The charming market town of Midleton, 20km east of Cork, is best known as the home of the Jameson Experience (jamesonwhiskey.com; afternoon tour adult/child €31/12), where the art of creating world-famous Jameson Irish whiskey is brought vividly to life.
The beautiful old distillery buildings were revamped for its 200-year anniversary in 2025 (Jameson is today made in a nearby modern distillery). Immersive 75-minute tours explain the process of converting barley into whiskey, leading past the old grain stores, malting floors and copper stills – including the world's largest pot still, built in 1825 – ending with a tasting session, comparing Jameson with Scotch and bourbon (tours are cheaper before noon).
You can also book extended behind-the-scenes tours, premium whiskey tastings, cask openings and cocktail-making classes, or just drop by to browse its distillery shop and whiskey vault, or dine at its cafe, the Malthouse.
