06-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast distillery gets ready to host its first wedding after drawing 20,000 visitors in first year
McConnell's Distillery opened in Crumlin Road Gaol last year, a process which the company said had returned whiskey distilling "to a city that was once at the heart of the global industry'.
But as well as distilling enough new make spirit for 1.6 million bottles, the business said it had also become a major tourist destination as McConnell's Distillery Brand Home, drawing 20,000 visitors in the process.
As a tourist destination, the distillery said it had combined 'immersive' whiskey tours with cultural events, gigs, creative showcases and collaborations, and was also getting ready to host its first wedding.
McConnell's Irish Whisky is exported to over 45 markets worldwide, according to chief executive John Kelly.
But he said the site's purpose had gone even further than distilling. 'This is a story about transformation, bringing new life and energy to a part of the city that holds deep historical significance — and creating something truly future-facing.
"The McConnell's Distillery is not just where we make whiskey, it's a genuinely welcoming brand home where we make connections: between the past and the future, between our city and the world.'
Gary Quate, tourism manager for food and drink at Tourism NI, added: 'It's really exciting to see Belfast reclaim its whiskey heritage in such an impactful way.
"The transformation of this historic building into a vibrant cultural and tourism destination is exactly the kind of experience today's visitors are seeking — and McConnell's is delivering that with style.
'Thanks to attractions like this, Belfast is becoming a more competitive and compelling destination. Not just for international visitors, but for people from across the island who are looking for rich, authentic experiences close to home. Congratulations to the McConnell's team on a phenomenal first year.'
