KNOCKEENS DISTILLERY FIELD GUIDE
Award‑Winning Tales and Tasting at Skellig Six18 Distillery, Knockeens
A fully guided, award‑winning tour led by a local storyteller that walks visitors through gin and whiskey distillation, botanicals and tasting in a working distillery.
Award‑Winning Tales and Tasting at Skellig Six18 Distillery, Knockeens.
Adventure brief
Award‑Winning Tales and Tasting at Skellig Six18 Distillery, Knockeens
At Skellig Six18 in Knockeens you join an award‑winning guided tour led by a local storyteller that mixes history, Celtic myth and hands‑on sensory moments inside a working gin distillery; the visit also explains whiskey maturation and the distillery’s ongoing expansion.
On the rugged southwestern coast of Ireland in County Kerry, the Skellig Six18 distillery offers an immersive journey into the craft of gin and whiskey production, wrapped in Celtic folklore and local lore. Located just off Valentia Road in Knockeens, this distillery stands out amid the dramatic coastal landscapes that define the region, with views that hint at the nearby Skellig Islands, whose wild Atlantic presence shapes the spirit of this place.
Good Food Ireland’s Skellig Six18 Gin & Whiskey Tasting is more than a simple tasting—it's an engaging sensory experience led by a skilled local storyteller. For about 45-55 minutes, visitors move through the working distillery discovering the nuances of distillation, whiskey maturation, and the botanical artistry behind their signature gin. The tour emphasizes hands-on activities and an audiovisual presentation that links the spirits to the region’s Celtic myths and natural heritage.
What truly sets Skellig Six18 apart is its deep connection to place and personality. The gin is crafted from botanicals foraged locally, blending coastal herbs and wild flavors, while the whiskey’s aging reflects the maritime climate. Collaborations with a Michelin Star chef have refined the recipes, elevating these spirits to award-winning status. Visitors over 18 sample small batches of both gin and whiskey, while younger guests receive soft drinks, making this a family-friendly introduction to Kerry’s rich cultural landscape.
The distillery also embraces sustainability, moving toward carbon-neutral production methods. After the tasting, visitors can browse a curated gift shop with exclusive editions unavailable elsewhere, cementing Skellig Six18 as a must-visit for those drawn to authentic Irish craftsmanship amidst one of the country’s most storied coastal regions.
Route Schematic
Itinerary at a glance
A compact sequence of AV introduction, distillation and botanical exploration, tasting, and a look at the distillery’s development.
Welcome & Immersive AV
An immersive AV experience and introduction by a local storyteller, covering the distillery’s history and Celtic myths.
Distillation Fundamentals & Apothecary Corner
Guided explanation of gin and whiskey distillation fundamentals and a hands‑on look at the botanicals used in Skellig Six18 Gin in the Apothecary Corner.
Whiskey Maturation, Blending & Tasting
A session on whiskey maturation, finishing and blending followed by guided tastings of the distillery’s gin and whiskey.
Distillery Development & Collaborations
Insight into the distillery’s evolution, including the installation of a new carbon‑neutral whiskey plant and the collaboration with a Michelin Star Chef.
No child under 8 years old is permitted to join the tour.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Local storyteller, history and Celtic myths
The tour is led by a local storyteller who weaves the distillery’s history and Celtic myths into an award‑winning visit that includes laughs and hands‑on sensory experiences in a working gin facility.
Gin, whiskey and the Apothecary Corner
Visitors are guided through the fundamentals of gin and whiskey distillation, learn about maturation, finishing and blending, and discover the botanicals used in Skellig Six18 Gin in the Apothecary Corner.
A distillery evolving with new, carbon‑neutral plant
The distillery is evolving and expanding, offering insight into the installation of a new carbon‑neutral whiskey distillery plant and the collaboration with a Michelin Star chef on the final gin recipe.
What the day feels like
What the visit feels like
The visit is an immersive, fully guided experience that blends storytelling and sensory engagement: an AV welcome followed by hands‑on botanical exploration, explained distillation and maturation demonstrations, and guided tastings of the house gin and whiskey.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience is best suited for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Meeting point: Valencia Road, Cahirciveen, Co Kerry, V23YD89. Typical advertised duration of the guided tour is 45–55 minutes.
No specific gear requirements are provided by the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What does the Skellig Six18 Gin & Whiskey Tasting Experience include?
The experience includes a guided tasting of Skellig Six18’s handcrafted gin and whiskey, an insight into the distillation process, and the chance to learn about the unique local botanicals and aging techniques that make these spirits special.
How long does the tasting experience last?
The full experience typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, giving guests ample time to enjoy the tastings and learn about the craft behind each spirit.
Can I buy the gin and whiskey on-site?
Yes! Visitors can purchase bottles of Skellig Six18 Gin and Whiskey directly from the distillery shop, along with exclusive limited editions that may not be available elsewhere.
Is the experience suitable for non-drinkers or designated drivers?
Absolutely! While the focus is on gin and whiskey tasting, non-alcoholic alternatives can be provided, and designated drivers will still enjoy the fascinating insights into distillation and the heritage of the Skellig Coast.
What makes Skellig Six18’s spirits unique?
Skellig Six18 Gin is crafted with locally foraged botanicals, creating a fresh and aromatic flavor, while the whiskey is influenced by the Atlantic climate, giving it a distinctive character shaped by its surroundings.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-07T20:57:45.900Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.