Drinking ‘Til We Drop at The Irish Whiskey Museum
While the lifeblood of the Irish is Guinness, we also love a good whiskey. We love it so much that someone made a museum entirely dedicated to it. The Irish Whiskey Museum is a joy to be at, and you’ll get a bit tipsy along the way.
I can still remember going to the Irish Whiskey Museum for the first time when I moved to Dublin, and I can still vividly reminisce about the excitement I had when we were shown the many barrels of whiskey that they have inside the museum.
If you’re heading there and you want to know what to expect, we’ve got you covered as we’ve prepared a guide that will help you decide on how you’ll want to experience Dublin’s beloved Whiskey Museum.
What Is The Irish Whiskey Museum Known For?
The Irish Whiskey Museum explores the history of Ireland through the use of Irish Whiskey. Located at Grafton Street, you will learn, taste, and feel the eternal bond between the Irish and their beloved drink.
Best Time To Go To The Irish Whiskey Museum
The best time to go to the Irish Whiskey Museum is in the morning on weekdays, as there is less foot traffic inside the museum at these times. You can also head over here in the afternoon on a weekend, as there are fewer people at those times.
Things To Know About The Irish Whiskey Museum
Address: The Irish Whiskey Museum is located at 119 Grafton Street, Dublin, D02 E620, Ireland, and is near a few heritage sites such as Temple Bar, Trinity College, The National Wax Museum, and Dublin Castle.
Operating Hours: The Irish Whiskey Museum is open from Sunday to Thursday starting from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, it still opens at the same time but closes at 10:30 PM instead.
Parking: The Irish Whiskey Museum doesn’t have a car park inside its facilities. They do, however, suggest that you find car parks around Trinity Street, Fleet Street, and Brown Thomas, as these places are within a 5-minute walking distance.
Contact Information: You can contact the Irish Whiskey Museum through their mobile number at +353 (0) 1 525 0970 or through their email at [email protected]. There is also their website where you can send general queries about the tour.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Irish Whiskey Museum aside from assistance dogs. They do, however, need to present valid paperwork or identification in order to be let inside.
Accessibility At The Irish Whiskey Museum
Wheelchair Accessible: The entire Irish Whiskey Museum is easily accessible via a wheelchair, as you can explore the entire museum in a wheelchair, and there are lifts available for you to get from one floor to the other.
How To Get To The Irish Whiskey Museum
Car: The Irish Whiskey Museum can be accessed through the R137 and R138 roads. However, there is no parking available at the museum itself, so you will have to look for parking spots at the aforementioned parking section.
Dublin Bus: There are a few Dublin Bus Routes that pass near the Irish Whiskey Museum. Here are the specific bus stops and the routes that travel through them.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 9 | College Green Stop | Monday to Friday:6:20 AM – 11:20 PM Saturday:6:50 AM – 11:15 PM Sunday:9:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 13 | College Green Stop | Monday to Friday:5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:7:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 49 | College Green Stop | Monday to Friday:6:10 AM – 11:20 PM Saturday:6:45 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday:10:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 65 | College Green Stop | Monday to Friday:6:20 AM – 12:15 AM Saturday:7:10 AM – 12:20 AM Sunday:9:30 AM – 12:20 AM |
| Route 65B | College Green Stop | Monday to Saturday:5:50 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:9:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 68 | College Green Stop | Monday to Friday:6:00 AM – 10:25 PM Saturday:6:35 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:10:15 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Route 68A | College Green Stop | Monday to Friday:6:00 AM – 10:25 PM Saturday:6:35 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:10:15 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Route 122 | College Green Stop | Monday to Friday:6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:7:05 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 123 | College Green Stop | Monday to Friday:6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:7:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:8:20 AM – 11:30 PM |
Bike: We wouldn’t suggest riding on your own bike when heading to the Irish Whiskey Museum, as there is no bike parking at the museum itself. You can, however, head to the same routes as we state in the car section and look for parking at the same car parks.
There are no nearby Dublin Bikes stations at the Irish Whiskey Museum. But there are ones at Clarendon Row and Molesworth Street, which are both connected to Grafton Street.
Luas Tram System: There are two different Luas stops that are close to the Irish Whiskey Museum. Dawson and Trinity Stops are both equally close to the museum and can be found on the Green Line.
Taxi: It’s quite easy to get to the Irish Whiskey Museum by taxi, as it’s located in Dublin City Centre and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. This may be an expensive option depending on where in the city you’re coming from.
