Gorey to host its first Whiskey Festival this November
Gorey Whiskey Club co-founders John Robinson and Nigel Kavanagh outside Browne’s, Gorey
Gorey’s first ever whiskey festival is to be launched this November. Seven of Ireland’s leading whiskey distilleries and brands will descend on Gorey for the town’s first whiskey festival.
Eight separately ticketed events will run across four venues on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November including Amber Springs Hotel, Browne’s Lounge, Katie Daly’s Bar and Paddy Blues Pub.
The programme features J.J. Corry, Killowen Distillery, Powerscourt Distillery, Boann Distillery, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey, Teeling Whiskey and Echlinville Distillery.
A weekend of events
The weekend opens with a club dinner at Amber Springs Hotel on Friday evening. Saturday brings guided tastings across three venues and a whiskey-based cocktail event at Browne’s Lounge. Each event is ticketed separately, so visitors can book a single session or build a full weekend. The venues are within walking distance of each other in the centre of Gorey.
The club is co-founded by Nigel Kavanagh and John Robinson, and run by a team of volunteers.
“Gorey is my home town and I’m delighted that our team is bringing such a prestigious event to north Wexford. Thanks to the support of our members and local venues, we’re looking forward to hosting something very special,” says co-founder Nigel Kavanagh.
“Since we opened our events to the public in 2024 the appetite has been obvious. The festival brings seven of Ireland’s leading distilleries and brands to Gorey, where you can put your question straight to a member of the whiskey team,” adds John Robinson, the other co-founder.
Festival artwork
Artwork is by Jane Kent of Janey Mack Design
The striking festival artwork was designed by artist Jane Kent of Janey Mack Design, Wexford. Her colourful illustrations draw on music, community and Irish culture. Jane has been part of the Wexford whiskey scene for almost a decade, and her work has appeared at Wexford Arts Centre, the Guinness Storehouse and on festival and music projects around Ireland.
Where it all started
Gorey Whiskey Club began with online tastings in 2020 and opened its events to the public in 2024. It runs eight to ten gatherings a year — guided tastings, distillery evenings, trips and members-only events. The club’s aim is simple: help people discover new whiskeys, hear the stories behind them and enjoy the company around the table.
All festival events are strictly for guests aged 18 and over and tickets are on sale from €25 from goreywhiskeyfestival.ie. For a full line up of events taking place across the weekend, also see goreywhiskeyfestival.ie.
