the available Bushmills Distillery tour times to book online are at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, or 15:00.

Bushmills Distillery Tour From Belfast

If you’re looking to do a Bushmills Distillery Tour from Belfast then there are various options available to you.

If you have your own transport then it’s just over an hour’s journey from Belfast to the town of Bushmills.

But if you’re wanting to taste some whiskies and not fall foul of drink driving laws then your best bet will be to join an organised tour.

We’d recommend this one which also includes a visit to the Giants Causeway, The Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle. Alternatively theres’s a Hop-on Hop-off Northern Ireland Bus Tour with 1-3 day passes which has a stop off in Bushmills Town.

Bushmills Distillery Opening Times

• Monday 10am–4pm
• Tuesday 10am–4pm
• Wednesday 10am–4pm
• Thursday 10am–4pm
• Friday 10am–4pm
• Saturday Closed
• Sunday Closed

Is the Bushmills Distillery Tour Worth Doing?

If you have never done a whiskey tour before then the short answer to “is the Bushmills Distillery Tour worth doing?” is absolutely, yes.

However, as I alluded to at the beginning of the post. If you’re slightly more knowledgeable about whiskey production and have been on some whiskey tours before then you might be better off skipping this one.

The reason for this is that the production of whisky essentially involves exactly the same process the world over. The thing that makes visiting different whiskey distilleries worth it are the elements that are unique to each individual distillery.

This could be anything from an interesting history to a singular philosophy. But while a Bushmills Distillery visit is a good introduction to the production of whiskey, it’s very light on what distinguishes Bushmills from every other distillery.

Having said that, Bushmills does produce very high quality whiskey. So while the tour itself might not be the best option for whiskey aficionados, it’s still well worth visiting the Bushmills distillery, skipping the tour and heading straight to the 1608 bar for a tasting.

The £25 option, which includes a dram of Black Bush, the 12 year old distillery reserve, 16 year old and 21 year old, is a great way to sample the best stuff that Bushmills makes. 

Where To Stay In Bushmills Town

Unless you have a designated driver, you are likely going to want to stay overnight in Bushmills Town. It’s also a great base for visiting other nearby Northern Ireland tourist attractions. Bushmills a great little town with lots of amenities and quality accommodation.

Here’s a handpicked selection of our favourites:

The Lambing Shed | Just 15 minutes walk from the distillery, this modern self catering apartment with cosy log burner, pretty terrace and secure parking is ideal for a couple.

Check prices, availability & reviews

Bushmills Inn | This historic hotel dates back to the 1600’s has an on site restaurant and bar for convenience. Double and twin rooms are available. It’s a 10 minute walk to the distillery.

Maison | A riverside townhouse with two ensuite bedrooms, this is perfect for a small group. It’s less than a 10 minute walk, has a pretty garden, an open fire in the lounge and parking.

Irish Whiskey Good Reads

More on ireland.

• Ferry From Ireland To Spain: What You Need To Know
• Best Area To Stay In Belfast: For Every Budget

Travel lover, professional writer and football (soccer) obsessive, James loves nothing more than getting outside and exploring little known corners of the globe. He’s also very partial to a drop of Guinness.

Sharon Bailie

Wednesday 22nd of February 2023

Thank you for a great blog. Appreciated all details on Old Bushmills Distillery

Need To Know

12 Things You Should Know About Bushmills

words: Hannah Holladay

Published: February 10, 2022

There’s a long history behind Bushmills Irish whiskey . It’s one of the oldest players in the game, known for its single malt whiskeys and distinctly Irish roots. The brand calls the Emerald Isle home, but today, the distillery’s products are widely distributed across the globe.

Bushmills isn’t one to just rely on its storied past, though. The brand has worked to innovate over the years, adding 10-, 12-, and 17-year aged whiskeys to its portfolio in 1983 and releasing a bourbon cask aged whiskey in 2017. Its distillery continues to attract crowds, too. Bushmills remains the most visited distillery in Northern Ireland, and, in recent years , visitors from all corners of the world have made their way to the site to check out the Irish whiskey scene.

