There are things that we say should be eaten in “moderation” and others, on the contrary, without any restrictions. But sometimes there are those that fall in between, or allow themselves to be considered a combination of the two. This is especially true of this itinerary designed for lovers of spirits, and whiskeys in particular, in tiny Northern Ireland.

Indeed, a new experience, The Spirit Trail and Distillery PassportNow visitors are invited to discover the variety, quality and unique character of Northern Irish spirits…

A “passport” to stamp

This “passport” takes the form of a guide to 14 unique experiences offered by various distilleries across Northern Ireland. It provides an opportunity to meet the passionate artisans behind each brand and enjoy their wide range of products.

On each excursion, visitors will have the opportunity to have their passport stamped on site or via QR code to be scanned at Belfast airport before receiving a prize once they have received 14 stamps.

Belfast and surrounding areas

In Belfast, visitors can already find three different distilleries, including the Belfast Artisan Gin School, which offers a two-hour “make your own gin” experience. They will also be able to combine these findings with an exploration of the historic Crumlin Road Jail, home to McConnell's distillery.
Finally, a trip to the unmissable Titanic Belfast Museum can be followed by a visit to the Titanic Distillers, located in the heart of the shipyard where the Titanic and many other ships were built.

Then, near Belfast, are Hinch & Rademon Estate Distilleries, home of Shortcross Gin. Both offer a fun “behind the scenes” tour of them.

… but not only

When traveling to the Ards Peninsula east of Belfast, a visit to the Copeland Distillery is a must to taste artisanal whiskey while hearing tales of smugglers and sea exploits.
Down the peninsula is Ecklinville, a family business that produces the award-winning Dunville's Irish Whiskey.

Further south, bordering the Republic of Ireland, are the Mon Mountains. Here's the smallest distillery on the route, Killowen, where visitors can sample a range of craft brews.

Then, on the great lakes of Fermanagh, the boatyard focuses on the production of pure spirits with a sustainable and organic approach.
Wild Atlantic Distillery, near County Tyrone, draws inspiration from Ireland's rugged coastline, while Woodlab Distillery combines science and nature with its range of award-winning gins.

As you might expect, no visit to Northern Ireland is complete without a walk along the beautiful Causeway Coast Way to discover the unmissable “Giant's Causeway”, known in French as “Chausy Giants”. This legendary road is home to one of the world's most famous brands, Bushmills, with its four-century-old whiskey distillery.

Finally, in Derry, the Walled City Brewery, known for tasting six excellent craft beers, recently launched its new spirit: Earhart Gin, to be tasted while visiting the brewery … of course !