Portmagee Whiskey - Ring of Kerry Whiskey Experience
Posted by Irish Whiskey USA on
The Ring of Kerry is a popular tourist attraction due to its scenery, views, and history around a 111 mile circular route in southwest Ireland. With Ireland's whiskey renaissance the last 15 years, 3 new whiskey companies have emerged that give County Kerry visitors new places to stop along the Ring of Kerry. In our first of a three-part series highlighting the Ring of Kerry Whiskey Experience, we focus on Portmagee Whiskey.
Portmagee is a small fishing village located off the most western point of the Ring in an area known as the Skellig Ring. Portmagee is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Cliffs of Kerry or venturing on the short boat trip to Skellig Michael island. In the summer of 2021, the Portmagee Whiskey Experience opened on Barrick HIll.
Founded in 2017 by John and James Murphy, Portmagee Whiskey currently has a sourced Irish Whiskey range consisting of a single pot still expression and two blends, all triple distilled, bottled at 40% abv, and finished in Barbados rum casks. The whiskeys are crafted by the third member of the team, Stuart McNamara, known as the creator of Irish Whiskey Day celebrated March 3rd each year.
The team is working on bringing a distillery to Portmagee, eyeing a 2026-2027 open date. While plans continue, they have created a very unique visitor experience which highlights the history of Portmagee village including its links to smuggling and rowing. The property houses 'domes' which feature in the tour experience. A small tasting bar and shop also provide visitors a chance to enjoy their range of whiskeys.
One of the coolest elements of the tour is the rowing experience created in the Seine Boat in one of the domes. Visitors sit in a boat and 'work the oars' as a 360 degree audio visual experience re-creates being on the water as you learn about Portmagee's history including its racing traditions like the annual regatta. The experience is similar to the new Sphere arena in Las Vegas but on a smaller scale.
The Murphy brothers are from Portmagee, a village with population of slightly more than 100 people. What they are building in this secluded part of Ireland is definitely worth checking out, especially if on a tour of the Ring of Kerry. Stop by and sample their rum finished whiskeys, learn about Portmagee's history, and say hello to the Murphy's.