Here are 12 more things you should know about the historic Bushmills brand.

It might just be the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.

Bushmills has been in the whiskey-making game for over 400 years. The brand is proud of its 1608 founding date, which is a focal point on every Bushmills bottle. To put its age into perspective, 1608 was 41 years after Henry VII and his six wives ruled England and 12 years before the Mayflower made its voyage to America. It was so long ago, in fact, that Bushmills is widely regarded as the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. That year, Sir Thomas Phillips received the royal license to distill from King James I. Sir Thomas may have been the first to make whiskey on Bushmills distillery land, but he isn’t considered its founder. It took until 1784 for the distillery to become an official company, registered under the leadership of Hugh Anderson.

The name is a nod to Northern Ireland’s unique geography.

The Bushmills Distillery is nestled along the River Bush, a river that flows through cool, overcast Northern Ireland and into the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Water from the River Bush has been used for centuries to cut Bushmills’ whiskey down to 80 proof. Combine the barley mills used by the distillery and the River Bush, and the Bushmills name emerges. Bushmills, a name that reflects the geography of the region, is also the name of the larger village in which the distillery is located.

When the Crown imposed a barley tax, Bushmills paid the price to stay true to its recipe.

Malted barley was the bread and butter of Irish whiskey-making in the 18th century. That all changed drastically when the British government imposed the 1785 Malt Tax , an attempt to earn some additional coin from distillers and discourage excessive alcohol consumption.

In an effort to avoid having to fork over large sums of tax money, many distillers pivoted, including more unmalted barley in their mash bills to lower the cost. Others opted to use corn and avoid the tax entirely. Bushmills wasn’t interested in changing its ways, though. The brand footed the higher bill in hopes that it would pay off in the long run. Today, the distillery claims it’s the only one in Ireland that uses malted barley in all of its whiskeys.

It’s stuck to single malt through it all.

Bushmills opts for all barley, all the time. The distillery only makes single malt whiskeys , whiskeys that are entirely composed of barley and are the product of a single distillery. There are no blended whiskeys — meaning those made from barley and other grains — that bear the brand name. Bushmills was sure it wanted to stick with single malt even after the Malt Tax was enacted, and it hasn’t strayed since.

A distillery-destroying fire could have also destroyed the Bushmills name — but it didn’t.

Tragedy struck Bushmills in 1885 when a fire burned down the original distillery buildings. Rumor has it the bottles of whiskey were spared, though. The distillery was quickly rebuilt on a larger scale, and work resumed in the late 1880s.

Bushmills whiskey sailed across the ocean blue for the first time in 1890.

Bottles of whiskey were loaded onto a distillery-owned steamship — aptly named the SS Bushmills — and departed the Northern Ireland coast for the first time in 1890. The bounty sailed across the Atlantic in search of global success, making its mark first in the U.S., then expanding across the world.

In 2015, Bushmills introduced its Steamship Collection to commemorate the brand’s first ocean voyage. The line was released in celebration of the voyage’s 125th anniversary and features four special-edition Irish whiskies, each aged in a different spirits cask — bourbon , sherry , port , and rum .

Exports to the U.S. soared. Then, Prohibition hit.

American demand for Irish whiskey initially helped Bushmills become a successful name on the international market. Despite Ireland not having its own Prohibition, the 1920s plummet in demand due to American Prohibition left a gaping hole in Irish whiskey exports. Many distilleries in Ireland shuttered, and small distilleries funneled their efforts into the larger Bushmills and Middleton distilleries in hopes that they would survive. Fortunately they did, and Bushmills claims it sent its largest shipment to the U.S. in 1933, shortly after Prohibition’s repeal.

World War II delivered another (literal) hit to Bushmills’ Belfast headquarters.

