Bushmills Distillery
Just two miles from the Giants Causeway, the Bushmills Distillery is nestled in beautiful natural scenery and surrounded by an area which is steeped in history. In 2008 Bushmills celebrated its 400th year in distilling history, a length of time which has allowed it to be well established and respected amongst some of the most famous and popular whiskey beverages.
The story of Bushmills began in 1608 when a Sir Thomas Phillips was granted permission from the then king, James I, to distil ‘Uisce Beatha’, Gaelic for ‘ water of life ‘, what we know as whiskey today. It wasn’t until 1784 that it was officially registered as the Old Bushmills Distillery. By 1885 the distillery had gained world wide notoriety and in was in such high demand that when it burned to the ground in that year, it was rapidly rebuilt to meet the wants of its consumers. The end of the 19th century saw Bushmills being distributed in America and across Asia and although prohibition in the USA during the 1930’s paralysed many alcoholic beverage companies, Bushmills was one of the very few companies that survived and was left standing.
Today, the distillery still produces its smooth tasting drink. One of the reasons why Bushmills has had such a lengthly history and has been so successful may be that the whiskey is made with 100% malted barely which makes the beverage flavoursome and silky. The distillery invites visitors to tour the building and sample it’s finely produced brew and hear the full history of how the legacy of Bushmills began.
Although the Bushmills Distillery may not appeal to young children, it is in an ideal location for families with the quaint village of Bushmills, the Bushmills Inn which is ideal for a delicious meal and a comfortable bed, the Giants Causeway is also close by, a steam train which circles the Causeway Coastal Route, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and the impressive Dunluce castle all of which are no more than two miles away from the Bushmills Village itself. If you are an admirer of the whiskey beverage or just interested on how it has made its name in history, or even just passing through the small village, a visit to Bushmills Distillery is definitely recommended.