Mellow moments await at Belfast Whiskey Week
Sip and savour some of the best whiskeys in the world at Belfast’s week-long celebration of uisce beatha – the water of life.
Touring Titanic Distillers, Belfast
Whiskey has been made in Ireland for more than 700 years and over the centuries the process has been developed, fine-tuned and, some say, perfected. It’s part of the character of the island and of the people. Whiskey has a place at every event, from a fireside chat to a lively night out and those who appreciate it know that it is best enjoyed slowly.
There are many opportunities to do just that at Belfast Whiskey Week (July 18–26, 2025), a celebration of whiskey heritage, craftsmanship, tradition, innovation and, of course, the exceptionally smooth taste that Irish whiskey is known for.
Ireland’s largest whiskey festival invites aficionados of the spirit to immerse themselves in the world of whiskey, savouring old favourites, discovering new ones, and gathering with like-minded people to share their passion for what George Bernard Shaw described as “liquid sunshine”.
The festival includes a range of experiences across the city in some of Belfast’s best-known and oldest pubs including the Duke of York, the John Hewitt and the Deer’s Head. There are multiple straight whiskey tasting sessions during which you can while away an evening discovering new tastes, making new friends and relaxing afterwards in a music-filled ambiance. There are also experiences that celebrate Belfast’s whiskey heritage, and fine dining events pairing small plates with a selection of whiskeys.
Echlinville Distillery, Co Down
Want to find out why you like a particular whiskey? Sign up for a Whiskey Sensorium and take part in a series of sensory experiments that will unlock your taste preferences. Fancy becoming a whizz at whiskey cocktails? Head for a masterclass with top brands such as Teeling or Dublin Liberties.
While Irish whiskey, and specifically the new range of Belfast whiskeys that have sprung up over the last decade, will feature strongly at festival events, there is also the chance to sample whiskeys from around the world including Japanese and Tasmanian brands.
But the festival is not all about spending relaxing evenings sipping excellent whiskey in heritage pubs – perfect though that is. Its walking tours offer the chance to “dander about Belfast in search of good craic and good whiskey”. The tours include food and, more importantly, entertaining stories about Belfast whiskey history and heritage.
Hinch Distillery Tours, Killaney Estate, Co. Down
And there are also opportunities to tour Belfast distilleries such as Titanic and McConnell’s, or go beyond the city to others like Copeland, Echlinville, Hinch or Killowen, to discover the passion of the makers and the secrets behind the distinct character of every blend.
Whiskey lovers will tell you that the art of drinking whiskey is to sip and savour. It’s a drink to linger over, to honour the centuries-old traditions behind every drop and the time taken to age the spirit to perfection.
Belfast Whiskey Week is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of slowing down, of relishing aromas and flavours, enjoying mellow mindfulness and discovering new places and a new community of fellow whiskey enthusiasts.