Bushmills’ output slowed during World War II. Adopting the “do your part” wartime mentality, the distillery converted its space into temporary housing for Allied troops stationed in Ireland. No good deed goes unpunished, though. Bushmills’ Belfast headquarters, home to the company archives, was destroyed in a German bombing. When the war came to an end, Bushmills rebuilt and carried on.

Today, the whiskey brand is widely distributed across the world.

Despite a few historical setbacks that got in the way of the brand’s international distribution plans, the Bushmills name is known across the world. Today, it’s available at most liquor stores across the country. It’s also the third most popular Irish whiskey brand by sales (behind Jameson and Tullamore D.E.W ) and has grown to reach non-European Union countries at a higher rate than ever before, with 25.6 million pounds of non-E.U. sales in 2018.

The Bank of Ireland features the distillery on its banknotes.

As an ode to Bushmills’ years of success for Northern Ireland’s economy, the Bank of Ireland introduced Northern Ireland banknotes that featured the distillery as a prominent feature on 5, 10, and 20 pound notes. The new design was first released in 2008, a date chosen to honor the 400th anniversary of Bushmills becoming a licensed distillery. The banknotes are still in use in Northern Ireland today.

You might have heard it referenced in pop culture.

Great booze brands seem to always make their way into songs, movies, and more. Bushmills is no exception, having had several moments in the spotlight. Some famous references include its mention in Irish writer James Joyce’s 1920 “Ulysses” novel and the 1976 Tom Waits song “ Tom Traubert’s Blues .” It also shows up on the big screen in Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 film “ Jackie Brown ” and the 1997 Best Visual Effects Oscar winner “ Independence Day .”

Bushmills is now part of the Casa Cuervo portfolio.

After an almost 10-year run with Diageo , Bushmills was sold to its current owner, Casa Cuervo , in 2014. The sale was part of what was essentially a trade between the two companies, as Diageo sold the brand in order to gain full control of Don Julio tequila. Bushmills is now in the lineup with Jose Cuervo tequilas along with 11 other whiskeys , tequilas , vodkas , and rum .

Recent Bushmills Reviews

• 12 Things You Should Know About Bushmills | VinePair
• https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-bushmills-irish-whiskey-guide/
• brand_profile
• wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Irish Whiskey, wbs_brand Bushmills, Irish Whiskey, need to know, whiskey
• A Modern Take on a Classic Drink: Enter Elijah Craig’s A New Era of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Contest | VinePair
• https://vinepair.com/articles/elijah-craigs-old-fashioned-cocktail-contest/
• Nafeesa Saboor
• wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Bourbon, wbs_brand Elijah Craig, bourbon, Cocktail competition

• International

Can I purchase Bushmills directly from you?

Yes, you can purchase Bushmills products from shop.bushmills.com , shipping to the UK and Ireland. We do not offer shipping to other countires at this time. If you have any queries please contact [email protected]

Of course, the usual rules apply so you have to be 18 years or older to place and order.

Not based in the UK or Ireland? Here are a few of our fine friends who ship worldwide and will only be too happy to accommodate you:

• www.celticwhiskeyshop.com
• www.masterofmalt.com
• www.royalmilewhiskies.com
• www.thewhiskyexchange.com
• www.877spirits.com

Can I buy BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey by the cask?

Our casks need specialist care and attention to ensure the bottled  BUSHMILLS  you enjoy is of a consistent high quality, so we prefer to keep them here, at the Old  BUSHMILLS  Distillery.

Can I order personalised labels?

Of course. We have an option at the distillery to get personalised labels made for our  BUSHMILLS  12 Year old single malt distillery reserve. It really makes a lovely gift and costs £45.00, with personalised labels (excluding postage and packaging). Because of the special nature of this service it’s only available at the Old  BUSHMILLS  Distillery.

But don’t worry if you can’t make it to the distillery, the Distillery Shop can ship to the UK and Ireland.

Can I order BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey in bulk?

