Irish Whiskey Awards head to Belfast
The Irish Whiskey Awards 2026 will take place on Thursday, 3 December, at McConnells Distillery in Belfast.
The winners of the 2026 Irish Whiskey Awards will be announced during the awards ceremony at McConnells Distillery
Now in its 13th year, the Irish Whiskey Awards celebrate the very best of Irish whiskey and spirits, recognising both established and emerging producers and brands from across the island of Ireland.
Organised by Celtic Whiskey, of Celtic Whiskey Shop on Dawson Street, Dublin, the awards feature categories celebrating Irish whiskey, poitín, gin, vodka, liqueurs, and other Irish spirits.
Judging for this year’s awards took place through a series of blind tastings coordinated by Celtic Whiskey in partnership with whiskey societies and clubs across Ireland.
This year’s judging societies included the Irish Whiskey Society Dublin, 1875 Whiskey Club, Dublin Whiskey Club, members of the Aviators, The Skerries Whiskey Chasers, Ennis Whiskey Club, Waterford Whiskey Society, Gorey Whiskey Society and Belfast Whiskey Club.
The craft spirits and liqueur categories were also blind-tasted by a panel of industry professionals.
The winners of the 2026 Irish Whiskey Awards will be announced during the awards ceremony at McConnells Distillery.
Supporting charity
As always, the event supports Mary’s Meals (www.marysmeals.ie), a charity that provides meals for children in schools in some of the world’s poorest communities.
All proceeds from ticket sales and entry application fees will once again go towards supporting the charity’s work, including the sponsorship of the Kapatamoyo School in Zambia, ensuring children receive a daily meal while attending school.
Comments from the organisers
Event organiser Ally Alpine, managing director of Celtic Whiskey Shop and Whiskey Live Dublin, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Irish Whiskey Awards to Belfast this year and are incredibly grateful to McConnells Distillery for hosting us.
“The awards are always a fantastic celebration of the quality, diversity and innovation within the Irish whiskey and spirits industry, and we’re looking forward to bringing together producers, industry members, whiskey clubs and enthusiasts for a great evening while continuing to support Mary’s Meals.”
McConnell’s Irish Whiskey chief marketing officer, Barry Fitzpatrick, added: “Since relaunching the brand in 2020, McConnell’s Irish Whiskey has been on a mission to put Belfast back on the whisky map.
“When we transformed the former Crumlin Road Gaol from a former prison into the McConnell’s Distillery, we wanted to create a contemporary venue that could showcase the very best of Irish Whiskey and the very best of Belfast.
“So, we are delighted to be hosting the Irish Whiskey Awards this year at our brand home and are very much looking forward to welcoming and celebrating the very best our industry has to offer.”
