Teeling Distillery – Dublin’s First New Whiskey Distillery in 125 Years

Overview

Teeling Distillery sits in the heart of Dublin’s historic Liberties, a neighbourhood once known as the “Golden Triangle” of Irish whiskey production. Opened in 2015 by brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling, it is the first new distillery to operate in Dublin in more than 125 years, reviving a craft that had vanished from the city in 1976. The visitor experience combines a fully guided tour of a working distillery, a complimentary tasting of award‑winning spirits, and two on‑site hospitality venues – the Bang Bang Bar and the Phoenix Café – all housed in a sleek, modern building that respects its industrial heritage.

History

The Teeling story stretches back to 1782 when Walter Teeling established a small craft distillery on Marrowbone Lane, right in the Liberties. That original site was part of a bustling cluster of distilleries that made Dublin the world’s leading whiskey capital in the 19th century. The family’s later venture, William Jameson & Co., bought the original Teeling premises before closing in 1923.

Fast‑forward to 1987: John Teeling, a descendant of Walter, bought a former industrial alcohol plant in Cooley, County Louth, and turned it into the Cooley Distillery – the first new Irish distillery of the modern era. After selling Cooley in 2011, his sons Jack and Stephen used a stock of 16 000 casks to launch the Teeling brand in 2012. In 2015 they opened the new Teeling Distillery on Newmarket Square, just a stone’s throw from their ancestor’s 1782 location. The distillery quickly earned international acclaim, winning more than 20 awards, including “Best Visit in Ireland” at the 2019 CIE Awards and “Sustainable Distillery of the Year” at the 2022 Icons of Whisky Awards. In December 2023 Bacardi Limited acquired a majority stake, ensuring the brand’s global reach while keeping its Dublin roots intact.

What to See & Do

The Guided Distillery Tour

All tours are led by Teeling Whiskey Ambassadors and run every 20 minutes from 11:00 to 18:00, seven days a week. Visitors walk through the grain‑milling area, watch the copper pot stills in action, and learn how Teeling’s innovative maturation process – including finishes in rum, wine and calvados casks – creates its distinctive 46 % ABV, non‑chill‑filtered whiskeys. The tour ends with a tasting of up to three expressions, ranging from the rum‑finished Small Batch to the single‑pot‑still aged in Muscat barrels.

Private & Premium Experiences

For groups of 15 or more, a private tour can be arranged in several languages, with the option to add a bespoke tasting menu or cocktail workshop. The Premium Tour, priced at €165 per person, offers an exclusive, small‑group experience, extended tasting, and priority access to the Bang Bang Bar.

Bang Bang Bar

Open daily, the Bang Bang Bar showcases the full Teeling portfolio, from classic single‑pot‑still releases to inventive cocktails crafted by award‑winning mixologists. It’s a lively spot to linger after the tour, especially for visitors who want to explore the versatility of Irish whiskey in mixed drinks.

Phoenix Café

The Phoenix Café operates seven days a week (08:00‑16:00 on weekdays, 10:00‑18:00 on weekends and bank holidays). It serves locally sourced artisan food, Cloud Picker coffee, and Wall & Keogh teas. The café’s large windows overlook Dublin 8, offering a relaxed setting for a light lunch or an afternoon treat before or after your distillery visit.

Event Spaces

Teeling also provides six distinct event rooms – from the barrel‑chandeliers of the Alchemy Room to the rooftop terrace with city views – available for private functions, corporate meetings, or wedding receptions. Each hire includes a complimentary distillery tour for guests.

Practical Information

Getting There

The distillery is a short walk (≈15 minutes) from St Stephen’s Green and less than a kilometre from both Christ Church and St Patrick’s Cathedrals, making it easy to combine with other Liberties attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse. Cyclists can use the Dublin Bike network, and the DoDublin Hop‑On‑Hop‑Off sightseeing bus includes a dedicated stop.

Booking

While walk‑‑in tickets are accepted, the popular standard tour often fills quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking in advance via the “Book a Tour” button on the website guarantees your preferred time slot and allows you to select a tasting option that matches your experience level.

Sustainability

Teeling positions itself as a leader in Irish‑whiskey sustainability. Initiatives include a rain‑water harvesting system, an on‑site well to reduce municipal water use, and energy‑recovery processes that channel excess heat to warm the visitor centre. The distillery is an Origin Green certified member, sourcing malted barley from Minch Malt and unmalted barley from Glanbia, both of which hold the same certification.

Awards & Accolades

Beyond the visitor‑experience awards, Teeling’s spirits have collected numerous accolades, such as Best Irish Single Malt (24‑year‑old) at the 2016 World Whiskies Awards and the 2025 Whiskey Brand of the Year at the Spirit Business Awards. These recognitions underline the quality of the products you’ll taste during your visit.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious first‑timer, Teeling Distillery offers a compact yet comprehensive immersion into Dublin’s revived whiskey heritage. From the historic narrative of the Teeling family to the modern, sustainable production methods, the experience is both educational and indulgent – a must‑see stop on any Dublin itinerary.