Discover Ahascragh Distillery: A culinary and whiskey experience like no other

by Caoimhin Rowland

Nestled in the scenic heart of County Galway, Ahascragh Distillery invites you to embark on a journey where tradition meets innovation, and whiskey-making finds a modern twist.

Known for its dedication to quality, heritage, and sustainability, this family-owned distillery has transformed a quaint village into a vibrant destination for lovers of fine spirits, cuisine, and culture.

Whether you’re a couple seeking an intimate escape, a group of friends exploring Irish heritage, or a corporate team celebrating success, Ahascragh Distillery offers an experience as rich and complex as the whiskeys it produces.

Start your visit with a guided tour through the distillery, a labour of love by founders Gareth and Michelle McAllister.

Their commitment to craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices has made Ahascragh Ireland's first eco-distillery.

Every step of the process, from grain to glass, is imbued with a respect for the land and a passion for creating world-class spirits.

In the production rooms, you’ll witness the artistry behind their signature whiskeys, including their exceptional Clan Colla range, which is carefully distilled and matured to perfection.

Sample their Clan Colla 11-year-old finished in oloroso and peated casks or savour the unique Xin Gin, a botanical gin so finely crafted it needs no mixer to excite the palate.

But the experience doesn’t stop with whiskey. Ahascragh Distillery is also home to the Clan Colla Restaurant, a hidden gem that’s fast becoming a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Here, traditional Irish ingredients are reimagined in dishes portraying the best of local produce and culinary creativity.

Start your meal with gin-infused smoked salmon, delicately flavoured with their own Xin Gin to bring out the fresh, bright notes of the fish.

For the main course, indulge in tender pork belly, paired with a rich gratin and baked apple, a combination that brings together sweet, savoury and umami flavours with each bite.

And just when you think the evening couldn’t get any better, dessert arrives - a decadent treat featuring salted caramel made with Ahascragh’s seven-year-old Clan Colla whiskey.

This indulgent caramel, layered over creamy rice pudding, is a nostalgic nod to traditional Irish desserts, elevated with a modern twist.

It’s the perfect ending to an unforgettable meal, transporting you back to simpler times, even as you dine in a sleek, contemporary setting.

The experience at Ahascragh Distillery is as much about storytelling as it is about tasting.

The knowledgeable guides and passionate storytellers infuse each tour with tales of whiskey-making heritage and the McAllisters' vision for an eco-conscious future.

This is more than a distillery; it’s a celebration of Irish spirit, community and culture, brought to life in every bottle and every plate.

So why wait? Discover Ahascragh Distillery, where whiskey-making, fine dining and sustainable practices come together to offer a uniquely Irish experience that stays with you long after the last drop.