Our Story - Ahascragh Distillery

AHASCRAGH Distillery

DISTILLERY

Ahascragh Distillery will be a state-of-the-art distillery and visitor experience in the West of Ireland.

The old Ahascragh mill dates back to the early 1800s and up until the 1950s processed grain into flour. Located in the heart of the village and steeped in history, the mill complex has remained derelict for the past 70 years. We are giving the building a new lease of life with plans for a world class experience and hospitality destination inside a working craft distillery in the village of Ahascragh, County Galway.

The eco-distillery will be powered by renewable energy, using new innovative technology. We have a passion and drive to produce some of the first carbon neutral whiskey and gin in Ireland.

VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Through tours, tastings and workshops, the visitor centre will offer an intimate and unique experience. A permanent exhibition of the salvaged mill equipment will celebrate the history of the buildings while also exploring Irish whiskey making and the future of the Ahascragh spirit. There will be something for everyone.

Located in the heart of the village, The Old Mill Shop & Café is a key part of our story. Now open, the shop and café invites locals and visitors to enjoy good food and good company. Our bespoke pieces of furniture, using salvaged equipment from the mill, are pride of place in the café and shop.

PROGRESS

Play

On 15 December 2022, our three Copper Pot Stills and condensers made their way from Forsyths in Scotland to Ahascragh.

With local warehousing secured, the pot-stills in place, we are on track for commissioning and distilling early 2023. We will open our doors to the public this Summer.

Our large curtain wall was the first project for our stonemasons when construction began in 2021. Our copper pot stills sit here, behind large glass panes, overlooking the village for generations to come.

The mill complex is made up of four main buildings including the Brew House, Still House, Administration Buildings and Events Building. The mill stream runs through the heart of the complex. A glass bridge connects the Brew and Still House with a perfect view of the stream and the restored mill wheel.

Our team of local stone masons have spent the last 10 months reconstructing and replicating the old mill walls, using mostly original stone. This has been a steady and intricate process with inspiring results.

Thanks to the craft of our team, it's sometimes hard to tell what's new and what's original stonework.

When we began this journey, the Admin Building had deteriorated to just one storey tall and was overgrown with trees and ivy. Now, the building stands three floors tall with much of the old stonework remaining.

The Old Mill Shop & Café is part of the Ahascragh Distillery. Our visitors will start and end their tour here where they can browse our brands and enjoy good food. The shop and café is now open and welcoming locals and visitors to the village.

GARETH & MICHELLE MCALLISTER

Having lived and worked in countries across the world, we returned to Ireland with the dream of turning our passion for craft Irish spirits into a family business. When we visited the old mill in Ahascragh, County Galway, we fell in love with its story: the beautiful stonework, the history of the buildings and the character of the small village drew us in.

Located in the heart of the countryside, the natural resources and cool climate makes for ideal whiskey-making conditions. We’re dedicated to distilling quality Irish spirits with honesty, creativity and flair.

STAY IN TOUCH

We would like to hear any comments or questions you may have regarding our plans to convert the old mill buildings in Ahascragh into a craft distillery.

AHASCRAGH Distillery

DISTILLERY

VISITOR EXPERIENCE

PROGRESS

PROGRESS

GARETH & MICHELLE MCALLISTER

STAY IN TOUCH

SITEMAP

Company

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Welcome to our site. You must be of legal drinking age to gain access to ahascraghdistillery.com