Lough Mask Distillery can sell to public

Lough Mask Distillery in Co Mayo has become the first distillery in Ireland to be granted a licence to sell its gin, vodka and whiskey to members of the public on its premises under the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Act 2018.  

The Breweries and Distilleries Act, which was passed in July, means that craft brewers and distillers can sell their products on-site to visitors, without the need to acquire a full licence.

Lough Mask Distillery, based in the Tourmakeady Gaeltacht on the shores of Lough Mask in the foothills of the Partry Mountains, commenced operation last July and gets many visitors who, until now, have not been able to purchase any of the products the distillery makes on its site when they visit.

“Brewery and distillery visitor centres are important for Ireland’s tourism offer and are particularly vital for driving tourists to rural counties,” commented Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland Director  Patricia Callan.

Last year, there were 2,590,215 visitors to brewery and distillery tourist attractions in Ireland, up from 2,437,206 in 2016.