Two Days, Three Distilleries: The Northern Ireland Whiskey Trail from Dublin

BELFAST GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Two Days, Three Distilleries: The Northern Ireland Whiskey Trail from Dublin

A private, two-day guided circuit from Dublin visiting three working distilleries—including Old Bushmills—and the Giant’s Causeway, with tastings, ferry options and a five-star Belfast overnight.

Two Days, Three Distilleries: The Northern Ireland Whiskey Trail from Dublin.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Belfast
Operator
Whiskey Island
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark on a two-day whiskey trail from Dublin into Northern Ireland, visiting three working distilleries — including the historic Old Bushmills — with intimate tastings, coastal driving along the Causeway Coast, and an overnight in Belfast that pairs local craft with comfortable luxury.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SITES

Giants Causeway and the Causeway Coast

The tour follows the famous Causeway Coastal Route and includes time at the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, where the dramatic basalt columns and coastal setting are a focal point of Day 2.

THE ICON

Old Bushmills Distillery

Visit the oldest licensed distillery in the world with a guided tour through the distillery buildings and a tasting in the Distillers Room featuring distillery‑exclusive Single Malts including 16- and 21-year expressions.

THE CRAFT

Small‑Batch Distilleries of County Down

Day 1 focuses on intimate ‘meet the maker’ experiences at small producers such as Killowen (or Hinch) and a second County Down distillery — options include Rademon, Echlinville or Copeland — with tasting sessions and behind‑the‑scenes access.

What the day feels like

What the two days feel like

You depart Dublin by road and cross into Northern Ireland for a day of small‑batch distillery visits, meet‑the‑maker tastings and scenic county driving before an evening in a five‑star Belfast hotel; Day 2 travels the Causeway Coast with stops at Ballymena and the Giant’s Causeway, culminates in a tour and tasting at Old Bushmills, and returns you to Dublin.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this private whiskey trail suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Whiskey enthusiastsIdeal for those seeking behind‑the‑scenes distillery access and guided tastings, including a tour and exclusive tastings at Old Bushmills.
2
Private groupsDesigned as a private tour for your party only, accommodating between 1 and 10 guests with pricing that decreases per person as group size increases.
3
Solo travelersSolo travelers are welcome—the tour operates for groups from 1 guest upwards and offers private transportation and a single‑room supplement option.
4
Travelers with minorsNot suitable for minors: the tour is restricted to participants over 18 years of age.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Operates Monday–Friday throughout the year.

Group size & age

Private tour for your party only. Minimum 1, maximum 10 guests; participants must be over 18.

Accommodation & meals

Includes one night’s stay in a five‑star Belfast hotel and a full Irish breakfast on Day 2.

Transport & logistics

Executive transportation with an experienced driver/guide is included, with hotel pickup in Dublin and a return to Dublin at the end of Day 2 (approx. 2.5‑hour drive from Bushmills). Ferry crossing from Strangford to Portaferry is included if Echlinville is on the itinerary.

Visits & tastings

Package includes visits and whiskey tastings at two working County Down distilleries on Day 1 (selected from Killowen, Rademon, Echlinville, Hinch or Copeland) and a tour and tasting at Old Bushmills on Day 2.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

This is a two‑day tour.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour departs from and returns to Dublin city; hotel pickup in Dublin is included.

How many distilleries will we visit?

The itinerary visits three working distilleries overall: two County Down distilleries on Day 1 (selected at booking) and Old Bushmills on Day 2.

What are the group size limits and age restrictions?

The tour is private for your party only with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10 guests; all participants must be over 18.

Is accommodation included?

Yes — one night in a five‑star Belfast hotel and a full Irish breakfast on Day 2 are included.

Are tastings included?

Yes — tastings are included at the distilleries visited, including a Distillers Room tasting at Old Bushmills.

Does the itinerary ever change?

Yes — specific distillery visits are subject to availability and the operator will select and, if necessary, substitute distilleries at the time of booking.