Kinsale Mead Co – Ireland’s First New Meadery in 200 Years

Overview

Nestled a short walk from Kinsale harbour on the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale Mead Co is a family‑run meadery that has revived a tradition dormant for almost two centuries. Founded in 2016 by Kate and Denis Dempsey, the meadery produces world‑class, handcrafted meads using raw, unfiltered Irish honey and locally sourced berries. Visitors can explore the production process, hear legends of Celtic kings and bees, and finish the experience with a tasting in a striking oak bar made from a 300‑year‑old tree felled on Fota Island.

History

Mead – or Miodh in Irish – is arguably the world’s oldest alcoholic drink, with roots stretching back to 6000 BC. After a 200‑year hiatus, Kinsale Mead Co became Ireland’s first new meadery in almost two centuries, blending ancient recipes with modern techniques. The Dempseys’ mission is to “rediscover the ancient art of mead making” while championing sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.

Inspiration & Founding Story

Kate and Denis Dempsey say the idea for the meadery first sparked while standing on the Hill of Tara, imagining medieval revelries and the historic link between Irish kings and honey‑based drink. That moment of inspiration led them to research Ireland’s forgotten mead tradition and, in 2016, open the first new meadery in two centuries. The Times later highlighted this origin story, noting how the couple “realised Ireland’s link to mead and became a hive of activity” when they set up the business.

Awards & Recognition

• TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2019)
• Featured in several national food and drink publications for its innovative mead‑based cocktails
• Recognised by the Irish Honey Board for using 100 % Irish honey in its core range

Sourcing & Sustainability

Kinsale Mead Co sources 100 % Irish honey from beekeepers across Cork and neighbouring counties, ensuring the honey is raw and unfiltered. The meads are also flavoured with locally harvested berries such as blackberries and elderberries. During tours, guides explain historic Irish “Bee Laws” that protected native bees and discuss the meadery’s commitment to sustainable beekeeping practices.

What to See & Do

• Guided Meadery Tour – A one‑hour, entertaining walk through the fermentation tanks, maturation rooms and bottling line. Guides explain the chemistry of honey fermentation, the 12 % ABV “light and refreshing” style, and the historic role of mead in Celtic society.
• Myths & Legends – Stories of Irish kings, chieftains and the legendary status of mead are woven into the tour, giving a cultural context that goes beyond the liquid in the glass.
• Bee Judgments – Learn about Ireland’s historic “Bee Laws” that protected native bees, then taste three distinct raw honeys harvested from local hives.
• Oak Bar Tasting Room – The tour culminates in a tasting of award‑winning meads and inventive mead‑based cocktails, served in a bar crafted from a 300‑year‑old oak trunk. Expect flavours ranging from semi‑sweet wildflower notes to crisp citrus and berry‑laden blends.
• Food Pairings – Guides suggest perfect pairings, from fresh seafood to hearty Irish stews, highlighting how mead’s versatility complements the town’s celebrated culinary scene.
• Photo Opportunity – The oak bar and the historic building make memorable backdrops for social‑media‑ready shots.

Shop & Gifts

After the tasting, visitors can browse the on‑site shop, which stocks bottled meads, limited‑edition seasonal releases, and jars of the same Irish honey used in production. Gift boxes and branded glassware are also available, making it easy to take a piece of Kinsale Mead Co home.

Practical Information

Tour Times & Pricing

Tours must be booked in advance via the online booking page. Walk‑in visitors can still enjoy a tasting for €12 during opening hours.

Getting There

• By Car – Parking is free on the premises. The meadery is located at Unit 5, Barrack Lane, a short drive from the Kinsale harbour. Directions are available on the official directions page.
• Public Transport – Bus services connect Kinsale to Cork city and surrounding towns; details are on the public transport page.
• On Foot – The meadery sits within a five‑minute walk from Kinsale’s historic centre, making it easy to combine with a town walk, a visit to Charles Fort, or a meal at one of the many waterfront cafés.

Accessibility

The venue offers wheelchair‑accessible entrances and interior pathways. Free parking spaces are reserved for disabled visitors. While the tasting room is welcoming to adults, the venue notes that it is not suitable for children, making it an ideal stop for couples or groups of friends.

Media Coverage

The launch of Kinsale Mead Co attracted national media attention. The Times featured the founders’ story, quoting Kate Dempsey on how standing on the Hill of Tara sparked the idea to revive Ireland’s ancient mead tradition. The article highlighted the couple’s “hive of activity” in bringing the craft back after two centuries.

Visiting Tips

• Best time to visit: The summer season (May‑September) offers the most tour slots and the widest range of seasonal meads, including berry‑infused varieties.
• Advance booking: Tours fill quickly in peak months; book at least a few days ahead, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.
• Combine with town attractions: Kinsale’s historic streets, the 17th‑century Charles Fort, and the dramatic cliffs of the Old Head of Kinsale are all within walking distance, making a full‑day itinerary easy.
• Food pairings: Pair the semi‑sweet wildflower mead with fresh oysters or the crisp citrus blend with grilled fish for a true taste of Kinsale.

Nearby Attractions

After your mead experience, consider exploring Kinsale’s historic streets, the 17th‑century Charles Fort, or the dramatic cliffs of the Old Head of Kinsale. The town’s vibrant food scene – from casual fish‑and‑chips shacks to Michelin‑starred restaurants – pairs beautifully with a glass of freshly poured mead.

Contact & Further Details

• Website: https://www.kinsalemeadco.ie/
• Phone: +353 (0)21 477 3538
• Email: info@kinsalemeadco.ie
• Reviews: See visitor feedback on TripAdvisor and Google.