Unfortunately we don’t offer bulk sales.

Is BUSHMILLS gluten free?

All  BUSHMILLS  Irish Whiskies are gluten free. The distillation process removes the gluten from the cereal.

Is BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey suitable for vegans / vegetarians?

With the exception of our  BUSHMILLS  Irish Honey which includes real Irish honey in its recipe, all our whiskies are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They are made from barley (and other cereal grains for our blended whiskies:  BUSHMILLS  and  BLACK BUSH ), water and yeast. They are distilled and then matured in oak casks, which only previously contained spirit (typically, whiskey) or fortified wine (typically, sherry). No animal product is used in their production. There is no isinglass in  BUSHMILLS  Irish Whiskey products.

How many calories does a serving of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey have?

A 25ml serving of  BUSHMILLS  Irish Whiskey has 56 kcal.

What grain is in BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey?

It depends. We make two broad types of whiskey at  BUSHMILLS :

• Our  BUSHMILLS  malt whiskies, which are made from 100% malted barley
• Our blended Irish Whiskies ( BUSHMILLS  and  BLACK BUSH ), which are made from blending our malt whiskey with a lighter type of whiskey, called grain whiskey. Grain whiskey is made from a small proportion of malted barley and other grains. The most commonly used grains for this whiskey in Ireland are wheat and maize/corn. Rye is not a grain commonly used in Ireland (or Scotland) for whiskey production.

The type of grain used in whisk(e)y production bears a significant influence on the taste and character of the resulting product.

Here at  BUSHMILLS , we insist on our malted barley. At the heart of all our whiskies (malts and blends) there is triple-distilled whiskey made from 100% malted barley. This is a very distinct recipe, which gives all our whiskies a unique smoothness and rich honeyed sweetness.

Can you send me details about how to visit the Old BUSHMILLS Distillery?

To book a tour or to learn more click here

Are your tours in other languages?

The majority of our tours are conducted in English. We host language tours only for large booked groups. The general public can join these groups if they speak the language that the tour is being conducted in. We cannot guarantee individuals a language tour.

To help non English speaking visitors we have printed brochures in French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.

How should I drink BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey?

It’s really up to you. We only recommend that you drink it the way you prefer. Some people enjoy it straight, with ice or with water. Others prefer it with a mixer, such as ginger ale or cola. I love it most in the company of good friends. But let’s ask Colum, our Master Distiller…

“Hi folks, Colum here. Now, in my opinion, maybe the best way to approach this and get a full picture of our whiskey is to pour a measure of  BUSHMILLS  in a short, open tumbler. Try a small sip of it neat to start with – it’s far better to take a tiny sip and let the whiskey sit and develop in your mouth for a few seconds than to take more whiskey and drink it too quickly. It’s a nice way to get to know its flavour and you’ll discover that our whiskey does not burn or bite.

“Then, try it with a drop or two of water, and with an ice cube. You’ll notice that water opens up the flavours of the whiskey. And it tends to make the whiskey taste sweeter. On the nose, it really opens the whiskey and reveals its subtler aromas. Ice, as you would expect, makes our whiskey taste more refreshing.

“Finally, try mixing  BUSHMILLS  with some classic mixers like cola or ginger ale. These are great drinks, and because of the character of  BUSHMILLS , you will still be able to taste the whiskey in them.”

Thanks Colum. If that hasn’t already whet your palate you can try and compare the rest of the  BUSHMILLS  family like  BLACK BUSH  and our  BUSHMILLS  single malts. The only thing we don’t recommend is mixing the older Malt variants with sodas or ice. Instead, try a little water. And remember, enjoy  BUSHMILLS  responsibly, it really is the best way.

I have an old bottle of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey, how much is it worth?

Please contact McTears Auctioneers ( [email protected] ) who can provide a valuation for a fee, or search the archived catalogues on the McTears website  www.mctears.co.uk  to see what similar bottles have been sold for in the past.

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