How Much Is A Ticket To The Irish Whiskey Museum
There is a total of six different tours and experiences that are available at the Irish Whiskey Museum. Here is a breakdown of the prices of each ticket for each experience.
| IRISH WHISKEY MUSEUM | ||||||
| Ticket Type | Classic Guided Tour | Premium Guided Tour | Blending Guided Tour | Irish Coffee Masterclass | Cocktail Masterclass | World Of Illusion Combo Ticket |
| Adult | €19.55 | €23.80 | €35 | €20 | €65 | €40 |
| Child (5 – 12) | €10 | €10 | – | – | – | – |
| Infant (0 – 4) | FREE | FREE | – | – | – | – |
| Senior | €17.85 | €23.80 | – | – | – | – |
| Student (18+) | €17.85 | €23.80 | – | – | – | – |
| Family | €54 | €64 | – | – | – | – |
| Non-Drinking Ticket | €17 | €20 | – | – | – | – |
Types Of Experiences At The Irish Whiskey Museum
There is a total of 6 different experiences at the Irish Whiskey Museum. Here is some insight into each experience and what you might expect to see at each one.
Classic Guided Tour
| Classic Guided Tour | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Number of Slots | 28 Slots |
| Tour Duration | About 1 Hour |
The Classic Guided Tour is the basic tour that you can experience when visiting the Irish Whiskey Museum. The tour will take you on an adventure as they tell you all about the rich history and heritage of Irish Whiskey and the many influences that created it today.
You will also be given the chance to taste 3 perfectly crafted Irish Whiskeys for those who are legally and willingly allowed to drink, and for children or those who choose not to, they will be given a soft drink to enjoy instead.
Premium Guided Tour
| Premium Guided Tour | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Number of Slots | 28 Slots |
| Tour Duration | About 1 Hour |
The Premium Guided Tour offers the same experience as the classic, but with a few added inclusions that will make your stay that much more enjoyable. Aside from the tour, you will be shown the distillation process and be told secrets about it.
There is also the taste testing of four premium Irish Whiskeys that you will enjoy. You will also be able to take home a specially crafted whiskey glass as a memento of your visit.
Blending Guided Tour
| Blending Guided Tour | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Number of Slots | 25 Slots |
| Tour Duration | About 1 Hour And 15 Minutes |
The Blending Guided Tour is a fan favorite as it gives you the opportunity to create your very own personalised blend of whiskey. In the experience, you will be guided by an experienced whiskey tour guide on how to craft your own tasty whiskey.
Before you start mixing, they will offer you a chance to taste 4 carefully selected Irish Whiskeys as a form of inspiration for your magnum opus. By the end, you’ll have a 70ml bottle of Irish Whiskey that is truly, and uniquely, your own.
Irish Coffee Masterclass
| Irish Coffee Masterclass | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 1:15 PM |
| Number of Slots | 20 Slots |
| Tour Duration | About 45 Minutes |
The Irish Coffee Masterclass is a lovely experience for those who love whiskey and coffee. Here you’ll be taught about the two origins of Irish coffee, and they’ll let you decide which one is true.
After which, you’ll be given a chance to create your very own Irish coffee through teaching you the techniques of mixing, pouring, and garnishing, as well as the art of layering. At the end, you’ll be given a chance to enjoy your wonderful creation.
Cocktail Masterclass
| Cocktail Masterclass | |
| Days Available: | Friday to Saturday |
| Time Slots: | 7:45 PM |
| Number of Slots | 15 Slots |
| Tour Duration | About 1 Hour And 30 Minutes |
This experience will allow you to learn from experienced veteran mixologists about the ways to craft tasty and incredible Irish Whiskey cocktails.
They will give you the opportunity to craft three cocktails made from the finest Irish Whiskey. At the end, you’ll even have the chance to take home a complimentary whiskey glass as a memento of your visit to the Irish Whiskey Museum.
World of Illusion Combo Ticket
| World of Illusion Combo Ticket | |
| Days Available: | Monday to Sunday |
| Time Slots: | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Number of Slots | 28 Slots |
| Tour Duration | About 1 Hour |
The World of Illusion Combo Ticket will allow you to experience the Classic Guided Tour, with an additional bonus of going to the World of Illusion experience.
This is a separate experience from the Irish Whiskey Museum and you will be given the chance to explore a whacky building full of twists and turns. This is typically booked at different time slots as you cannot experience both simultaneously.
Where To Eat When Visitng The Irish Whiskey Museum
The Irish Whiskey Museum has some of the best restaurants surrounding it as it’s near Temple Bar and Grafton Street. Here are some of the best ones that we highly recommend you visit.
