2025 IWSA Member Trip - Belfast
Posted by Irish Whiskey USA on
For 2025, the IWSA Member group based in historic Belfast to explore the culture, sites, distilleries, and pubs before ending our annual Irish whiskey trip at WhiskeyLIve Dublin. During our week in May we traveled around Northern Ireland via coach bus when not staying in downtown Belfast at the Grand Central Hotel.
Day 1: Experiencing Belfast History
The first day itinerary was about experiencing Belfast history. We kicked off at Thompson Graving Dock on Monday morning where the Titanic was built and resided prior to its maiden voyage. We were guided around the dry dock, learning the history of the operation and seeing the conditions as they existed prior to the Titanic setting sail. A great way to work up a thirst before venturing inside to the new distillery.
The pumphouse which controlled the dry dock is now the home of Titanic Distillers which opened in April 2023. The distillery operation was built within the existing landmark building preserving much of its original structure. After learning about the history of the building and taking a tour of the new distillery, we were treated to a tasting of their brand products.
After lunch at the distillery, we headed back into Belfast city for our next history lesson. The Spirit Circle Belfast resides in the historic National Bank Building. Here, IWSA members were treated to Belfast By The Glass, an exploration of Belfast drinks history. We were guided through 7 different drinks by Seamus Og Birt, brand ambassador for Dunville's Irish Whiskey. Between each drink made with Northern Ireland spirits was a video presentation of Belfast history. The experience concluded with a special serve of Dunville's 10yr Palo Cortado single malt.
Our Day 1 Belfast history lesson was not complete. Onward to the Crumlin Road Gaol, once at the center of Troubles period Belfast, which now houses the new McConnell's Distillery, opened in spring 2024.
The former jail cells have been transformed. The stills, mash tons, equipment, and special tasting rooms were built within the cells of the A wing.
Our tour consisted of the history of the McConnell's brand, now being restored in the new distillery. IWSA members were led on an exploration of the jail and distillery operation. We were then treated to a tasting experience of the core range of whiskeys in a tasting room built in former jail cells. Next, we moved on to another special tasting room where Head Distiller Graeme Millar treated us to two special whiskeys: an unreleased sherry cask strength and the 20yr old Cromac port finished single malt. In addition to the wonderful whiskeys, Graeme treated us with entertaining stories and an update on the new cognac finish release to be launched at WhiskeyLive Dublin. We concluded our first day of the trip with a catered dinner in another converted jail cell made into a dining room. Off to the pubs for a nightcap!
Day 2: Causeway Coast
On our coach bus Tuesday morning heading north along the Causeway Coast for Day 2. Plenty of scenery before we get to Bushmills in the afternoon.
Before our Bushmills Distillery experience, a quick stop at the Giant's Causeway.
Down the street to the Old Bushmills Distillery for a tour and tasting experience. After our tour we enjoyed some premium whiskeys in the Pot Still Room before heading back to Belfast where people could enjoy dinner and the pubs.
Day 3: Friendly Belfast
On Wednesday, our itinerary provided a partial mid-week break. No scheduled events for morning or afternoon allowed IWSA members to relax, shop, visit a museum, and explore Belfast on their own.
Early evening was one of the trip highlights. A private tasting event at Friend at Hand, Belfast's Irish Whiskey Shop & Museum. Anyone who has visited knows the shop only sells Irish Whiskey, including many limited edition store only bottlings. Beyond the retail front room and red velvet rope, resides the museum and tasting room.
The customized lineup was chosen by IWSA president Allan Dwyer. The first two whiskeys highlighted Northern Ireland and places we were not visiting during our week: Shortcross Distiller's Duo from Rademon Estate Distillery and Old Comber from Echlinville Distillery. The final two whiskeys are Friend At Hand store bottling limited edition exclusives: Fighting Irish 16yr single malt from Bushmills Distillery, and Powers 13yr single cask single pot still. Each whiskey was carefully chosen to allow our gracious host, Jim Ingram, to tell stories and educate the group about both old and new whiskey making in Northern Ireland.
After our private tasting and buying a bunch of bottles, members convened next door at the famous Duke of York for a pint, conversation, and dinner planning.
Day 4: Emerging Northern Ireland Whiskey
Thursday we hit the road again to visit two of the newest Irish Whiskey distilleries. First up we headed east to the coast and the town of Donaghadee, home to Copeland Distillery. Opened in August 2019, Copeland is one of the smallest Irish distilleries.
We were warmly greeted by founder Gareth Irvine and Head Distiller Terry Henry. They walked us through the origin story of the operation, their own interesting backgrounds, and the future plans for the young but growing distillery. We were treated to a range of whiskey samples including some unreleased cask strength utilizing chocolate malt. Their inaugural 5yr single malt was released in early June (we were able to sample at WhiskeyLive on Friday).
After our morning visit to Copeland Distillery we got back on our bus & headed west to Hinch Distillery. Opened in 2021, Hinch is a beautiful facility that hosted the Irish Whiskey Awards in 2024. We kicked of our visit with lunch in the Loft suite.
We were shown around the beautiful new distillery by our guide Claire. Our visit coincided with the first Irish whiskey releases distilled at Hinch. IWSA members were some of the first to try before the bottles reached stores.
We were then led to the neighboring warehouse where we took part in a cask sampling tasting. The casks were arranged in a such a way to create a "speakeasy" tasting room with hidden benches. Unfortunately we could not take pictures within the warehouse but the tasting experience was phenomenal. A combination of aged sourced Bushmills, peated Hinch casks, and different cask strength wine finishes were part of the tasting. Safe to say, good things are coming from Hinch Distillery
After emptying the gift shop, IWSA members took the short ride back to Belfast for our final night to explore, grab dinner, and visit pubs.
Day 5: WhiskeyLIve Dublin
Friday our last day, we departed Belfast in the morning for Dublin and WhiskeyLIve. Quick hotel check-in and pre-game lunch at O'Neill's Pub before heading over to RDS Main Hall for the afternoon session of WhiskeyLive. 
The premier Irish Whiskey event each year, WLD brings everyone together, fans, media, whiskey drinkers, publicans, retailers, and of course brand representatives. With over 100 stands serving their range of products, there is something for everyone. Great opportunity to sample new products before they are available in stores.
As is our tradition, the IWSA Member Group ends our trip each year by attending WhiskeyLive Dublin. Great way to celebrate another enjoyable week.
