With the world having opened up again and people increasingly keen to get out and enjoy themselves, there is a growing demand for a greater number of new attractions around the country.
Of course, the staples on the coasts are still there, but it is wonderful to see that new and fascinating attractions are opening up in new locations, enabling the spread of tourism to be felt in different parts of the country.
Ahascragh in East Galway is one of those areas that had not felt the boost of tourism — but that has changed this summer with the opening of what must rank as one of the country’s most beautiful new attractions.
The new Ahascragh Distillery and Visitor Centre is one well worth taking in. The building itself, a restored corn mill, is stunning and gives a lift to the entire community.
A visit to the centre comes with a fascinating guided tour and ends with some free samples of the whiskey and gin produced there.
Big kudos to the couple behind the venture too that the Ahascragh Distillery is powered using high temperature heat pumps, an energy efficient storage system and renewable energy including wind, solar and hydro - a first for the industry and a revitalisation of life into the old mills which although built in 140 years ago, were producing flour just seven decades back.
The old Ahascragh mill dates back to the early 1800s and up until the 1950s processed grain into flour.
So many of these old mills have lain idle — you should just see what the people behind Ahascragh Distillery have done with this. For sixty years, its doors were shut and now it has been restored to a standard far surpassing its former glory.
With a renewed interest in the distillation of spirits since the renewed popularity for whiskey and gins in recent years, there is a fascinating tour of this converted corn mill and thankfully for all who partook, there is a sample of the fare on offer.
Visitors will be immersed in the art of distillation, where age old tradition, meets modern innovation, finishing with a tasting of the company’s award-winning sourced expressions, Clan Colla Irish Whiskey, UAIS Irish Whiskey and on-site distilled Xin Gin. Ahascragh Distillery is an authentic destination for whiskey and gin enthusiasts and anyone interested in history, tradition and craftmanship.
All top attractions offer a facility for refreshments these days and the cafe at Ahascragh Distillery and Visitor Centre offers great fare and a chance to rest weary legs.
It is important that the design of the project, and the work, protects and celebrates the previous use of this historical old mill. Ahascragh Distillery collaborated with Billy Moore Metalworks in Waterford, to restore the old mill equipment found during the clear out phase. Billy then designed bespoke pieces of furniture, inspired by the mill, using the salvaged equipment. The pieces are now pride of place in The Old Mill Shop & Café at Ahascragh Distillery.
We went home with an Ahascragh Distillery glass and some goodies from the Old Mill Shop and Cafe and heartily recommend this day out not too far from you. It is open seven days a week.
It is all the brainchild of Gareth and Michelle McAllister — a husband and wife team from Dublin. Having lived and worked in countries across Europe, the US and Asia, they returned to Ireland with the dream of turning their passion for craft Irish spirits into a family business.
They set their sights on opening a whiskey and gin distillery in the West of Ireland and when they visited the old mill in Ahascragh, they fell in love with its story: the beautiful stonework, the history of the buildings and the character of the small village.
Ahascragh Distillers Limited was established with the purpose of producing authentically crafted Irish spirits to the highest quality of tasting experience with unique and innovative flavours. The company’s mission is to help family and friends celebrate meaningful moments and occasions, strengthening new and old connections.
A key differentiator for Ahascragh Distillery is the company’s goal to be zero-emissions. The eco-distillery is powered by renewable energy – wind, solar and coming soon, hydro, using very high temperature heat pump technology and an energy efficient storage system.
As no fossil fuels or gas will be used to drive the production process, there will be no carbon emissions from the energy supply side of the distillery. This is a first for the industry. As a result, the spirit to flow from Ahascragh Distillery can be classified as zero emissions, minimising the impact to the local environment.
With an overall investment of €10 million, this project has created over 20 direct jobs in the rural village of Ahascragh and surrounding areas. The company will also support a further 60-70 indirect jobs through local supply chains.
Ahascragh Distillery recently launched a Seedrs fundraising campaign which allows the public to own shares in the eco-distillery from as little as €12.50. Following a very successful crowd fundraise in 2021 which saw the company raise €1.7 million, Ahascragh Distillery are inviting more people to join the journey and help them realise the vision for a world class Visitor Events Centre.
The Seedrs campaign has garnered a lot of interest, already welcoming 88 investors and raising 88% of the target. The public can now invest for a limited time, with shares starting at €125, and part shares from €12.50.
You can tell how much it is appreciated. Creating local employment and bringing people to the area. Ventures such as this deserve all our support, regenerating old buildings, breathing new life into villages that have never been touched by State investment.
Get along to Ahascragh and enjoy the experience.
For further information please call (0 )90 96 88935 or email [email protected] today!
