Old Bushmills Distillery
Old Bushmills Distillery
Old Bushmills Distillery
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Opened in 1608, this is the oldest licensed distillery in the world and exports its whiskey internationally.
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See what travelers are saying
- Barty6429 contributionsHit the spotA really interesting and informative tour of the Old Bushmills distillery. Jerry was our tour guide and he did a great job and was most entertaining helped by his north london accent (COYS). Of course we had to sample some of the product afterwards which hit the spot on a cold and windy late February day.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 27, 2024
- Tarnna S1 contributionBushmills 1hr tourWe took the short tour and thoroughly enjoyed our time. Joe gave us A TON of information and answered all our questions. There were only 4 of us total so it was even better. I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon. Make sure you ask for Joe!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 28, 2024
- Mike WTappahannock, Virginia112 contributionsWhisky production tourBushmills tour was of the production of the Irish Whiskey, from the start to finish, Even got to see the bottling operation working. Great tour and the Guide Jerry was great. Had lots of jokes. It was very enjoyable tourVisited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 2, 2024
- BigTedBelfast, United Kingdom90 contributionsJoe was a great tour guideWe did the tour with Joe from Wisconsin on March 16th. He was friendly, informative, great fun and also knowledgeable so we couldn't really ask for more! A big thank you to Joe (I'm the smart-alec who asked you about staff discount on whiskey:)).Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 18, 2024
- Paddy T1 contributionFrench group thoroughly enjoy their visitI visited on 19th March with a group of 21 French people which included 14 musicians. We had a wonderful experience thanks to our guide Joe from Wisconsin. His enthusiasm, knowledge, good humour & efforts in French were so appreciated. The tasting at the end of the tour added greatly to a memorable visit. Un grand merci Joe.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 29, 2024
- Jon KFond du Lac, Wisconsin32 contributionsOutstanding. A Must SeeThis place is outstanding. The visitor center front desk ladies (I think one of them was Ruth) were wonderful, and had a great sense of humor and could handle anything thrown at them. We did the premium tour and it was great. We got a full tour of Bushmills and then were able to sample 6 different whiskeys. Gabriel our tour guide was also great and would put up with all of questions with a smile, even though he had to work on Easter.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 1, 2024
- TPot1503Sheffield, United Kingdom39 contributionsWorth the visit!Group of 6 adults went here and we were not disappointed. The lady on reception managed to squeeze the 6 of us in despite not booking and only being 5 spaces on the tour group left. Ricky definitely knew his information and made learning about whiskey interesting! We particularly enjoyed the tasting at the end. Well done Ricky! :)Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 14, 2024
- Venture648137899771 contributionInteresting and worthwhile tiurWe are not whiskey drinkers, but that makes no difference to the tour. Really intetesting and just the right length of time. Our guide Sophie explained everything with humour. At the end of the tour, while we were having a drink, Sophie was more than willing to answer any further questions we had.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 28, 2024
- macs8259Raymond, New Hampshire55 contributionsA wonderful tour with a great guide, Jonty!We had a delightful visit to the Bushmill Distillery yesterday. Our tour guide, Jonty was just wonderful providing an excellent tour. He was informative, personable and great with a group that spanned across a wide range of ages. We also enjoyed our visit to the gift shop and the complimentary drink in the bar. I never imagined a whiskey version of a margarita "the daisy" would be so delicious!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2024
- kmccaneKansas City, Missouri159 contributionsEnjoyed the tour, Ricki was excellent!Great old distillery to visit while in the area. Ricki gave an excellent and entertaining tour. As a couple that is quite familiar with the distillation process from many other tours, we were hoping for more on the history, but many in our group had process questions.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,002 reviews
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Poor
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Steve Y
Silver Spring, MD4,045 contributions
Aug 2019
Decided to visit here while we were touring NI. Unfortunately I believe the entire tour fell way short of our expectations. Our tour guide seemed really uninterested in her job and made lots of sarcastic comments (which were meant to be in good spirits?) while explaining the distillation process, and showing us equipment.
She also lacked quite a bit of knowledge about the entire process.
I will say that the experience at Jameson Distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was much more exciting and enjoyable!
I recommend going there rather than coming to this distillery.
The only good thing really was that we were given a shot of whiskey to taste. Bushmills whiskey is not even great! There are many other better tasting and superior brands - Jameson, Midleton Rare....Johnnie Walker and pretty much any scotch!
She also lacked quite a bit of knowledge about the entire process.