Porterhouse Temple Bar
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Website: https://www.theporterhouse.ie/temple-bar
Address: 16-18 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 VR94, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 679 8847
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday:
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday:
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday:
- 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Porterhouse at Temple Bar offers your typical pub experience with a few modern twists along the way. What we’d recommend that you try here is their Thai Green Curry as it blends Thai flavors with fresh Irish ingredients.
Toscana City Centre Italian Restaurant
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Website: https://toscanarestaurant.ie
Address: 3 Cork Hl, Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 DR53, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 670 9785
Price Range: €20 – €40
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Monday:
- 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Toscana is perfect for those who wnat their meals locally sourced as they have their own farm that provides some of their ingredients. What we’d recommend here is their Cannelloni Di Carne as the tubes of pasta with ground beef is such a unique dish.
The Shack Restaurant
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Website: https://www.shackrestaurant.ie
Address: 24 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N297, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 679 0043
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday:
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
The Shack has that rustic feel to it that easily lands it as one of our favorites. What we’d recommend here is their Irish Stew as it’s hearty and filling while also being quite cheap.
Old Mill Restaurant
Website: https://oldmillrestaurant.ie
Address: 14, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 V970, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 671 9266
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
The Old Mill is a traditional Irish restaurant that serves some of the finest Guinness in the city. If you’re looking for something filling, might we suggest their Seafood Chowder as it’s such a large serving that it might be enough for two people.
Gallagher’s Boxty House
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Website: https://www.boxtyhouse.ie
Address: 20-21, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 ET66, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 677 2762
Price Range: €20 – €40
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
When you’re in Dublin, you’ve certainly got to try out Boxty at least once, and Gallagher’s is the best place to do so. We’d recmmoned you try the intruiging Salmon Boxty as the fish pairs perfectly with the creamy potato.
Where To Stay When Going To The Irish Whiskey Museum
Seeing as the Irish Whiskey Museum is located near Dublin City Centre, you’re ripe for choice with regards to the number of hotels and hostels at your disposal. Below are some of the best places to stay at when visiting the Irish Whiskey Museum.
Gogarty’s Temple Bar Hostel
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Website: https://www.gogartys.ie
Address: 18-21 Anglesea St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 RX38, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 671 1822
Price Range: Starts at €35
Gogarty is for those who want to party while they stay in cheap lodging. At Gogarty, you’ll be living on top of a traditional Irish pub, but don’t worry as it’s actually quite comfortable house, especially since it’s quite cheap.
Ashfield Hostel
Website: https://www.ashfieldhostel.com
Address: 19/20 D’Olier Street, Dublin 2, D02 K129, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 679 7734
Price Range: Starts At €64
Ashfield Hostel offers tons of amenities that you simply wouldn’t find at any other hostel. A highlight of your stay has to be their modern-self catering kitchen as it’s a perfect way to meet fellow travelers while enjoying a tasty meal.
Temple Bar Inn
Media Credit: Temple Bar Inn Instagram, Temple Bar Inn Facebook
Website: https://templebarinn.com
Address: 40-47 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 NX25, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 484 5010
Price Range: Starts At €189
Temple Bar Inn is located at the heart of Temple Bar district, and it’s perfect for those who want to explore Dublin’s lively night district. It’s close to some of the best spots at Temple Bar and most public transport.
The Morgan Hotel
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Website: https://www.themorgan.com
Address: 10-12 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 AT86, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 643 7000
Price Range: Starts At €455
The Morgan Hotel is a classy hotel decorated with velvet that screams oppulence at every turn. You’ll have a wonderful 4-star experience here as they have comfy rooms that are spacious and perfect for picture taking.
Abigail’s Hostel
Website: https://www.abigailshostel.com
Address: 7-9 Aston Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 DX56, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 677 9300
Price Range: Starts At €105
Abigail’s Hostel is the haven for backpackers as they are renowned world-wide as a high quality hostel. The highlight of your stay is their comfortable beds, while they are cheap, they’re some of the best mattresses in Dublin.
Tips When Visiting The Irish Whiskey Museum
Before you head over to the Irish Whiskey Museum to down a few shots, we’ve got a few tips to make your visit one you won’t forget.
| Always Go For An Upgraded Tour The upgraded tour offers an additional glass of whiskey alongside a memento. Spend that extra few euros and we’re sure you won’t regret it. Book Two Experiences These experiences happen at different hours of the day. We’d suggest booking at least two, so you can maximize your visit. Eat FirstWhiskey isn’t good on an empty stomach. We’d suggest eating a heavy breakfast or lunch before going as you wouldn’t want to be tipsy after a few sips. Visit Other Alcohol Themed Tourist SpotsIf you want to experience all the alcohol that Dublin has to offer, we’d suggest that you add the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery to your list of places to visit. |