Standing proudly in the middle of the rural agricultural village of Ahascragh, in east Galway, the freshly renovated Ahascragh Distillery has the region's industrial past while producing some seriously good whiskey.
While it may be 40km from Galway city and the Atlantic Ocean, the county's east definitely fits the 'wild' aspect of the Wild Atlantic Way, with numerous 'hidden gems' of huge historical and cultural significance located in the area. One of which, is most definitely the Ahascragh Distillery.
This history of the 'old mill'
Ireland's first zero emissions distillery, the modern-meets-historic building which houses Ahascragh Distillery, is a far cry from its previous derelict state. Once the site of a proud corn mill constructed around the year 1810 by the Bell family, the old mill has played a vital part in the development in cultural and economic heritage of the town, as well as the social and political history. In 1921, the mill was raided by British forces who were on the hunt for guns and ammunition believed to be hidden within the building. Despite this rich heritage, due to the rise in modern milling methods and cheaper international imports pricing out the indigenous industry, the mill fell into dereliction in the 1950s.
This was until, Gareth and Michelle McAllister, a husband-and-wife team from Dublin, discovered the mill during their search for a suitable site in which they could establish their own distillery. In 2019, the McAllister's bought the site and driven by the desire to create a distillery in which they could produce spirits that they were proud of.
The visitor experience
Offering guided tours of the whiskey and gin making process, visitors to Ahascragh Distillery can expect an informative, fun and engaging experience. Tourism and sustainability manager for the distillery, Eoghan, guides visitors to the distillery through the building's history, the renovation the process, the environmental ethos of the company, and the whiskey and gin making process. All of this new knowledge is then put to the test with visitors getting to taste some of the distillery's award-winning spirits such as the Xin Gin, Uais Triple Blend Whiskey and the Clan Colla Seven Year Old Whiskey which has been aged in a Panamanian rum cask.
Whiskey and gin may be Gareth and Michelle's passion, but their love and appreciation for family shines throughout their business and their brand. Working hard to turn their passion for whiskey and gin into a family business, Gareth and Michelle have channelled this appreciation for kith and kin into creating their 'Family Bond Series'.
Telling the story of the three Colla brothers; Caireall Colla Uais, Muiredach Colla Fo Chrí and Aed Colla Menn, who conquered and ruled over much of Ireland in the 4th century.
As one of the descendants of one of the three Collas, and a member of Clan Colla, the McAllister family have an established tradition of paying homage to their ancestors through whiskey. Throughout the 1800s, the McAllister's were responsible for producing the 'Clan Colla Irish Whiskey', a spirit that was known for its 'exceptional quality'.
Now, in 2024, the McAllisters are once again paying tribute to their ancestors, working hard to ensure that their 'Family Bond Series' of hand-selected Irish whiskeys produced in Ahascragh Distilleries will take its 'rightful place amongst the world's great whiskeys'.
Expanding the brand and reviving the town
In addition to the distillery, Gareth and Michelle's vision for the distillery and the village of Ahascragh, has expanded in recent years. While still floating on the highly alcoholic and delicious whiskey air, visitors can drift across the road to the distillery's new cafe and stock up on some delicious sweet treats and branded merchandise. Decorated with tools and utensils found during the renovation of the old mill, the new cafe features a charming balance of old world meets modern.
Battling rural dereliction in the village one building at a time, the Ahascragh Distillery is currently in the process of renovating an old bar on the main street transforming it into a foodie and whiskey lover's paradise. Works are expected to be finished in May / June.
To become a whiskey expert and learn about Galway's newest distillery, you can get in touch with Ahascragh Distillery online at ahascraghdistillery.com
