Walsh Whiskey Distillery at the Royal Oak – County Carlow
After many years of searching, Royal Oak was to be the home of Bernard and Rosemary Walsh as well as being the site that would fulfill their dream of building their very own Distillery.
The Walsh Whiskey Distillery at Royal Oak in County Carlow is dedicated to the production of premium handcrafted Irish whiskeys. Located in Ireland’s Ancient East region, it is one of the largest independent whiskey distilleries in the country and the first to be developed in Carlow in over 200 years.
Opened in June 2016, the distillery is the key element in a €25 million investment which positions Walsh Whiskey Distillery as one of the leading craft Irish whiskey producers in this, Irish whiskey’s second golden age.
The company produces Walsh Whiskey’s critically acclaimed, award winning, super-premium Irish whiskey brands – The Irishman and Writers Tears. The distillery is very rare for being manually-controlled and producing all three styles of Irish whiskey in one still house, namely – pot still, malt and grain.
Royal Oak Estate & Village
Set deep in the heart of barley-growing country, framed by two, hundred year old mighty oaks on the banks of the river Barrow in Ireland’s Ancient East, Royal Oak is the perfect place for creating exceptional quality whiskeys.
The estate’s pastoral lands are in pristine condition, Holloden House, Royal Oak’s historic Georgian mansion dating back to 1755, has been carefully renovated. Brick by brick, they lovingly restored the 18th century residence seen as their spiritual home. All around Holloden’s walls, once beautiful gardens are slowly re-emerging from the undergrowth, full of old and rare species. At the same time, their shimmering distillery, has been built to the highest standards to ensure they can produce the authentic Irish whiskeys of they always dreamed of, where manual operations reign supreme over machine so that innovative small batches can be crafted to perfection.
Royal Oak is the name of their local village, buzzing with local farmers, craftsmen and friendly neighbours who are at the heart of their community. As new life is breathed into the estate, they hope everyone benefits from the jobs that are created, the barley that is grown and the many visitors who will come over the years ahead.
The Walsh Whiskey Distillery in the majestic setting of Royal Oak reflects their passion for the attention to detail that they believe makes a difference and whilst realising their family’s dream to create a legacy of whiskey excellence. A visit is a must. Check out what our team thought on their visit.