Is Teeling Whiskey Distillery Worth Visiting?
Read our guide on Teeling Distillery Tour in Dublin. Includes tips on what to expect, how to get, or when to go.
A visit to a whiskey distillery is one of the best things to do in Dublin.
After many turbulent years, you will find several great distilleries right in Ireland's capital.
On our final day, we wanted to conclude our first trip to Ireland with a visit to a local whiskey distillery.
Situated in the Golden Triangle in the Liberties district in central Dublin, Teeling Distillery seemed like an interesting choice.
We liked the idea that this was the first distillery that opened in Dublin after 125 years, and unlike the famous Jameson, which is quite popular in Czechia, we had never heard of it.
Even though a visit to Teeling Distillery is very straightforward, there are a few basic things you should know before you go.
Visiting Teeling Distillery
By the time we reached the Teeling Distillery, the rain was coming down in sheets.
Coincidentally, we couldn't choose a better time to visit a whiskey distillery.
We turned up at Teeling in the afternoon, only to find that the next available tour would start in 40 minutes.
It was a cold and rainy day, so we purchased the tickets and immediately headed to the cafe.
The coffee was good, but most importantly, hot and warmed us up a bit.
History
As we mentioned at the beginning of the post, Teeling Whiskey Distillery opened its doors to visitors in 2015. It was not a small thing.
After 125 years, it was the first whiskey distillery that opened in Dublin.
Even though you've probably heard the term Irish whiskey, even if you're not a whiskey drinker, the events of the 20th century were not kind to this business, at least in Ireland.
The story of Irish whiskey's rise, fall, and resurgence is fascinating, and the tour guide will ensure you will learn all about it.
You will also learn about the Teeling's roots, which go all the way back to 1782 when Walter Teeling set up a small distillery only a stone's throw from here.
The history of Irish whiskey and this brand was one of our favorite parts of the tour.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tickets
Even though there is a large number of tours running throughout the day, it's recommended to book the whiskey tours in advance to avoid disappointment.
Or, as in our case, to save time and money.
There were two types of tours. The regular tours had three ticket options available, and the only difference was in the tasting part.
Being no experts on whiskey, we booked the Trinity Tasting, which included blended Small Batch Whiskey, Single Grain Whiskey, and Single Malt Whiskey.
The more expensive option included Blackpitts Peated Single Malt, while the most basic tour included Teeling Small Batch Whiskey and a handcrafted seasonal whiskey cocktail. Except for that, the tours were identical.
As you can see, it's just a matter of preferences, especially as you can try all whiskeys they produce later in the bar.
You can also book a Bottle Your Own Experience tour, including a private tour, whiskey tasting, and filling your bottle from a cask.
Obviously, this tour is much more expensive than the basic options.
Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour
The meeting point was easy to find. Once our tour guide gathered us all together and officially started the tour, we immediately knew that the following 45 minutes or so would be packed with interesting information.
By the way, the guided tours are in English, but you can use a free audio guide in your preferred language, though you need to bring your own headphones.
It's allowed to take photos and videos in Teeling Distillery.
This is a working distillery, so you will get a chance to learn how the whiskey is made and also see the whole process and production.
Basically, everything that's needed to make a great Irish whiskey.
Whiskey Tasting
Much anticipated tasting concludes every whiskey tour. Even if you're a whiskey newbie like us, this was a great experience that we really enjoyed.
By the way, we were given just the right amount of whiskey samples to taste.
So you don't have to worry that you won't find an exit door on your way out.
After the tour, you can head back to the city center or to the bar on the other side of the room to continue your whiskey adventure.
Despite Teeling's increasing popularity, the whole experience was still relatively intimate, at least when compared to big brands.
It's like when you visit Ring of Kerry or Cliffs of Moher, and then you appear on Mizen Head. Plainly, we like the less known places as well.
Opening Hours
Teeling Distillery is open from 8 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Friday.
On Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays, Teeling Distillery is open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Teeling Distillery Tours usually are available daily, from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Keep in mind that opening times may change, so check the official website before you go.
