McConnell’s Irish Whisky is putting Belfast back on the global whisky map as it prepares to welcome the Irish Whiskey Awards to McConnell’s Distillery.
Taking place on Thursday 3 December 2026, this will be the first time the flagship event in the Irish whisky calendar has come to Belfast.
Organised by Celtic Whiskey Shop and now in its 13th year, the awards celebrate the very best of Irish Whisky and spirits, recognising both established and emerging producers and brands from across the island of Ireland.
The decision to hold the Irish Whiskey Awards in Belfast is a special milestone for McConnell’s Irish Whisky, whose international success is helping to build the city’s reputation for whisky-making excellence once more. Since relaunching in 2020, the 1776 Belfast-born brand has expanded into more than 45 countries and won over 60 international awards, putting Belfast whisky back in the global spotlight.
That ambition has also taken shape at home through the transformation of a former prison into a state-of-the-art distillery and visitor experience. Located at the A-Wing of the Crumlin Road Gaol, McConnell’s Distillery has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors to date, adding a distinctive attraction to Belfast’s tourism offering and giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s rich whisky legacy.
Alongside its guided tours and whisky experiences, the distillery is establishing itself as a cultural hub for Belfast. Its new events programme, McConnell’s Presents, is bringing the city’s most exciting creative talents across food, arts and music to the unique surroundings of McConnell’s Distillery.
John Kelly, Chief Executive at McConnell’s Irish Whisky, said:
“Hosting the Irish Whiskey Awards at McConnell’s Distillery is a proud moment for our team and another exciting step in putting Belfast back on the global whisky map.
When we transformed the former A-Wing of Crumlin Road Gaol, we wanted to showcase the very best of Belfast, from its whisky legacy to its creative talent. Through our distillery experiences, McConnell’s Presents and now the Irish Whiskey Awards, we’re giving people new reasons to discover the city and celebrating everything it has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming our industry peers and celebrating the talent and craftsmanship behind the very best of Irish whisky.”
Ally Alpine, Managing Director of Celtic Whiskey Shop and Whiskey Live Dublin, added:
“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 whisky and spirits industry, and we’re looking forward to bringing together producers, industry members, whisky clubs and enthusiasts for a great evening while continuing to support Mary’s Meals.”
The winners will be announced at the ceremony on 3 December. All proceeds from ticket sales and entry application fees will support Mary’s Meals, including its work providing daily school meals at Kapatamoyo School in Zambia.