Ireland’s Largest Whiskey Festival Unveils Three New City Wide Experiences

Martin Giles, owner of Daisies Belfast; Michael Stewart, Belfast Night Czar; Paul Kane, founder and festival director of Belfast Whiskey Week; and mixologist Emily Doherty with Liquid Mind founder Jack Weir

Belfast will once again take centre stage in the global whiskey world as Belfast Whiskey Week returns for its eighth and most ambitious edition from 24 July to 1 August 2026. The nine‑day festival will transform the city into a celebration of whiskey, food, cocktails and culture — offering visitors an immersive way to experience one of Europe’s most exciting city destinations.

What began as a grassroots gathering has grown into one of Ireland’s leading whiskey and cultural festivals, drawing visitors, distilleries and hospitality talent from across the UK, Ireland and further afield. This year’s expanded programme showcases not only Belfast’s rich whiskey heritage but also its thriving nightlife, creative energy and fast‑rising food and drink scene. Visitors can explore a wide range of venues during the festival, from historic Victorian bars like The Duke of York to modern cocktail hotspots such as Angel & 2 Bibles.

A city‑wide celebration of whiskey culture

The 2026 festival will feature an extensive programme of tastings, masterclasses, distillery showcases, whiskey walks and the flagship Whiskey Expo, alongside three new strands designed to bring the festival into every corner of the city:

• Belfast Fringe Fest — a city‑wide series of unexpected whiskey experiences, live entertainment, collaborations and pop‑ups in venues across Belfast.
• Belfast Cocktail City — celebrating Belfast’s booming cocktail culture with innovative serves, guest bartenders and whiskey‑led creations from some of the city’s top bars.
• Belfast Food Fest — pairing world‑class whiskey with Belfast’s acclaimed food scene through chef collaborations, tasting menus and immersive dining experiences

Belfast City Centre Skyline

A rising destination for whiskey lovers

Since its launch in 2019, Belfast Whiskey Week has welcomed thousands of visitors to its programme of tastings, tours and cultural events, helping cement Belfast’s reputation as a must‑visit destination for whiskey enthusiasts. The city’s whiskey story continues to grow, with new distilleries, bars and experiences adding to its appeal.

Festival Director Paul Kane says the 2026 expansion reflects the festival’s growing international profile:

“What started as a passion project for Belfast’s whiskey community has grown into something far bigger. For our eighth year, we wanted to create a festival that celebrates the entire city — its people, its venues, its creativity and its incredible hospitality. Belfast Whiskey Week is no longer just a whiskey festival; it’s a celebration of Belfast.

Martin Giles, Michael Stewart, Paul Kane, Emily Doherty and Jack Weir

Belfast’s Night Czar Michael Stewart highlights the festival’s role in showcasing the city’s cultural energy:

“Belfast Whiskey Week has become one of the defining events in the city’s cultural calendar. Its growth reflects the confidence and creativity of Belfast’s nightlife and hospitality scene. The addition of food, cocktail and fringe programming creates an even broader platform to showcase what Belfast does best.”

Tickets start at £15. For further details visit www.belfastwhiskeyweek.com.