Pearse Lyons Distillery – Dublin’s Boutique Whiskey Haven

Overview

Pearse Lyons Distillery sits in the heart of Dublin’s historic Liberties, occupying the former Church of St James on James’s Street. Opened to the public in 2017, the boutique distillery is the only independently family‑owned spirit producer in the city. Its striking glass steeple and restored stained‑glass windows provide a dramatic backdrop for a range of award‑winning Irish whiskeys and a celebrated Dublin gin.

History

The site’s story stretches back to the 12th century, when a hospice for pilgrims to the Camino de Santiago was established on the grounds of St James. The present Gothic church was built in 1859, served as a place of worship until 1963, and then spent decades as a cash‑and‑carry, lighting store and food warehouse. In 2013 Dr Pearse Lyons, a biochemist with five generations of coopers in his family, purchased the derelict building. After a €20 million restoration, the distillery opened its doors in 2017, honouring both the spiritual heritage of the church and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Lyons family. Dr Lyons passed away in 2018; his son Dr Mark Lyons now oversees operations, continuing the family’s legacy of innovation.

What to See & Do

Distillery Tour & Tasting

Guided by a local storyteller, the flagship tour walks visitors through the 800‑year history of the site, the science of fermentation, and the copper‑pot stills that produce Pearse Irish Whiskey. The experience ends with a tasting of three small‑batch expressions – Pearse Original, Distiller’s Choice and Founder’s Choice – each showcasing the brand’s “Irish whiskey with a Kentucky flare.”

The Gin School Experience

A two‑hour hands‑on workshop lets participants choose botanicals, operate a miniature copper‑pot still and bottle a personalised 70 cl gin. The session includes a cocktail created by the on‑site mixologist and a selection of seasonal bites.

The Art of Irish Whiskey Blending

Under the guidance of in‑house experts, guests blend their own whiskey, learning about cask selection, maturation and flavour balance. The finished blend can be bottled and taken home.

Cocktail Corner

The on‑site bar serves a curated menu of modern cocktails, each inspired by a specific Pearse spirit. Visitors can watch the mixologists at work and sample the creations.

Interactive Visitor Centre

Before the tour begins, a glass‑walled visitor centre offers interactive displays on the archaeology of the graveyard, the rebirth of Dublin’s distilling scene and the technical side of spirit production.

Nearby Attractions

Pearse Lyons is a five‑minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse and within easy reach of other Liberties highlights:

• Roe & Co Distillery (6 min walk) – another contemporary Dublin distillery.
• Phoenix Park (11 min walk) – one of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks.
• Kilmainham Gaol (17 min walk) – a pivotal site in Irish history.
• Irish Museum of Modern Art (11 min walk) – housed in a 17th‑century building.
• Abbey Theatre (12 min walk) – Ireland’s national stage, perfect for an evening of drama after your tasting. These neighbours make a full‑day itinerary of Dublin’s spirit and cultural heritage effortless.

Practical Information

Opening hours: 11:30 – 18:30 daily. Tours run every 30 minutes from 11:30 to 17:30, with the last tasting ending at 18:30.

Booking: Advance reservation is recommended, especially during peak tourist season. Tickets can be purchased via the official booking portal here or through partner sites such as GetYourGuide.

Visiting Tips

• Age restriction: Participants must be 18 years or older for the tasting portion.
• Group size: Tours are limited to small groups (max 12 people) to keep the experience intimate.
• Accessibility: The visitor centre and most tour routes are wheelchair‑accessible; the historic nave has steep steps and is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• What to bring: A photo‑ID for age verification and a camera – the glass‑steeple makes a striking backdrop.
• Timing: Allow 1.5–2 hours to enjoy the tour, tasting and a quick stop at the Cocktail Corner without feeling rushed.

Getting Around

• Walking: The distillery is a 5‑minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse and a 30‑minute walk from Grafton Street.
• Bus: Dublin Bus routes 13, G1, G2, S2 and 123 stop on James’s Street; services run every 10‑15 minutes.
• Luas: Red‑line stop “St James’s/James’s Street” is a 400 m walk away.
• Cycling: DublinBikes stations are located on James’s Street and nearby.
• Parking: [Parking information to be confirmed] – nearest public car parks are on Thomas Street and near the Guinness Storehouse.
• Hop‑on‑hop‑off: Served by the Big Bus city tour.

Contact & Further Info:

• Phone: +353 1 691 6000
• Website: https://pearselyonsdistillery.com/
• Address: 121‑122 James’s Street, Dublin 8, D08 ET27, Ireland