The Phoenix Cafe has the same opening hours as the Teeling Distillery, while the Bang Bang Bar is open daily from 12 PM to 7:30 PM.
Entrance Fee
Teeling Distillery offers several types of tours, with prices ranging between €18 and €35.
The main difference between these basic tours is how many whiskey samples you can try at the end of the tour.
Additionally, you can book a Bottle Your Own Experience, which is quite expensive compared to regular tours.
You can book your Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour here.
Alternatively, you can purchase Dublin Pass to save money on Dublin's attractions, including Teeling Distillery.
How Much Time Do I Need
The basic tours around the Teeling Distillery last approximately 45-60 minutes, which includes time for tasting.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
When to Go
Teeling Distillery is open all year round, and there is no best time to visit the distillery. It all depends on when you want to travel.
Summer is the most tempting season to visit Ireland due to its warm and long days, especially if you're going to drive along the Wild Atlantic Way or hike in the Wicklow Mountains or Connemara.
Spring and autumn are our favorite seasons when to visit Ireland.
With a higher chance of rain, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit a whiskey distillery during this period.
The weather can be miserable during the winter in Ireland. On the other hand, it's a perfect season to visit cities and explore museums and even distilleries.
What to Pack
As Dublin's city center can be covered easily on foot, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
We visited Teeling Distillery on a rainy day, so our trusty rain jacket really came in handy.
This is one of the most essential items on every Ireland packing list, no matter what time of the year.
How to Get There
The Teeling Distillery is located about a 10-minute walk from Dublin's core.
There are several ways to get to Teeling Distillery, but without a doubt, the best way is on foot.
Foot
Teeling Distillery can be found on Newmarket Street in the Liberties district.
The distillery is about one kilometer from St Stephen's Green, less than two kilometers from Trinity College and Book of Kells, and a half kilometer from Temple Bar and Dublin Castle.
As Dublin is safe, you can easily get there on foot.
Car
The distillery has a central location, and there is no need to drive there as parking can be difficult.
While we believe renting a car in Ireland is the best way to see this island, there are better options to get around Dublin.
Either way, make sure to check our guide on driving in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Bus
The nearest bus station is Newmarket Street, about a 3-minute walk from the distillery.
Parking
There are a limited number of car pay and display parking spaces near the distillery.
Therefore, it's better to leave your car in one of the nearby designated parking lots, such as Stephen's Green Q Park.
Where to Stay
Even though the distillery is located slightly outside Dublin's central area, there are still several great hotels near Teeling for all budgets.
In case you want to learn more, read our guide on the best hotels in Dublin.
In a nutshell, the city center is compact and walkable, making it the best area to stay while in Dublin.
Here are our tips on top hotels near Teeling Distillery.
Budget | Garden Lane Backpackers - Situated only a 5-minute walk from the distillery, this modern hostel is a great choice for all budget-minded travelers. The hostel has clean rooms and facilities, a well-equipped kitchen, a terrace, and friendly staff.
Mid-range | Aloft Dublin City - Located just around the corner from the distillery, this contemporary hotel has a modern design, immaculate rooms, great food, and welcoming staff.
Luxury | The Fitzwilliam Hotel - Set about 2 kilometers from the distillery, this 5-star hotel offers luxurious accommodation in the heart of Dublin. The hotel has stylish decor, beautiful rooms, attentive staff, and easy on-site parking.
Is Teeling Distillery Worth Visiting?
Teeling Distillery Tour was engaging, educational, and the guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
If you're a whiskey fan, Teeling Whiskey Distillery's tours are a must-do and worth the money.
Truth be told, we believe that pretty much every whiskey distillery in Dublin, or even outside Ireland's capital, offers a very similar experience.
We believe that whether you visit Jameson, Roe and Co, Pearse Lyons, or Teeling, you will have a great time.
Plus you can also visit popular Tullamore and Kilbeggan on a day trip from Dublin. As you can see, there are lots of options to choose from.
All things considered, it all comes down to your Ireland itinerary and preferences.
In case you find the whiskey tours expensive, check out our guide on the best tours in Dublin for every budget and post on free things to do in Dublin.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
