5 of the best whiskey distillery tours in Ireland

There's no denying that Irish whiskey is one of the island's tastiest exports. We’re experts in the area it seems, and brands like Jameson, Paddy, Kilbeggan and Bushmills are enjoyed on the rocks or in cocktails across the world. There are strict but simple regulations governing whiskey production in Ireland, including an ageing process of at least three years, and, unlike Scotch whiskey and American bourbon, most Irish pot still whiskey is distilled three times, making it a smoother and cleaner taste than its international counterparts. Poitin, of course, is another famous Irish spirit, but if you’re lucky enough to be offered a swig by a local, we’d advise against drinking too much; most poitin is essentially moonshine, and can include an alcohol content as high as 80-90%!

Jameson alone is set to export over 4 million cases in 2012, and its owners source around 33,000 tonnes of Irish barley each year, supporting 11,000 acres of farmed land. The international alcohol trade is a vital part of the Irish economy, and if you’re a whiskey enthusiast or connoisseur, Ireland will no doubt be on your radar. Fittingly, there are lots of whiskey-related historical attractions and open distilleries across the country, telling the history of this wonderful drink in an Irish context.

Here are 5 of the best whiskey attractions in the country. Don’t forget to visit the Guinness Storehouse (Ireland’s biggest tourist attraction) or some of the other great brewery tours in Ireland too.