Boatyard Distillery

Overview

Boatyard Distillery sits on the tranquil edge of Lower Lough Erne in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands. The former boathouse has been transformed into a working distillery that welcomes visitors with a gin‑and‑tonic reception, lakeside views and a relaxed, story‑rich atmosphere. Arrive by car or by boat – the site feels like a quiet harbour where craft spirits, local heritage and modern sustainability converge.

History

The site was originally a bustling boat‑building yard serving the Lough Erne waterway in the 19th century. After the trade declined, the boathouse fell into disuse. In 2013, native son Joe McGirr returned from a decade in Scotland and London with a vision to revive the space. By early 2016 the derelict structure had been converted into Fermanagh’s first legal distillery since the 1890‑era plant, and the first bottle of Boatyard Double Gin was sold later that year. The brand quickly gained international attention – the American Bar at The Savoy was among the first overseas venues to stock it. In 2023 Boatyard became the first Irish distillery to achieve B Corp certification, earning a B Impact Score of 92.1.

Label Story

The distinctive labels are more than eye‑catching graphics. The pair of Massy Ferguson tractors nod to the McGirr family’s farming roots, while the intertwined boating knots represent the Lough Erne waterways that link the Lakelands to the Atlantic and the Shannon. Stems of sweet‑gale (bog myrtle) – foraged on the family bogs – appear on the label to highlight the key botanical used in the gins.

Awards & Recognition

• Gin Category Champion – Bartenders’ Brand Awards 2025
• Sustainable Spirits Product of the Year – Global Drinks Intel ESG Awards 2024
• Number 2 Trending Gin Brand – Drinks International 2025
• First Irish distillery to receive B Corp certification (2023)
• Multiple gold medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition for Double Gin and Old Tom Gin.

Sustainability Highlights

• B Corp certified (2023) – Ireland’s first distillery with a B Impact Score of 92.1.
• Organic wheat sourced from a local farm forms the spirit base.
• Sweet‑gale (bog myrtle) is foraged on the McGirr family bogs and used as a key botanical.
• Recycled flint glass bottles and Flexi‑Hex packaging minimise waste.
• Eco‑Refill Station – bring any empty 70 cl bottle and top‑up with your chosen spirit, cutting single‑use glass.
• Spent grain is fed to the family cattle; juniper waste is turned into soap and chocolate.
• Stillage is sent to local farms as cattle feed; reclaimed dairy‑parlour jars are reused for gin storage.

Visitor Experience

Taste & Tour – 90 minute guided journey

• Welcome gin‑and‑tonic at the lakeside bar
• Behind‑the‑scenes look at copper stills, fermentation tanks and repurposed milking‑parlour jars
• Tasting of the full range (Double Gin, Old Tom Gin, Vodka) and two handcrafted cocktails
• Option to label your own 70 cl bottle – a popular souvenir for families and groups
• Live at the Still – regular evenings of live music and storytelling in the visitor centre (usually Fridays 18:00‑20:00 during summer months)
• Private tours for up to 80 guests, ideal for hen parties, corporate events or celebrations.

Hidden Heartlands Spirits Cruise

A 90‑minute guided boat trip on Lough Erne followed by a tasting on board. Runs on select Fridays in spring and autumn (e.g., 17 April, 1 May, 22 May, 18 September 2026). Capacity 40 guests, price £98 per person, includes a guided cruise on The Kestrel, a gin tasting, three cocktails, a personalised 70 cl bottle and lite bites.

Eco‑Refill Station

Bring any empty 70 cl bottle and top‑up with your chosen spirit, cutting single‑use glass. The station uses recycled flint glass bottles and Flexi‑Hex packaging (100 % recycled, no trees felled).

Events & Live Music

The distillery hosts a Live at the Still programme – a series of intimate concerts, folk sessions and storytelling evenings. Check the official website’s events calendar for the latest dates. Seasonal special‑edition gin releases are also announced during these events.

Booking & Offers

Tours run five days a week and can be booked online via the official booking page. A promotional code HeartlandsBoat10 gives a 10 % discount for bookings made before 30 April 2026 (price drops from £55 to £49.50). Private group bookings (15 + guests) are accommodated with bespoke catering options.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Admission – £55 per person for the standard 90‑minute tour (discounted to £49.50 with the promo code). Tours are adult‑only (18+) due to alcohol tasting.

Location & Access

• Address: 346 Lough Shore Road, Enniskillen, BT93 7DX.
• Coordinates: 54.4475402, ‑7.7938174 – see on Google Maps.
• Parking is available on‑site (free for visitors).
• Arrive by boat – dock at Tully Bay Marina (sign‑post for The Boatyard Distillery) and walk the short, well‑signposted path to the visitor centre.
• The visitor centre is wheelchair‑accessible with level entry and accessible restrooms.
• Free Wi‑Fi is provided in the shop and visitor lounge.

Contact

• Phone: +44 (0) 7732 959 859 (official number listed on the distillery website)
• Email: tours@boatyarddistillery.com
• Website: https://www.boatyarddistillery.com/

Nearby Attractions

• Marble Arch Caves (≈ 2 mi) – spectacular limestone caves in the Cuilcagh Geopark.
• Magho Cliffs Walk (≈ 2.5 mi) – dramatic cliff‑top trails with panoramic lake views.
• Devenish Island – historic monastic site on Upper Lough Erne, reachable by a short ferry ride.
• Castle Archdale Country Park – lakeside park with water‑sports, walking trails and a war museum.
• Castle Balfour – 17th‑century fortified house a short drive away.
• Crom Castle – historic fort and estate with beautiful gardens.