Take a tour of Lough Mask Distillery

FOLLOWING on from the success of their Loch Measc Gin tasting at the Westport Food Festival, Lough Mask Distillery is delighted to invite you to come and take a tour of Ireland's newest craft whiskey and gin distillery.

Lough Mask Distillery is offering tours every day. Visitors will be able to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of a working craft distillery in one of the most beautiful and wild parts of the country.

Co-founder Eoin Holmes, from Westport, says: “When we were searching for a home for our distillery we were inspired by the wild and rugged beauty of the landscape, the purity and abundance of the Lough Mask waters, the rich culture, history, and the sense of community in the area. We knew we had to set up our distillery near Tourmakeady, in Killateeaun (Coill an tSiain, Fairy Wood).

“We craft tiny batches of wonderfully rich spirit, by hand, in our beautiful copper pot stills. These stills were specially made for us by traditional coppersmiths based on the ancient Alembic Pot Still design.

“When you look at our stills you can see every careful hammer blow. In keeping with our micro-distillery ethos, we have up-cycled, recycled and adapted much of our equipment, sourced from various small breweries, distilleries and even dairy farms.”

Situated in the Tourmakeady Gaeltacht, the distillery currently produces Loch Measc Gin (described by the Westport Food Festival as 'glorious'), Loch Measc Vodca, and is laying down casks of Loch Measc Irish Whiskey.

On the tour, visitors will be told about the history of distilling, of Irish whiskey, of gin and of vodka. The distilling process will be explained and demonstrated. You will be introduced to the ingredients and botanicals used in their various spirits and you will have an opportunity to smell and taste them.

“We're located in one of the most beautiful, yet undiscovered, parts of Mayo. Our distillery is nestled in the foothills of the Partry Mountains, overlooking Lough Mask. From our distillery the views of Maamtrasna, the Dirk Mountains and the island-strewn Lough Mask are stunning. The journey out here is a treat in itself. A tour of our distillery is just the icing on the cake!”

Tours take place every day. Booking is advisable. Check the website - www.loughmaskdistillery.com - or call (094) 9544701 for availability and to book a visit.