I will say that the experience at Jameson Distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was much more exciting and enjoyable!
I recommend going there rather than coming to this distillery.
The only good thing really was that we were given a shot of whiskey to taste. Bushmills whiskey is not even great! There are many other better tasting and superior brands - Jameson, Midleton Rare....Johnnie Walker and pretty much any scotch!
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KWMcauseway
Belfast, UK27 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Brought our dad here as he likes whiskey and we had a great tour and thought it was great value. We'd done the Jameson tour last summer and had enjoyed it but this is more interesting because you're actually walking around the working factory. We had coffees, buns and a panini in the cafe before the tour and found it really reasonably priced. We bought a bottle of 12 year old whiskey as a present at the end and it was personalised which our dad loved. I would certainly recommend this tour.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael
Derry, UK6 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
A very interesting tour of The Famous Bushmills Distillery. Andy was our tour guide today and he certainly made the tour both informative and humorous.
You feel that you are seeing history in action.
The staff are very friendly, the tasting session at the end of the tour was very enjoyable.
The shop offers lots of good quality Bushmills merchandise and priced quite reasonably.
There is also a wide range of the Bushmills product available.
Overall I enjoyed the tour and site visit very much.
I feel that I received great value for money and I would certainly recommend it.
You feel that you are seeing history in action.
The staff are very friendly, the tasting session at the end of the tour was very enjoyable.
The shop offers lots of good quality Bushmills merchandise and priced quite reasonably.
There is also a wide range of the Bushmills product available.
Overall I enjoyed the tour and site visit very much.
I feel that I received great value for money and I would certainly recommend it.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea S.
Cape Girardeau, MO6 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
We visited with friends on our first visit to Ireland. It’s a very charming distillery with an insightful, interesting tour. Rickie, our tour guide, made the experience a delight with interactive portions of the tour and a tasting of the whiskey at the end. It’s was the perfect length to learn about how the whiskey is made and get to see the inner workings of the distillery. Would visit again! Gift shop was reasonably priced as well.
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael J
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
I went along to Bushmills Distillery on Tuesday 8th August 23 with a group of old friends and took part in a tour and VIP tasting of Bushmills products.
We were guided by Tim who was excellent both during the tour and during the very enjoyable tasting of six of the fantastic whiskeys produced at the distillery.
Tim has an exceptionally friendly and approachable manner but also has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Distillery and its whiskeys which kept us all enthralled for the duration of the tour.
I'm already looking forward to returning with some German friends in the near future.
I highly recommend this tour!!
We were guided by Tim who was excellent both during the tour and during the very enjoyable tasting of six of the fantastic whiskeys produced at the distillery.
Tim has an exceptionally friendly and approachable manner but also has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Distillery and its whiskeys which kept us all enthralled for the duration of the tour.
I'm already looking forward to returning with some German friends in the near future.
I highly recommend this tour!!
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverley S
14 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Tour guide Gerry was very knowledgeable about the whole whiskey process and a very skilled communicator. He brought a light touch of humour, engaging all the group, very entertaining. A brilliant tour, highly recommend it.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie H
74 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
We had such a good day here, our guide Darren was really funny and made the tour even more interesting. We went on a Saturday so the bottling wasn’t happening but we still seen the inside of the process. At the end we were allowed two drinks to compensate for this. For £15 this was well worth the money and I definitely recommend if you are in the area!
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay B
Fairhope, AL1,119 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Wow, what a fun few hours we had here. Bushmills is famously known as the oldest licensed distillery in all of Ireland. The visitors center is where you need to start. I would highly recommend booking your distillery tour ahead of time, as they often sell out. David was our tour guide and he was excellent! After touring the distillery and learning how the whiskey is made, we enjoyed a wonderful tasting of some of the Bushmills products. Afterwards, the gift shop gave us the opportunity to purchase several items to commemorate our visit to Bushmills.
Written November 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelli | Whiskied Wanderlust
Chicago, IL635 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
The history at Bushmills is (literally) unbeatable. The tour was fantastic, but no photos are allowed. Guests can’t even have their phones out at all (to take notes, if you’re into that sort of thing). But the tour takes you through the whole process of whiskey-making so there’s a lot of information, and the tasting afterwards was great.
Written May 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin K
16 contributions
Oct 2022
We took a tour on a Monday morning after staying in the area. It was great. Our, guide, Joe, had the delivery of a stand-up comedian while relaying all the facts we'd expect and want on a whiskey tour. The distillery grounds were cool to see, and my overall perception of the whiskey is still riding high after I had a dram of the 21-year at a nearby pub. Would recommend!
