Belfast: Explore McConnells Rare Premium Belfast Whisky Tasting
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Extended Access: 90-minutes of immersion.
Expert Led: Led by our Whisky specialists.
Private Tasting Suite: Escape the crowds into an intimate, high-end environment within the prisons historic A-Wing.
The Collectors Advantage: Exclusive opportunity to buy Distillery exclusive release with personalised advice from your guide.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Alcoholic beverage (18+ older) restrictions applies
What To Expect
Experience our elevated premium tour. While others finish their journey at the main bar, you will be welcomed to our Private Tasting Suite. Here, under the guidance of our Whisky Specialist, you will explore the evolution of McConnell's from its 1776 roots to its modern-day 'super premium' revivals. Taste Rare and super premium distillery exclusives. The Premium experience includes 5 pours. The Heritage: Start with our "New Make" spirit, straight off the stills, right here in Belfast. The Icons: The award winning 5-year-old and the rich Sherry Cask finish. The Premium Revival: Sample rare, aged distillery exclusive, World Whiskies Award Winning McConnell’s Old Cromac Collection,20 year-old Single Malt, Tawny Port Finish followed by our Cask Strength Sherry Cask Finish. Hear the untold stories. Learn about the 1909 Great fire that nearly silenced the brand forever and the secret blending techniques that made McConnell's the Whisky of choice in the early 20th century rumoured to have been served on board the Titanic!
Options
Belfast: Explore McConnells Rare Premium Belfast Whisky Tasting
What‘s Included
A Welcome drink & 5- Dram tastings included
McConnell's Distillery tour
Guide
No food included
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing!!!
L9696MEemilyh,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sam was amazing and an absolute delight! Love the motivational music playlist!! Super fun and easy!!
a great birthday treat
clairemU436IK,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We both enjoyed the tour, but would love to come again when the distillery was working to see it in full flow and be able to savour the smells and the sounds. But thought it was great, the size of the crowd was just nice, and Conor was great craic. Also excellent support as having a disability I was supported with using the lift.
Excellent tour, tasty whisky!
katrinasM9324SU,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a beautiful distillery and our guide Amanda was awesome!
Whisky tasting
F5963NHmichaels,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fabulous, our guide Natalie was knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm for her craft, great work
Great tour
c0rshennam,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, very informative Amanda was efficient and effective. She welcomed questions and was patient.
A former prison houses the rebirth of a famous brand
billlB9871JE,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are a lot of options for visiting Irish distilleries. I wanted one that gave a sense of whiskey history while also being a visual experience. McConnell's was a fun choice. Housed in a repurposed wing of an abandoned prison, I appreciated how they remodeled yet still retained the history. Cells were left in place where possible. Where they had to be removed, the outlines were painted on the floors. There was even cell to tour. The distillery is the rebirth of a famous name. It's only been active for a half-dozen years, but draws on a lot of history. The whisky (as they spell it) tasting consisted of four different expressions, including a 20-year-version. Of course, this aged version had to be made with the assistance of another famous distiller. The tour and tasting was done by Sam, who was excellent. She knew her history of McConnells and the prison, and what to look for in each of the samples. As someone more familiar with wine than whiskey, she was a valuable resource. This is a coffee bar, gift shop and an upstairs bar. One warning. As a former prison, there are lots of stairs and only a single lift. Those with mobility issues should plan accordingly.
Entertaining, informative tour & wonderful whiskys!!
rabass00,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The distillery operates in what was one of the major prisons in Belfast from the 1840s-1980s. Lots of stories about the role it played in the Rebellion and the Troubles, but also great education about the whisky making process and McConnell’s choices. Amanda was funny and entertaining, but she also covered the production and the history with honesty and conviction. She must be in an improv comedy group or an actress! I had been introduced to McConnell’s whisky while in Dublin, and I had loved it, so I wanted to make the tour. I’m glad I did!
Excellent
836tracyj,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant guide, very informative and great Whisky
Good whisky tour
craigb195,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour, learned about Whisky and Belfast. The staff were very nice and knowledgeable. Great facility. My only ask is that you sell a distillery exclusive whisky. The sherry cask barrel strength was so great.
Wonderful whisky
H270SGbillyh,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolute must do for any whisky lover. Loads of information from our tour leader Ethan, and the whisky was absolutely phenomenal. I’m no stranger to the mcconnells brand but left with a greater appreciation and will be definitely keeping the 5 sherry cask in permanent rotation on my shelf
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