Bushmills Distillery

Overview

Old Bushmills Distillery sits on the banks of the River Bush in the village of Bushmills, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Giant’s Causeway. Founded under a royal licence in 1608 and formally incorporated in 1784, it claims the title of the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Today the site blends heritage and modernity: the historic Old Distillery complex operates alongside the state‑of‑the‑art Causeway Distillery opened in 2023. Visitors are treated to the scent of malted barley, the gleam of copper pot stills, and the sight of rows of oak casks aging for decades.

History

The story of Bushmills is a tapestry of licences, fires, and resilience. In 1608 Sir Thomas Phillips received a licence from King James I to distil “aquavite” in the area – a date proudly displayed on every bottle. The commercial entity that would become Bushmills was not formed until 1784 by Hugh Anderson. The distillery endured periods of closure (records show no activity in 1802 and 1822) before being bought by Belfast merchants James McColgan and Patrick Corrigan in 1860. A devastating fire in 1885 razed the original buildings, but they were swiftly rebuilt, and the new premises have survived to the present day.

The late 19th‑century saw Bushmills launch its own steamship, the SS Bushmills, to export whiskey worldwide. Prohibition in the United States (1920‑1933) crippled sales, yet the distillery survived thanks to large stockpiles kept by director Wilson Boyd. Post‑World II ownership passed to Isaac Wolfson, then to Irish Distillers in 1972, and later to French group Pernod Ricard in 1988. Diageo bought the brand in 2005 for £200 million, before swapping it to Proximo Spirits in 2014. In April 2023 the new Causeway Distillery opened, doubling production capacity and adding a contemporary visitor experience.

What to See & Do

Guided tours

Bushmills offers several guided experiences, each lasting between 40 minutes and an hour. Small‑group tours take you through the malt‑milling floor, the mash tuns, the copper pot stills where the spirit is triple‑distilled, and the vast warehouse rows where up to 171 000 barrels mature. Knowledgeable guides explain the chemistry of fermentation (58 hours in washbacks) and the art of cask selection – from American bourbon barrels to Spanish Oloroso sherry casks.

Tastings & the Whiskey Shop

All tours include a complimentary tasting of a single‑malt or blended Bushmills expression. The on‑site shop stocks the full range, including the exclusive Bushmills Distillery Reserve 12‑year single malt, the 1608 special‑edition bottling, and limited‑release 21‑year bottles. Visitors can also purchase branded glassware, gifts, and locally‑made chocolates.

The Causeway Distillery

Opened in 2023, the adjacent modern facility showcases cutting‑edge production techniques and a separate tasting bar. It highlights experimental cask finishes, such as acacia‑wood and port‑pipe maturation, giving guests a glimpse of the brand’s future direction.

Nearby attractions

The distillery’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Antrim Coast. Within a 10‑minute drive lie the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the dramatic Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne. The historic Bushmills Inn offers AA‑Rosette dining, while Antrim Castle Gardens provide a tranquil botanical escape.

Practical Information

Opening hours – The distillery welcomes visitors Monday‑Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:45 pm and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:45 pm. The last tour departs at 4:00 pm, and the shop closes at 4:45 pm.

Ticket prices – Prices vary by tour type and age category. A typical adult ticket ranges from £15 to £50. Concessions are available: seniors (60+) and students pay £8.50‑£20, while children (6‑17) pay £6. Children under eight may enter the grounds but cannot join a guided tour.

Booking – Groups of 12 or more must book in advance and provide a deposit. Walk‑in tickets are sold on a first‑come‑first‑served basis, but popular slots can sell out early, especially in summer.

Facilities – On‑site parking is free. The visitor centre provides toilets, Wi‑Fi, a tea‑room/café, and baby‑changing facilities. The tour involves over 150 steps and a 1 km walk, so visitors with limited mobility should check accessibility options beforehand.

Contact – For group bookings or special enquiries, call +44 (0) 28 207 33218 or email distillery.tours@bushmills.com.

Getting there – The distillery sits at 2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, BT57 8XH. It is easily reachable by car from Belfast (≈1 hour) via the A2 coastal route. Public‑transport options include regular bus services from Belfast and Derry to Bushmills.

Opening hours table

Ticket price overview

Whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or a curious first‑timer, Bushmills Distillery offers a compelling blend of history, craftsmanship, and spectacular coastal scenery – a must‑see stop on any Northern Ireland itinerary.