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pegeen33
Raleigh, North Carolina
So sorry! TripAdvisor didn't notify me there was a question. You've probably been to and gone from Ireland by now.
Anyway, my friend and I were in a rental car.
Written August 20, 2024
bluesmama11
Castleton On Hudson, New York
We’ve booked a distillery tour but hope to see Giants Causeway first and end up at the Distillery after.
Can we park our car at Bushmills, then walk to the Causeway and explore there, and come back for our tour? It’d be nice to not have to repark our car and also not have to pay the fee to park at the Causeway.
is this plan doable? Thanks.
Written April 27, 2023
Debbie W
Baltimore, Maryland
Hi Bluesmama! There are two parking areas at the Giants Causeway. One is right next to the visitors center where you have to pay to park and to enter the Causeway! There is a parking lot further up the hill that you still have to pay for, but, it is free to enter the Causeway. Parking there is not expensive. I want to say that it was less than 10 pounds. That said, walking distance from that parking area to the Bushmills factory is pretty far. For me, it was worth paying the $. Additionally, since the Bushmills tour is timed, I would recommend going there as early as possible then spending most of my time at the Causeway. It's a pretty far walk from the entrance down to the six sided stones. You really want to budget a good deal of time to relax, enjoy, and take it all in. On the way back to the car, spring for the 1-2 pounds to take the shuttle back up the hill. Your feet will thank you. Have a great time!
Written April 27, 2023
Lynn N
Delta, Canada
Can you purchase tickets on line before going to the distillery?
Written October 4, 2019
🥳 🎉 🥳 Keep Life Simple 🥳🎉🥳
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
No need to purchase in advance now. We walked in and only 7 people in the tour
Written October 15, 2019
Wilshir2
Bangor, United Kingdom
how much is admission to Bushmills if not taking a tour
Written September 20, 2019
Averley2013
Oakville, Canada
There is definitely a fee for the tour - this includes a tasting at the end. Our tickets were 9 GBP each. As we were there in August, it was busy. Reservation was not required but it was a good thing we arrived in the morning. Tour buses were arriving at a steady rate.
Written September 25, 2019
catherinegreen
Western Ireland, Ireland
Is there age restrictions on kids doing the tour
Written August 21, 2019
Travel_dreamerKS
Manchester, United Kingdom
Hi, I'm thinking of doing this tour in a few weeks. We have 2 children in our party, ages 8 & 10. My sister in law
has offered to miss out and have them - ideal if there's a park or something near by. Or is it worth them joining the tour? What can kids do there?
Also are you given enough tasters to be over the limit to drive? Just so we know if to arrange public transport.
Thanks
Written March 16, 2019
At 8-10 they could certainly do the tour, up to you on if they might find it interesting or boring! The village of Bushmills is close enough for your sister inlaw and children to find something to do while you are on the tour, is a beautiful wee village. Enough tasters to put you over the limit to drive? To the best of my knowledge, you are provided a token for one free drink at the bar, I do not know your constitution for alcohol, nor am I up to date with the local driving limit, that is a decision you need to make for yourself- but certainly there is nobody at each station forcing a taster down your throat and you make your own decision of if and when to drink alcohol when driving?
Written April 5, 2019
Do you need to make a reservation for the tour. Wondering if I need to book ahead of time. Going mid week end of March
Written February 26, 2019
The Irish Tour Guide
Belfast, United Kingdom
Hi Micheal
Just to let you know you can only book in advance if you have a group of 15 or more. If it’s only a couple or few people you just turn up and book the next available tour, sometimes it’s busy and you just wait to the next tours going. If you check their website , they give you times for last entry to tour, otherwise there a tasting you can do for £8pp. And you can get that at the 1608 bar with out booking. It’s good ,
If it’s a tour your looking to take you to the distillery then look no further I can arrange it all for you. Check out. Theirishtourguide.
Thanks .. The Irish tour guide
Written February 26, 2019
Do you have to do the tour, or can you go in and just have a drink?
Written February 10, 2019
The Irish Tour Guide
Belfast, United Kingdom
Yes the tour is a great tour and well worth going on, but if you only have a short time you can just do a tasting at the 1608 bar and there’s pretty good food st the cafe, then there’s the shop and you can buy limited addition whiskey there., it’s all good .
Written February 26, 2019
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