The Best Distilleries and Breweries in Cork

Cork has always been known as a brewing city with its famous stouts, Murphy’s and Beamish. However, in recent times there has been a resurgence in new breweries and distilleries opening in around the county. When you next visit Cork, make sure to visit some of our famous distilleries and breweries. Here is a list of some of our favourite tours:

Jameson Distillery, Midleton

About a 30-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, the Jameson Distillery is a must for any whiskey lovers. Why not take the scenic route by train from Cork Kent Train Station, directly into Midleton? With six amazing tours to choose from, you will find the perfect experience for you.
To find out more, click here.

The Franciscan Well Brewery

Cork’s Franciscan Well Brewery is one of the longest running craft beer companies in Ireland. Established by Shane Long in 1998, in the North Mall on the site of the Former Franciscan Monastery and Well. The Franciscan Well Brewery is known for their Rebel Red Ale, Chieftan IPA, Friar Weisse and Shandon Stout. The atmosphere will be amazing in their award-winning Beer Garden, Brew Pub and Monk Cocktail Bar.

Rebel City Distillery

Cork’s first new Distillery in nearly 50 years, the Rebel City Distillery is the brainwave of couple, Robert and Bhagya Barrett, who merged their two cultures, Irish and Indian, together to create, the award winning, Maharani Gin. This unique distillery offers unique experiences including Afternoon Gin & Tea and Cocktail Masterclasses.

The Cotton Ball Brewing Company

Located just over 5km from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, The Cotton Ball Brewing Company is not to be missed by those who love a craft beer. Established since 2013, The Cotton Ball is a reestablishment of a company that was set up by Humphrey J Lynch back in the 1874, also in the same premises. This Bar and Brewery is the perfect place to while away the afternoon while in Cork. Make sure to book their brewery tour, to find out more visit their website.

Clonakilty Distillery

A little further afield in the beautiful seaside town of Clonakilty, on the Wild Atlantic Way , you will find the Clonakilty Distillery. Run by the Scully family, who have farmed in this area for 9 generations. They really believe in a farm to glass product, growing heritage barley for whiskey and milking their own cows for gin, on their own farm. Make sure to take part in one of their distillery tours or try your hand at making gin in the Minke Gin School. Finish off your day with the best of local produce at the Whales Tail Restaurant on site.

Kinsale Mead Co.


Although not a distillery or brewery, the Kinsale Mead Co. is well worth a visit, just a 40 minute drive from Clayton Hotel Silver Springs. Returning to the tradition of making Ireland’s oldest alcoholic beverage Mead, Kate and Dennis Dempsey opened the first Meadery in Ireland in over 200 years back in 2016. The duo has always put a focus on sustainability and has put in place a program to help save the bees. Since opening in 2016, the Kinsale Mead Co. has won many prestigious awards in Ireland and further afield. To book a tour make sure to visit their website.

Looking for the perfect accompaniment to the amazing beers and spirits you’ll try in Cork, check out our blog on Cork, The Foodies Paradise.

So what are you waiting for, book your next stay in Cork! Book now.

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