Official opening of island distillery

IRELAND’S first ever island based distillery will be officially opened this afternoon (Friday).

The new Irish American Whiskey Distillery and visitor centre, Drioglann Acla (Achill Distillery), hope to create up to 25 jobs on Achill Island.

Minister Michael Ring will on hand this afternoon, at 3 p.m., to officially open the distillery.

Speaking ahead of his visit, he commented: “This new distillery and visitor centre will create jobs in Achill and help to increase awareness of what is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Achill has made real progress in recent years and it’s great to see investors choosing to locate here and base their brands around Achill.

“The company hopes to create up to 25 jobs at this facility in the coming years when it is fully operational, which would be a huge boost to the area.

“I would like to commend Údarás na Gaeltachta on the support they have given to this wonderful project and to other projects which are vital to the survival of rural communities.”

He continued: “Drioglann Acla, or Achill Island Distillery, is the first distillery to be completed on an Irish island and let me congratulate all involved on the fantastic work that has been done on the facility to date. This will allow Irish American Whiskey to take another significant step in their development following its establishment just five years ago.

“The distillery will craft premium Pot Still and Single Malt Irish Whiskey here on the shores of the Wild Atlantic Way to support the growing markets that they have already built up. The company is currently exporting to 11 states in the US, which is fantastic success for a small company in a very competitive market place. I wish them the very best.”