Overview
Jameson Distillery Bow St. sits on the historic Bow Street in Dublin’s Smithfield neighbourhood, the very site where John Jameson first set up his whiskey operation in 1780. Today the former factory is a vibrant visitor centre that blends heritage storytelling with hands‑on experiences – from guided tours of the original copper stills to a modern cocktail bar, JJ’s Bar, where you can sip a Jameson‑based drink straight from the source.
History
John Jameson opened the original Bow Street Distillery in 1780, quickly establishing a reputation for smooth, triple‑distilled Irish whiskey. By 1805 Jameson had taken full ownership, and in 1810 the business was formally renamed John Jameson & Son’s Bow Street Distillery. The site expanded to five acres by 1886, becoming one of Dublin’s most important industrial landmarks.
The 20th century brought challenges – American Prohibition, a trade war with Britain and the rise of blended Scotch – which led to the formation of the Irish Distillers Group in 1966. The Bow Street operation finally closed in 1971, with production moving to the new Midleton facility in Cork. Rather than fall into disuse, the historic buildings were refurbished in the 1990s and reborn as a world‑class visitor attraction. Since then the distillery has been repeatedly recognised, winning the World Travel Award for World’s Leading Distillery Tour in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Refurbishment & Recent Developments
In March 2017 Jameson unveiled an €11 million refurbishment of the Bow Street visitor centre. The project, led by BRC Imagination Arts with design input from TOTP Architects and Flynn Management & Contractors, introduced state‑of‑the‑art storytelling technology, a new live maturation warehouse (the only one in Dublin), and expanded bar and retail spaces. The upgrade was positioned as a key element of the Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy, which aims to triple visitor numbers to 1.9 million by 2025.
Visitor Experience & Tours
Tour schedule
- Guided tours run every 30 minutes from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm (the last tour starts at 5:00 pm). On Sundays the final departure is at 4:45 pm.
- Tickets are valid for the next available tour, not for a specific time slot, so arriving early helps you secure your preferred slot.
- All tours are fully wheelchair‑accessible and an audio‑descriptive version of the video‑theatre presentation is available.
Core experiences
| Experience | Duration | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| Bow St. Experience (standard tour & tasting) | 45 min | €26 |
| Whiskey Cocktail‑Making Class | 60 min | €60 |
| Secret Whiskey Tasting (John Jameson’s office) | 45 min | €40 |
| Black Barrel Blending Class | 90 min | €60 |
| Premium Whiskey & Chocolate Pairing | 90 min | €140 |
| Bow St. Experience & Cask Draw | 45 min | from €41 |
| Redbreast Tasting | 60 min | €50 |
| Bottling Experience (fill & label your own 700 ml bottle) | 60 min | €100 |
| Private Evening Hire (events, corporate functions) | – | on enquiry |
During the Bow St. Experience, ambassadors guide you through malting, mashing and distillation, then lead you into Dublin’s only on‑site maturation warehouse where you can watch whiskey mature in oak barrels. For an extra fee you can draw a dram straight from the cask.
The cocktail‑making class teaches the signature Jameson ginger & lime and a selection of classic and contemporary drinks. The Secret Whiskey Tasting offers a glimpse into John Jameson’s original office and a curated selection of rare bottles.
Enthusiasts can try the Black Barrel Blending Class to create a personalised blend, or the Premium Whiskey & Chocolate Pairing for a more indulgent experience. The Bottling Experience lets you fill and label your own 700 ml bottle – a popular souvenir.
Sensory touches
- A video‑theatre with optional audio‑descriptive narration.
- “Perfume bottles” that let you smell the difference between two distillation methods.
- Samples of cask‑seasoned American white oak and sherry‑seasoned European oak for you to sniff before tasting.
After any experience, unwind at JJ’s Bar – a stylish venue featuring a giant flat‑screen, bottle‑shaped chandeliers and a complimentary Jameson ginger & lime. The on‑site shop stocks exclusive bottlings, branded merchandise and gifts you can’t find elsewhere.
Food & Drink
The distillery houses the Third Still restaurant, open Monday‑Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, serving a contemporary all‑day menu with light lunches, sharing plates and vegetarian options. The venue is fully wheelchair‑accessible and offers a relaxed setting for a quick bite before or after your tour.
JJ’s Bar remains open to the public from midday, serving the signature Jameson ginger & lime, classic cocktails and a selection of premium Jameson whiskies. No tour ticket is required to enjoy a drink here, though the bar can be busy during peak times.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Shindig Nights – From April to October, Thursday‑Saturday evenings (7:30 pm – 11:30 pm) the distillery hosts live music, Irish dancing and themed entertainment in the “Sine Metu Suite”.
- St Patrick’s Day – The attraction consistently ranks as Dublin’s top spot for St Patrick’s weekend visitors, with special tasting menus and extended bar service.
- Private Functions – The venue can be hired for weddings, corporate events and celebrations; the space can be customised with catering from the Third Still kitchen.
Booking & Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online in advance (recommended during busy periods) or at the ticket desk on the day. All tours are valid for the next available departure, and a complimentary Jameson ginger & lime is included with the standard Bow St. Experience. Group discounts and family packages are available on request.
Awards & Recognition
- World Travel Awards – World’s Leading Distillery Tour (2018‑2022, five consecutive years)
- Consistently high visitor ratings on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews
- Voted the #1 attraction for St Patrick’s Day weekend in Dublin by Dublin Live (2022)
Practical Information
| Day | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 11:00 | 18:00 |
| Friday – Saturday | 11:00 | 19:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 | 18:00 |
Accessibility – Fully wheelchair‑accessible with lifts between floors; audio‑descriptive tours available.
Ticket pricing – Adult €25, Senior (65+) €18, Student €18, Child (under 18) €11. Prices are subject to change; check the official site or ticket desk for the latest rates.
Contact – Phone: +353 1 807 2355.
Transport & Parking
- Luas – 2‑minute walk from Smithfield (Red Line).
- Dublin Bus – Routes 25, 25a, 25b, 26, 37, 39, 39a, 66, 66a, 66b, 66e, 67, 69, 70, 79, 145 stop on Church Street, <200 m away.
- Bike – Dublin Bike station on Smithfield Square; cycle lanes run along the Liffey.
- Walking – 21‑minute walk from Trinity College via the quays.
- Car – Nearest public car parks: Queens Street Car Park and Smithfield Car Park (both paid). Street parking is limited; consider the North Frederick Street car park for longer stays.
- Hop‑On‑Hop‑Off – Dublin hop‑on‑hop‑off bus stop ~200 m from the distillery.
Nearby Attractions
- Smithfield Square – historic market area with cafés and the Old Jameson Distillery museum (a short walk away).
- Temple Bar – vibrant nightlife district, 5‑minute walk.
- Aviva Stadium – modern sporting venue, 10‑minute walk; link: Aviva Stadium.
- Christ Church Cathedral – iconic medieval cathedral, 7‑minute walk.
- Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Guinness Storehouse are also within easy reach for a full day of Dublin culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the distillery suitable for families? Yes – children can join the tour and enjoy the interactive displays; a non‑alcoholic drink is provided for them.
Can I book a private event? The venue offers private evening hire for corporate functions, weddings and celebrations. Contact the distillery directly for rates.
Do I need to bring ID for concessions? A valid student or senior ID is required to receive the reduced price.
What is the best time to visit? Early morning slots on weekdays tend to be less crowded. Booking at least 24 hours in advance secures your preferred time.