Belfast’s whiskey revival continues to gain momentum as McConnell’s Distillery marks its second birthday with a major milestone — welcoming its 40,000th visitor.
Located within the historic Crumlin Road Gaol, the distillery has quickly become one of the city’s standout visitor attractions, blending heritage, innovation and world-class whiskey production in a unique setting.
A Historic Revival in North Belfast
Since opening its doors in April 2024, McConnell’s has transformed the former A-wing of the Gaol into a modern distillery and immersive visitor experience. The redevelopment has already received design and architecture awards, helping to position the venue as a must-visit destination in Belfast.
Beyond its striking setting, the distillery is playing a key role in re-establishing Belfast as a major name in Irish whisky. Its products have earned over 50 international whisky awards in the past five years, gaining recognition across global markets.
A Landmark Year for a Belfast Brand
The anniversary celebrations come during a landmark year for the brand. In 2026, McConnell’s Irish Whisky marks 250 years since its original founding in Belfast in 1776, before its revival in 2020.
Today, the brand is available in more than 40 markets worldwide — a significant achievement that highlights both its heritage and its growing international appeal.
Boosting Tourism and Culture in Belfast
McConnell’s Distillery has also made a strong impact on Belfast’s tourism and cultural landscape. By attracting visitors to North Belfast, it is helping to expand the city’s tourism footprint beyond the traditional city centre.
The venue has become an active participant in key events including Belfast Cocktail Week, Culture Night Belfast, and Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, further embedding itself within the local community.
Collaborations with Belfast-based brands and creatives — from Cavehill Comedy Club to Longbridge Ginger Ale and Belfast Film Festival — have helped create new experiences that appeal to both locals and visitors.
Creating Authentic Belfast Experiences
John Kelly, CEO of McConnell’s Irish Whisky, says the distillery’s success is driven by a growing demand for authentic, locally rooted experiences:
“McConnell’s Distillery is so much more than another whisky distillery. There’s a big appetite now among local people and visitors for authentic experiences that are uniquely Belfast.
This year, we’ve been working locally with other great Belfast brands to develop a range of experiences to welcome even more new people through our doors.”
With summer approaching, the team expects to welcome thousands more visitors eager to experience Belfast’s whisky story firsthand.
A New Chapter for Belfast Tourism
According to Visit Belfast, attractions like McConnell’s are playing a vital role in shaping the city’s evolving tourism offering.
Gemma Gibson, Partnership & Sales Manager at Visit Belfast, said:
“By drawing visitors into North Belfast and bringing the city’s whisky legacy back to life, McConnell’s is helping us tell a richer story about what makes Belfast such a compelling destination.
As we head into one of our most exciting summers yet, experiences like this are exactly what set Belfast apart.”
Love Belfast Insight:
With strong visitor numbers, global recognition, and deep roots in the city’s history, McConnell’s Distillery is quickly becoming one of Belfast’s most important tourism success stories — and a key player in putting Belfast whisky firmly back on the map.
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