Opened with justifiable pride by brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling in June 2015, Teelings Whiskey Distillery is in the heart of the south inner city in Newmarket, an ancient market square. And the location of this handsome venue is no coincidence as the Teeling brothers didn't just open a distillery but, in the process, resurrected whiskey making in an area which was once the epicentre of the industry - and which has links to their own forbears.
Today, Teelings Whiskey Distillery offers a unique opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the only working whiskey distillery in Dublin city. It's a confident, welcoming place, an impressive stone and brick building with striking feature windows and friendly, helpful staff who want you to enjoy your visit.
And so you should, right from the start: as you enter the production area the heady aromas of the "angels' share" (the percentage of the production that evaporates) are something to be experienced, giving a good hint of what is to come - and, with just the right mix of history and detail about the whiskey making process, the tour is very informative and enjoyable all round.
There are three different options for the tours and tastings at this atmospheric distillery, all finishing up in the stylish ‘Bang Bang’ bar (named after a local character who once lived in a house on this site), where you get to sample some of their excellent product.
For food, it's over to the aptly named Phoenix Café, which is cool and modern with exposed fittings and modern art adorning the walls. It's open alll day, beginning with breakfast (to 11 am) and serves good, simple lunches - healthy and tasty soup and sandwiches, for example, or hot pots and traditional pies, along with speciality Wall & Keogh teas and quality coffee.
There is a gift shop too, selling books and branded merchandise and, of course, various different whiskey options for every budget.
Sons of Dr John Teeling, founder of Cooley Distillery and the man who broke the big distilleries' stranglehold on whiskey production in Ireland, Jack and Stephen Teeling have every reason to be proud of this exciting project. A very welcome addition to the area and to the city, it is deservedly popular as a tourist attraction and also with locals - it makes a great day out for Dubliners, and an ideal outing for entertaining visiting friends and relatives.
