Dublin Weekend Break

Old Jameson Distillery

Old Jameson Distillery is an alternative, or even an addition, to a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, only in this instance the alcohol is whiskey and the visitor experience is completely different.

A brief history of John Jameson & Son

John Jameson & Son was founded in 1780 and over the next forty years established itself as Ireland’s second largest supplier of whiskey.

In the early days of the company John Jameson was almost pioneering in his methods of distilling and the lengths to which he went to in order to ensure the quality of the barley used in his liquor. Every aspect of Jameson’s whiskey was painstakingly scrutinized and improved upon until the superior product marketed today was perfected.

By the early nineteenth century the Jameson name was world famous in whiskey circles and its popularity in the USA was unrivaled. Most of the world’s whiskey came from Ireland (not Scotland) and the future looked rosy. But then disaster struck with prohibition in the USA and tariffs in both Britain and the Common Wealth.

The John Jameson name nearly disappeared, but managed to survive until the nineteen sixties at which point they merged with Ireland’s other remaining whiskey producers to become the Irish Distillers.

Since then, John Jameson’s fortunes have been on the up and the Old Jameson Distillery tour takes you through the history of the company and its premium quality whiskey. Visitors get plenty of information, enjoy some museum style elements along with flashy flat screen TV presentations, all followed by a complementary drink of the end product.

Tourist tips

This is a genuine tour rather than the simulation of the Guinness Storehouse experience. Both are good, but Jameson’s is the real thing and less outwardly touristy.

Tours run every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm and tickets can be purchased on site or admittance can by via a Dublin tourist pass.