Awards
15 February 2026 · Michael McKay
Ireland's First Island Distillery
Welcome to
Achill Island
Distillery
Long Fermentation · Triple Distillation · Island Maturation
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Est. 2019
Achill Island, Co Mayo
Our Story
A Family Dream,
An Island Legacy
Achill Island Distillery is Ireland's first island distillery, proudly crafting premium Single Malt and Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, alongside Gin, Vodka, Rum and Poitín.
Founded in 2019 by the late John McKay and his close friend John Burbage, the distillery was built on a vision to create world-class Irish whiskey on Achill Island. Following John's sad passing in 2020, his sons Michael and Seán continued the journey, determined to build on the strong foundations he laid.
Today, Achill Island Distillery is a dedicated team effort — combining family roots with a shared commitment to excellence. Our distiller Ken Quinn, alongside his sons Kenneth and Ben, forms the heart of the production team, supported by Paul McKay, Head of Sales, and Matthew Whoriskey, Distiller.
What began as one man's vision has grown into a fully operational distillery producing thousands of casks annually, with Achill Island whiskey now reaching the global stage across the USA, Europe, Ukraine, Australia and International Duty Free.
2019
Founded
1st
Island Distillery in Ireland
4+
International Awards
Our Craft
Uncompromising Quality,
Every Single Time
Our commitment is simple: to produce exceptional spirit, releasing nothing until it meets our exacting standards. With a focus on long fermentation and the benefits of our unique island maturation climate, we craft whiskeys of remarkable depth, balance and character.
01
Long Fermentation
5–7 Day Cycles
Reflecting the slower pace of island life, we run our 7 fermenters on extended cycles — seven days in winter and five days in summer. This patient approach enhances flavour development and complexity, forming the foundation of our award-winning range.
02
Triple Distillation
Copper Pot Stills
Every drop of Achill Island whiskey is triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills. This meticulous process refines the spirit, removing impurities and concentrating the finest flavours to create a whiskey of exceptional purity and character.
03
Island Maturation
Wild Atlantic Climate
Shaped by the Wild Atlantic, our casks mature in an environment defined by sea air, Atlantic winds and moderate year-round temperatures. This distinctive island microclimate creates ideal conditions for the slow, steady maturation of premium Irish whiskey.
Island Aged Whiskey
“A character that is unmistakably Achill.”
Shaped by the Wild Atlantic, our casks mature in an environment defined by sea air, Atlantic winds and moderate year-round temperatures — creating ideal conditions for the slow, steady maturation of premium Irish whiskey.
Our Range
Crafted on the
Wild Atlantic
Whiskey
Achill Island Peated Single Malt
Cask Strength
60% ABVDiscover
Whiskey
Achill Island Single Malt
Bordeaux Cask Finish
44% ABVDiscover
Whiskey
Achill Island Single Malt
Bourbon Cask Finish
44% ABVDiscover
Whiskey
Achill Island Single Pot Still
Ireland's First Island Pot Still
47% ABVDiscover
Limited
Special Edition
Achill Island 2024 Special Edition
Port & Bourbon Cask
47% ABVDiscover
Limited
Special Edition
P.X. Special Edition
Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
44% ABVDiscover
Limited
Special Edition
Applewood Rye Single Cask
Celtic Whiskey Shop Exclusive
46% ABVDiscover
Rum
Achill Island Rum
2 Islands, 1 Rum
40% ABVDiscover
Gin
Keem Bay Gin
Copper Pot Still Island Gin
40% ABVDiscover
Vodka
Achill Island Vodka
Premium Island Vodka
40% ABVDiscover
Poitín
The Bodán
Achill Island Poitín
60% ABVDiscover
Limited
Special Edition
Founder's Reserve Cask Strength
19 Year Rum Cask
54% ABVDiscover
Recognition
Award Winning Irish Whiskey
Internationally recognised for producing Premium Irish Whiskey
2025
Silver Medal
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Single Malt Bordeaux Cask Finish
2025
Silver Medal
International Wine & Spirits Competition
Peated Single Malt Cask Strength
2025
Silver Medal
International Wine & Spirits Competition
Single Malt Bourbon Cask Finish
2025
Best Peated Irish Whiskey
Irish Whiskey Awards
Peated Single Malt Cask Strength
2026
Award Winner
World Whiskies Awards
Achill Island Distillery
Visit Us
From Grain
to Glass
Open year-round, Achill Island Distillery offers visitors an immersive journey from grain to glass. Our expert guided experience showcases the full production process, giving guests a detailed insight into how our spirits are crafted.
The tour concludes at the Barley Field Bar, where our team is on hand to share the story behind the distillery.
Open Year-Round
Expert Guided
Barley Field Bar
Gift Shop