Irish Gin & Tonic Fest returns for second year

Fourteen Irish gin brands, one tonic producer and a raft of bars, restaurants and hotels across the island of Ireland have signed up for The Irish Gin & Tonic Fest 2017.

Organised by Great Irish Beverages and Fáilte Ireland, the festival takes place from 25 June to 1 July and sees on-trade establishments in Northern and the Republic of Ireland showcase an Irish G&T serve.

The public are asked to vote for their favourite on Twitter using the #IrishGnT hashtag, and on the Festival’s Facebook page.

Last year’s competition was won by Davy Mac’s Bar in Waterford.

Brands taking part include Bertha’s Revenge, Blackwater No. 5, Boatyard Gin, Bonac 24, Brennan’s Old House Gin, Dingle Gin, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin, Hapenny Gin, Mór Irish Gin, Old Carrick Mill, Shortcross Gin, Silver Spear Gin, Thin Gin, Von Haller’s Gin and tonic from Poacher’s Premium Beverages.

It is free for venues to join in, and all participating sits will be listed on the Great Irish Beverages website.

In addition to the G&T activity, brands will each host their own festival event. Bertha’s Revenge will host a ukulele concert and G&T dinner at its Cork distillery, Mór Irish Gin is to hold a G&T demo at IdleWild in Dublin, and Gunpower Gin will launch a Gin-Joyment Club at Tigh Nora in Galway city.

The Ireland activity will be complemented by a #LondonIrishGnT party at Southwark’s Flat Iron Square on 1 July, featuring tastings from all the gin brands.

Tickets and further details are available from the Great Irish Beverages website and social media accounts now.

Still looking for spirited events in 2017? Check our our essential dates for the diary feature and plan the rest of your year now.