Top o’ the evenin’ to ya! It’s approaching happy hour. That means you might be considering a sip of whiskey. If you’re researching vacations to Ireland, or considering one any time soon, Irish whiskey, with its long, interesting history, will be waiting for you. We aren’t attached to which of the popular Irish drinks.

you might choose to have a happy hour with. However, if you choose to imbibe with Irish whiskey, we do want to share a bit o’ the facts.

  1. Whiskey was founded by Irish Monks, who had both the time, education, and safe locations to perfect distillation. (So they say: There’s no Irish whiskey history set in stone.)
  2. Irish whiskey doesn’t toast it’s barley, making it smoother.
  3. Irish whiskey uses a method called pot still where heat is applied directly to the pot. It is distilled three times.
  4. According to the Irish Whiskey Act of 1980, Irish whiskey must be aged and distilled in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
  5. Only four Irish Whiskey distilleries still exist in Ireland today. They are Bushmills, New Midleton and Cooley. The fourth, Kilbeggan, opened in 2007, is just now beginning to release its Irish whiskey to the public.
  6. Two of the Irish whiskey distilleries are run by a French company, Pernod Richard.
  7. Cooley distillery is the only Irish whiskey maker, er, Irish whiskey distillery independently owned by an Irish man, John Teeling.
  8. Irish whiskey was one of the earliest distilled drinks in Europe. It was very popular with the British, actually. Irish whiskey might have only survived thanks to the high British demand.
  9. A Blend means the Irish whiskey comes from two or more distillates, er, separate batches of whiskey. In Irish whiskey talk, single malt, etc. isn’t defined as it is with Scotch whiskey.
  10. Since we at Tenon Tours prefer a sweet ending: Bailey’s, an Irish liqueur, is a blend of Irish whiskey, coffee and cream. Yum!

Now, as you enjoy a little happy hour time during your tour of Ireland, you will be fully prepared to spin a yarn of the Irish whiskey facts. Go you!

Background Image

How We Travel

Learn More
  • Self Drive tour in Europe
    Self Drive

    Hit the road your way: itinerary, car, accommodations, sights, and tours. But let us do all the heavy lifting.

  • Chauffeur 1
    Chauffeur

    The freedom of your own private car, the luxury of your own personal guide. And the very best hidden secrets.

  • Train going over bridge next to waterfall
    Rail

    Convenient, comfortable, oozing with charm. With a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

  • Young people overlooking scenic area in Europe
    Private Group

    The trip of a lifetime, personalized just for your group of friends, family, or organization down to every last detail.

  • Honeymoon coupe drinking wine by ocean
    Honeymoon

    Every tour is different, perfectly matched for every couple. Crafted by a team who is as excited about your honeymoon as you are.

  • funny mural of school children in uniforms
    Scheduled Tour

    For travelers who prefer to join a small group tour, we offer scheduled tours.

Family Travel

The B&B Experience: A Stay in Ireland's Grey Gables Farmhouse

A stay in one of Ireland’s many bed & breakfasts offers not only an affordable accommodation option, but also a truly authentic experience with the host and other guests, one-of-a-kind rooms and gorgeous views of the Irish countryside. It’s a stay you’ll remember forever, one that connects you to the heart and soul of Ireland—its people! Karen O’Connor of B&B Ireland details one of County Cork’s most beloved farmhouse stays.

Food & Drink

Our Favorite Restaurants in Paris

The city’s gastronomy deserves its own seat at the table (wink) of Paris’s greatest hits. There’s something special here for everyone, from the casual grab-and-goer to those searching for white tablecloths and exemplary service. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Parisian restaurants to fall in love with (or in!).

 

Romance

Team Spotlight: This Is Venezia

Follow in the steps of Jane, our Product Operations Coordinator, as she falls in love with the bright, enchanting streets of Venice.

By-Your-Side

By-Your-Side Service℠

Our personal concierge service and mobile app

Europe Experts

Custom Europe Experts

Experts in planning truly customized trips

Without Compromise

Value without Compromise

High-touch inclusions and customized experiences

Consistency with Individuality

Consistency with Individuality

You’ll always be met with the highest standards

Let's Get Social

@tenontours