Old Midleton Distillery

aphillippe · Member

Old Midleton Distillery

Writer · Veteran Member

Dear Andrea,

Since Michele is temporarily away from her board (and no one else is jumping in), I'll step in to say that we have been to the "Jameson Experience" at the Old Midleton Distillery in Co. Cork. It is an excellent attraction if you are interested in learning more about (and tasting) Irish whiskey. And if you happen to be driving in East Cork on N25, it makes a good stop. They also have an excellent restaurant/cafe, so it can be a suitable mid-day stop. In my opinion, although I do not drink whiskey (but my husband does), it is a far more genuine attraction that the wildly popular Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

The tour is very informative and the tasting experience is fun, but if you have no interest in whiskey or shopping for Jameson-related souvenirs, then skip it. The admission charge is 13.50 euro per adult, so it can be considered as a very pricey way to get a free drink. It is all part of the Irish tradition of fine whiskey-making and therefore an integral piece in an overall Irish itinerary. Alternatively, in the same neigborhood east of Cork, you have Cobh, Fota Island, Barryscourt Castle, and the seaside town of Youghal.

Hope this helps.

CowboyCraic · Guru

If anyone can give you spoyt on advic, with Michele away fom her computer, it is Writer. If Michele is the Goldilocks of Ireland, Writer is the Pied Piper.

As much as I am a consumer of Jameson Whiskey, I have never made it to the Distillery tour in Middleton. I believe that Bob, Italian Chauffeur, has been to the distillery in Middleton. I vaguely recall him discussing it. Perhaps, he will weigh in with h is experience, as well.

If you decide to do the tour, I wil be interested in hearing your take on things. It is high on my list of must do sites. However, I land in Ireland and the Faeries seem to take control. They never seem to lead me South and east. biggrin

Slan beo,

Bit

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I've been away from the boards, myself, doing a spot of home remodel -- the Mrs. might have been a trifle cranky, had I left both her bathrooms gutted to "chat" about Ireland -- confuse confuse Go figure!

We are usually in Midelton EVERY year, yet oddly enough, we've NEVER done the Distillery Tour. Based upon Writer's comments (Impecable in detail, as usual), I may have to actually TRY it, this June. We did the Bushmill's Tour, in '07 and though neither of us are whisky fans (nor fans of whiskey, either), we both found it worthwhile. I suspect the Midelton Tour is probably comparable.

If the cafe doesn't appeal, though, I would recommend a no-frills takeaway, called the Mill Grill. They are one of the few ORIGINAL 'Chip Shops' that STILL make their own Chips from real, fresh Irish potatoes.

I SHOULD confess, I suppose, that I DO know the owners quite well, but I don't think that fact taints my recommendation ... biggrin biggrin

Hope this helps.

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Wednesday 15th of April 2009 09:16:04 PM

aphillippe · Member

Thank you all for your comments! It is always so helpful to hear what others think. While I am not a huge whiskey person, the idea of seeing and learning about something that is such a part of the Irish heritage is appealing to me. So I suspect that this stop will stay on the 'maybe' list!

And thank you also for the Mill Grill recommendation...I love hearing about places like that!

Andrea

Michele Erdvig · Host

Andrea,

My thanks to everyone who stepped in to answer you (especially Writer) about the Middleton Distillery. Yes, it makes for an excellent stop in Co. Cork if you have an interest in whiskey. The discount coupon brochure that I send free with each book order gives a discount for Old Middleton Distillery. For an excellent free sightseeing venue nearby I recommend Barryscourt Castle.

Michele

aphillippe · Member

Thanks Michele! Everyone on the board is always so helpful! The friend I am traveling with just received the latest edition of your book earlier this week and has been going through it. Can't wait until I can take a peek too! We used an older edition for our last trip and found it to be invaluable. Andrea

Michele Erdvig · Host

Andrea,

Your friend will have the discount brochure then. Most of the offers are two-for-one admissions.

Michele

WCOMALLEY · Veteran Member

The Distillery tour is well worth the stop. Fascinating history. Be quick to volunteer to be one of the designated whiskey tasters. WC