Galway’s only operating distillery will join hairdressers and pubs in reopening its doors during Phase 3, as the country slowly regains some degree of normality after lockdown.
Micil Distillery will be open for tours and tastings from tomorrow, 3 July, after pausing the production of hand-crafted spirits earlier in the year for the first time since 1848.
Production was temporarily stopped so that the distillery could free up its supply of alcohol, to begin manufacturing antibacterial hand sanitiser to meet local demand during the COVID-19 crisis.
But from tomorrow, the Micil team will operate a limited number of tours per week which will give visitors a unique, up-close insight into the world of Micil, poitín, whiskey, and their award-winning gin.
Guests will hear an entertaining mix of interesting, funny, and daring stories and discussion about each of the products and what it is that makes each of them so unique.
They will also hear some family history from the time of the original founder Micil Mac Chearra in 1848 through to his great-great-great grandson, Pádraic, the current head distiller, all while experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of a working distillery.
Speaking about the reopening of their visitor centre Pádraic Ó Griallais, a sixth-generation poitín distiller from Indreabhán, said that they are excited to be reopening again.
“We have really missed the buzz of welcoming visitors to our distillery and are looking forward to once again letting our guests taste the products that our family continues to make in a time-honoured tradition, and share our unique and exciting family history with them,” he said.
“After diversifying into the production of hand sanitiser in March, this year, in particular, will certainly be one to add to the books for us!”
Guests on the Micil Distillery Experience can rest assured that they are in safe hands as the distillery is following all health and safety guidelines and rules. There will be hand sanitising stations, seating arrangements will allow for social distancing and there will be regular cleaning and disinfecting throughout the distillery and visitor centre
As an additional precaution, Micil Distillery has also reduced capacity on their tours which means spaces are limited.
To book your spot on the Micil Distillery Experience, head to the Micil Distillery website.
