Two more Irish whiskey distilleries approved

Two more Irish whiskey distilleries have been granted planning permission in Northern Ireland this week.

Following the announcement that a £15 million distillery in Londonderry was given the green light last week, Stormont environment minister Alex Atwood has approved two further distilleries in the area.

The first is for a micro-distillery on a farm at Ballyherry House in Portaferry.

The second is for a distillery and visitors’ centre in Kircubbin that includes the conversion of a Grade B1-listed stable into a restaurant, exhibition centre, museum, tasting room and shop.

“These distilleries will provide a boost for the Ards Peninsula which will be welcomed by traders and visitors,” said Attwood. “These will provide construction jobs in the short term and attract visitors and increase tourism once completed.”

While the Old Bushmill’s Distillery is currently the only working distillery in Northern Ireland, a raft of new developments is set to bring Irish whiskey back en force to the region.

Niche Drinks, producer of St. Brendan’s Irish Cream Liqueur was granted permission to build a £15m distillery and factory complex at Campsie, Londonderry last week.

Meanwhile work is continuing to redevelop the former Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast into the city’s first operating distillery in 75 years. The £5m distillery, owned by the Belfast Distilling Company, will feature a boutique distillery, including pot stills, a restaurant and visitors’ centre.