Old Bushmills Distillery

Old Bushmills Distillery showing signage
Old Bushmills Distillery
Old Bushmills Distillery
Old Bushmills Distillery
Old Bushmills Distillery


A visit to Northern Ireland would not be complete without sampling some of the Irish whisky produced in the country. Old Bushmills Distillery takes you back through time and lets you see first-hand how this well-known whisky is hand-crafted and produced in small batches.

The Bushmills Distillery began life more than 400 years ago and the company still uses its original trademark today. Its malt whiskey grew in popularity over the years and won many international awards in the Victorian era. The whiskey certainly made an impression on some, receiving a mention in James Joyce’s Ulysses, and it has continued to grow in popularity, particularly in the US, winning awards and being beloved by many a celebrity.

The Bushmills tour starts in the mixing room where the malted barley gets mixed with water from the River Bush, then it is onto the fermentation hall where yeast is added to produce alcohol. In the distillery you can see the unique copper stills, which give Bushmills its distinctive taste and character and then onto the cask room piled high with maturing whiskey. You then visit the blending lounge where a highly experienced team create the different Bushmills’ recipes and then, finally, the bottling plant.

There is a chance to taste the whiskies and learn about the different blends and if you like it that much you can buy a bottle of Distillery Reserve 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whiskey from the mill’s gift shop.

Old Bushmills Distillery Travel Guide Video

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Things to do near Old Bushmills Distillery

Visitors to Old Bushmills Distillery can enjoy a variety of activities, including a scenic coastal getaway and an informative Bushmills tour. Additionally, the area offers opportunities for golfing and ferry rides, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Explore the rich history of whiskey production while soaking in the stunning surroundings of Northern Ireland.

Shopping

At Old Bushmills Distillery, enjoy shopping at Causeway Speciality Market, 5.0km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Castlecroft Square, located 5.6km away, combines family-friendly vibes with local businesses. If you're up for a drive, visit Fairhill Shopping Centre, 15.5km away, with its bustling city feel.

Recreation

Enjoy a round at Royal Portrush Golf Club, just 2.5km from Old Bushmills Distillery, where stunning coastal views meet challenging fairways. Alternatively, Gracehill Golf Club, located 4.3km away, offers a serene setting for golf enthusiasts amidst picturesque landscapes.

Adventure

Experience thrills at Waterworld, a vibrant waterpark located 3.1km from Old Bushmills Distillery, offering fun for all ages. For a more tranquil adventure, visit Moorbrook trout fishery, situated 7.5km away, perfect for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Nightlife

A night in Bushmills offers a charming atmosphere with a visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery for a whisky tasting, followed by lively music and good company at the nearby Bushmills Inn. For a traditional pub experience, the Bushmills Bar is perfect for enjoying local brews and banter.

Find the best attractions near Old Bushmills Distillery

Visitors to Old Bushmills Distillery can enjoy a variety of attractions, including nearby beaches and striking rock formations. The area offers a blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, perfect for those looking to explore the rich heritage of Bushmills. Don't miss the distillery itself, where you can learn about whisky production, and take advantage of the local landmarks and attractions that showcase the charm of this historic village.

  • Giant's Causeway: Marvel at this natural wonder, featuring unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers stunning scenery and outdoor exploration just 1.9km from the distillery.
  • Dunluce Castle: Explore the romantic ruins of this 17th-century castle perched on dramatic cliffs. With breathtaking views and rich history, it’s an enchanting spot located 1.2km from Old Bushmills, perfect for culture enthusiasts.
  • Causeway Coast: Discover the picturesque villages and stunning coastal landscapes along this historic route. With its charming culture and scenic beauty, the Causeway Coast, located 1.9km away, is a delightful area to experience local life.

Best time to go to Old Bushmills Distillery

The best time to visit Old Bushmills Distillery can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Old Bushmills Distillery falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Old Bushmills Distillery falls in January and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Bushmills Distillery

To save money on your visit to Old Bushmills Distillery, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and November when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation at least a month in advance, or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can lead to further savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Old Bushmills Distillery are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Old Bushmills Distillery is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Old Bushmills Distillery is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Old Bushmills Distillery is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organise your search results by price, displaying the lowest rates first, so you can easily find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at the Old Bushmills Distillery with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.