Micil Distillery Experience – Gin, Poitín & Whiskey Tasting Tour in Galway

The Micil Distillery Experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the rich heritage of Irish distilling while exploring Galway’s only working distillery. Located in Salthill along the Wild Atlantic Way, this immersive experience focuses on the fascinating relationship between poitín, whiskey and gin, three spirits that have shaped Ireland’s drinks culture for centuries.

Your guide will introduce you to the remarkable history of poitín, a spirit that was outlawed in Ireland for more than 300 years. You'll learn what poitín is really made from, how it influenced the development of Irish whiskey, and how modern craft distillers continue to preserve traditional methods while creating award-winning spirits for today’s drinkers.

During the tour, you'll explore a functioning distillery and gain insight into fermentation, distillation, botanical selection and spirit production. The experience also highlights Micil's six-generation family history, tracing its roots back to illicit distilling in Connemara in the mid-1800s.

The experience concludes with three guided tastings from the distillery's award-winning portfolio, including a gin, a poitín and an Irish whiskey. Whether you're interested in Irish history, local culture or craft spirits, this experience is one of the most unique things to do in Galway.

• Minimum drinking age is 18 years.
• Valid photo identification may be requested.
• Tours operate in English or Irish.
• The distillery is not wheelchair accessible.
• A light jacket is recommended as production areas can be cool.
• Please allow additional time after the tour as experiences may occasionally run longer than scheduled.

Arrival at Micil Distillery

Meet your guide at the distillery in Salthill and learn about the history of the Micil family, whose distilling traditions span more than 170 years.

Distillery Tour

Explore the production area and discover how poitín, whiskey and gin are created using traditional techniques and modern craftsmanship. Learn about ingredients, botanicals, fermentation and distillation.

Family Heritage & Storytelling

Hear entertaining stories of illicit distilling, local history and family traditions passed down through six generations.

Guided Spirit Tastings

Sample one gin, one poitín and one whiskey while learning how flavour, ingredients and production methods influence each spirit.

Experience Conclusion

Finish your visit at the distillery visitor area before departing from the original meeting location.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience start time