Get ready to toast the ultimate celebration of Irish whiskey and spirits! With just three weeks to go, the third annual Cork Whiskey Fest returns from 21st to 23rd March 2025, taking over bars and venues across MacCurtain Street, Cork City. Many events are already sold out—so don't miss your chance to be part of the sipping, savouring, glass clinking action!
The festival is made possible thanks to key sponsors; Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, The Shelbourne Bar, and IrishMalts.com
Over three unforgettable days, indulge in expert-led tastings featuring rare and premium whiskeys and limited-edition releases, behind-the-scenes tours, and special events.
A festival highlight is the Brand Expo & Socials at The Metropole, which will host 50 whiskey distilleries and brands over the two evenings. They will offer complimentary samples of their finest creations alongside mixers and food bites. This year, distilleries will also showcase their gins, rums, vodkas, and poitíns. Many are served by the distillers, blenders, and brand owners themselves—a rare chance to engage with the makers behind the magic. The expos take place on Friday, 21st March, and Saturday, 22nd March, from 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
With 20+ events on the lineup—including masterclasses, distillery tours, exclusive tastings, and plenty of craic—Cork Whiskey Fest is a must for whiskey aficionados, those who enjoy a wee drop, and curious newcomers alike. Flavour fans will not be disappointed!
While many events are sold out the below still have some availability:
Cork Whiskey Fest 2025 Brand Expo & Socials are taking place at The Metropole Hotel on Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd March from 7.30pm until 11pm. With over 40 brands and distilleries across 2 rooms each night, there will be plenty of new whiskeys and spirits for you to discover and sample.
Copeland Distillery Warehouse Tasting Saturday 22nd March at 2pm at the Macau Sporting Club. Garth Irvine will bring some amazing cask samples, hand-picked from their warehouse to showcase the amazing flavours being created in Ireland’s smallest boutique distillery.
Midleton’s Method & Madness Tasting Sunday, 23rd March, at 2:00 PM at the Blue Room at the Dean Hotel, expect a stellar range of double distilled or obscure casked whiskeys showcased by Micro Distillery Head Distiller Barrett Stapleton and nibbles prepared by the executive chef at The Dean
Vintage Irish Bottle Tasting – Sunday, 23rd March, at 2:00 PM at The Shelbourne Bar
Powerscourt Distillery Tasting- Sunday, 23rd March at 4pm at Paladar Cocktail Bar on MacCurtain Street where Industry legend John Cashman and Head Distiller Paul Corbett will proudly showcase a flight of their whiskeys including 3 from the Fercullen range.
Organised by Laurie O’Dwyer (host of Whiskey Chats Podcast) and his wife Sonya O’Dwyer, the festival is proudly sponsored by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, The Shelbourne Bar, and IrishMalts.com.
Speaking at the launch, Laurie said, “We are thrilled to bring Cork Whiskey Fest back for 2025. Each year, the festival grows in popularity, drawing whiskey lovers from all over Ireland and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or taking your first sip, there’s something for everyone. It will be a weekend of whiskies, craic, and discovery.”
“The iconic Shelbourne Bar, which has been named as Ireland’s Best Whiskey Bar for years, will once again serve as the official social hub of the festival. A welcoming space to relax, share stories, and connect with fellow enthusiasts, it remains at the heart of the festival, thanks to the warmth and expertise of Philip Gillivan and his team.”
John O’Donovan, owner of festival sponsor IrishMalts.com, remarked: "As a Cork-based business, we’re incredibly proud to support this celebration of Irish whiskey. Cork Whiskey Fest is not just a festival—it’s a community that brings people together to share stories, experiences, and a genuine passion for whiskey."
While whiskey is at the heart of the festival, Cork’s renowned hospitality will make everyone feel right at home. The festival will take place across the vibrant MacCurtain Street area, the perfect backdrop for some ‘neat’ events and a ‘dram’ good time.
Don’t Miss Out—Tickets Are Selling Fast! With just three weeks to go, excitement is building, and many events are already sold out. Whether you’re attending for the masterclasses, the expos, or the unforgettable atmosphere, #CorkWhiskeyFest25 is shaping up to be one of the most unmissable events of 2025.
For more information and to secure your spot before it’s too late, visit corkwhiskeyfest.com or follow @thecorkwhiskeyfest on social media.
Slán go fóill.