The state of the art €10 million Ahascragh Distillery and tourist experience has been celebrating its grand opening this month.
The new whiskey and distillery has been built in an restored 19th Century Mill, which was vacant for decades before being purchased by the McAllisters.
This is the first zero emissions distillery in Ireland, with production powered entirely by renewable energy – wind, solar and soon, hydro electricity, and making use of very high temperature heat pump technology and an energy efficient storage system.
Gareth McAllister, Founder, said, “The opening of Ahascragh Distillery as Ireland’s first energised zero-emissions distillery, marks a step forward for the whiskey industry and a commitment to a greener future.”
“The distillery will attract whiskey and gin enthusiasts but people will also be very interested in our zero-emissions technology. This is new and innovative technology for the industry and really sets Ahascragh Distillery apart.”
With an overall investment of €10 million, this project has created over 20 direct jobs in the rural village of Ahascragh and surrounding areas. It will also support a further 60-70 indirect jobs through local supply chains.
The major restoration project was first given the green light by Galway County Council back in late 2020.
Tourism Experience
Built within a restored nineteenth century mill in the village of Ahascragh, Ballinsloe, Co. Galway, fully guided tours of the state-of-the-art distillery include a journey through the history of the old mill and an exploration of whiskey and gin production.
Visitors will be immersed in the art of distillation, where age old tradition, meets modern innovation, finishing with a tasting of our award-winning sourced expressions,
Clan Colla Irish Whiskey, UAIS Irish Whiskey and on-site distilled Xin Gin. Ahascragh Distillery is an authentic destination for whiskey and gin enthusiasts and anyone interested in history, tradition and craftsmanship.
The tours include:
- A guided tour of the state-of-the-art distillery. A journey through the history of the old mill, the craft of whiskey and gin distillation and the future of Ahascragh Distillery.
- A tasting of the award-winning whiskeys and gin, Clan Colla Irish Whiskey, UAIS Irish Whiskey and Xin Gin.
- An Ahascragh Distillery glass for visitors to take home
- A visit to The Old Mill Shop & Café
Michelle McAllister, Founder, added, “Over the past two years, we have watched the building come back to life. We have restored the stonework, salvaged the mill equipment and protected the buildings charm.”
“It has been a labour of love, not only for Gareth and I, but for our entire team and the community. The visitor experience will celebrate the history and future of the building.”
“We are excited to showcase the distillery, the village and our award-winning whiskeys and gin to the world!”
