Belfast Lord Mayor Cllr Ryan Murphy was the first official visitor to the new McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience which opened its doors to the public today, after a two-year building programme. The major tourist attraction is expected to bring over 100,000 visitors annually to the north Belfast venue and will play a leading role in the continuing economic and social regeneration of the city as a whole. More than 50 full time jobs will be created on the site.
CEO of Belfast Distillery Company John Kelly is looking forward to welcoming the public to the iconic setting:
“We are thrilled to be welcoming visitors, after years of planning, building and fitting out. We are very confident that all of our guests, locals and tourists alike, will have a truly world-class experience when they come through our doors.”
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, was the first through the doors of the new attraction for a tour of the distillery.
“What a major asset for north Belfast – and another example of how our city’s tourism offering is growing and expanding in response to continued demand from visitors,” he said.
“Well done to the team at Belfast Distillery Company for taking on, and opening up, this impressive venture.
“They have used their skills and creativity to create a homegrown product which will not only create jobs at their facility, but also act as a catalyst in opening up new opportunities for the wider community, by encouraging more visitors to explore beyond our city centre.”
Visitors to McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience will enjoy an up-close and personal experience, led by their expert guide who will share the secrets of McConnell’s history and more recent successes. Guests will have the opportunity to observe the process of making triple-distilled, single malt Irish whiskey, and of course, sampling some of the brand’s award-winning whiskies along the way.
The tour, which costs £25 for an adult ticket, will include a welcome drink, McConnell’s 5 Year, McConnell’s Sherry Cask and some ‘new make’ liquid, straight off the stills.
Tickets for the Distillery are available at www.mcconnellsirishwhisky.com.