Overview
Jameson Bow St. Distillery sits on the historic Smithfield site where John Jameson founded his whiskey empire in 1780. Though the actual spirit is now distilled at the New Midleton facility in Cork, the Dublin location has been transformed into a vibrant visitor centre. The building retains its original brick façade, vaulted cellars and the iconic wind‑mill tower that once powered the distillery’s operations. Today, thousands of tourists and locals alike step through its doors each year to discover the story of Ireland’s most famous blended whiskey, sample rare casks, and even create their own blend.
History
The Bow Street premises began as a modest pot‑still operation under the stewardship of Scottish lawyer‑turned‑distiller John Jameson. By 1805 his son, John Jameson II, expanded the site, renaming it John Jameson & Son’s Bow Street Distillery. At its peak in the mid‑19th century the complex covered five acres and housed everything from saw‑mills to coppersmith workshops – a true “city within a city”.
The turn of the 20th century brought a series of challenges: American Prohibition, a trade war with Britain and the rise of Scotch blended whiskies all eroded Jameson’s market share. In the 1960s the company merged with rivals to form Irish Distillers, and the Bow St. plant closed its doors in 1971, with production moving to the modern New Midleton Distillery.
After decades of abandonment, Diageo revived the site as a museum and experience centre. The original stone walls now host interactive exhibits, a tasting bar, and a range of educational workshops that celebrate both the heritage and the future of Irish whiskey.
What to See & Do
Core Tours
- Bow St. Experience – A 45‑minute guided walk through the historic cellars, ending with a comparative tasting of Jameson’s core range. Price starts at €26.
- Secret Whiskey Tasting – A 45‑minute session in John Jameson’s former office, featuring four Jameson expressions, two of which are exclusive to the distillery. €40.
- Whiskey Cocktail Making Class – Learn to craft three classic Jameson cocktails (Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, Punch) under the guidance of a professional bartender. €60 for 60 minutes.
- Jameson Black Barrel Blending Class – A 90‑minute hands‑on workshop where you blend your own bottle to take home. €60.
- Premium Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting – A luxurious 90‑minute pairing of rare whiskies with artisan chocolates. €140.
- Bow St. Experience & Cask Draw – Combine the standard tour with a chance to draw a cask; price from €41.
- Redbreast Tasting – A 60‑minute deep dive into the Redbreast range, priced at €50.
All experiences are led by Jameson Craft Ambassadors who weave anecdotes about the brand’s legal battles, wartime survival and modern resurgence.
Additional Highlights
- JJ’s Bar – After the tour, unwind at the on‑site bar that serves Jameson straight from the original maturation warehouse.
- Retail Gallery – The gift shop offers limited‑edition bottles, branded glassware and the iconic “Kindred Spirits” sculpture.
- Private Hire – The venue can be booked for corporate events, weddings or exclusive whiskey evenings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Day | Opening | Last Distillery Tour | Bar & Gift Shop Close |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 11:45 am | 6:00 pm | 7:00 pm |
| Monday – Thursday | 10:30 am | 6:00 pm | 7:00 pm |
| Friday – Saturday | 10:00 am | 6:30 pm | 8:00 pm |
The distillery is open seven days a week. Note that alcohol sales in the bar and shop are prohibited before 10:30 am (Monday‑Friday) and before 12:30 pm on Sundays, in line with Irish regulations.
Getting There
- Address: Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 N9VH, Ireland.
- Public Transport: Hop‑on‑hop‑off buses stop at Smithfield; the Luas Red Line’s Smithfield stop is a 2‑minute walk away.
- Parking: The nearest public car park is on Queens Street/Smithfield Square.
- Walking: The distillery is a 15‑minute stroll from Christ Church Cathedral, a 20‑minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse and a 20‑minute walk from Dublin Castle.
Booking & Prices
All tours must be booked in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Availability changes seasonally, so check the official booking page for the latest times.
| Experience | Duration | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|
| Bow St. Experience | 45 min | €26 |
| Whiskey Cocktail Making Class | 60 min | €60 |
| Secret Whiskey Tasting | 45 min | €40 |
| Jameson Black Barrel Blending Class | 90 min | €60 |
| Premium Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting | 90 min | €140 |
| Bow St. Experience & Cask Draw | – | €41 |
| Redbreast Tasting | 60 min | €50 |
Nearby Attractions
After your tasting, the Smithfield neighbourhood offers a wealth of sights: the medieval Christ Church Cathedral, the historic Guinness Storehouse, the regal Dublin Castle, and the expansive Phoenix Park (home to Dublin Zoo and Áras an Uachtaráin) are all within a 20‑minute walk. The Brazen Head, reputedly Dublin’s oldest pub, lies just 7 minutes away.
Accessibility
The venue provides step‑free access to the main exhibition floor and the tasting bar. Wheelchair users should contact the distillery ahead of their visit to confirm any specific requirements.
Final Note
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey aficionado or a curious first‑timer, the Jameson Bow St. Distillery delivers an immersive, historically rich experience that captures the spirit of Dublin’s golden age of whiskey. Book your slot, raise a glass of Jameson straight from the source, and walk away with a deeper appreciation of Ireland’s most celebrated spirit.