Kerry Drinks Festival to debut at Killarney Racecourse this November

Laurie and Sonya O’Dwyer (event organisers) pictured at the announcement of the inaugural Kerry Drinks Festival taking place at Killarney Racecourse on Saturday, 15 November. Tickets go on sale at 7pm on the 18th of July at kerrydrinksfestival.com. (Photograph by Giovanni Valente)
The inaugural Kerry Drinks Festival will make its debut on Saturday, 15 November 2025, at Killarney Racecourse.
The festival promises a one-of-a-kind tasting experience, showcasing the rich diversity of the country’s drinks industry—from whiskeys and gins to craft beers, ciders, vodkas, liqueurs, and much more.
Sponsored by Carry Out Killarney and Dingle Distillery, the festival will bring together over 45 producers and a host of enthusiasts for a day of sampling, socialising, and discovery.
The day will kick off with a Trade Expo at 2:30pm, tailored for industry professionals from the bar, restaurant, and hospitality sectors. Attendees will have the chance to meet with a wide range of producers, explore new products, and forge valuable business connections ahead of the busy festive season.
The Dingle Distillery Masterclass will take place from 6pm to 7pm. This masterclass will offer a guided tasting and in-depth insight into the distillery’s acclaimed portfolio, led by its expert team.
Then, at 7pm, the festival opens to the general public for the Brand Expo & Social—an immersive sampling experience set against the scenic backdrop of Killarney Racecourse.
The event is organised by Sonya O’Dwyer and Laurie O’Dwyer (host of Whiskey Chats Podcast), who are the same people behind the very successful Cork Whiskey Fest, which celebrated its 3rd festival in March this year.
Speaking at the announcement, Sonya said, “We are thrilled to launch Kerry Drinks Festival this November. With the help of everyone in Kerry, we are excited to create something really special for the county.” Laurie commented, “It will be a weekend of great drinks, great atmosphere and plenty of craic”
Tickets go on sale this Friday 18th of July at 7pm on kerrydrinksfestival.com.



