Titanic Distillers has welcomed The King and Queen alongside tourism representatives and cultural partners from all over the Island, to Thompson Dock and Pumphouse to mark the count down to the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann festival this summer.
The event showcased the city’s rich musical heritage, that helped lead to Belfast being awarded the UNESCO City of Music in 2021. The Fleadh Belfast 2026 will complement this prestigious status through an inclusive festival – with the ethos of ‘celebrating together’ at its heart.
As part of the visit Their Majesties were formally welcomed on to Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock by Directors, Peter Lavery and Stephen Symington before being escorted into the distillery for a private guided tour through the historic site by General Manager, Siobhan Winston.
Their Majesties saw the restoration journey of the listed building into a working distillery and visitor attraction including the installation of the copper stills using the original crane system dating back to the early 1900’s, the history of the pumping machinery and an overview of the whiskey production process that now sits at the heart of Belfast’s first working whiskey distillery in almost 90 years.
The King and Queen joined a tasting of Titanic Distillers’ Whiskey led by award-winning Head Distiller Damien Rafferty
Titanic Distillers Founder and Director, Peter Lavery stated:
“It was a tremendous honour to welcome such esteemed guests to Titanic Distillers for the launch of this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann celebrations.
‘’We are incredibly proud to showcase our historic distillery and to share the story of Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage with visitors from across Ireland and around the world.
‘’Hosting Their Majesties within Thompson Dock and Pumphouse was an incredible opportunity, and it was a privilege to welcome such distinguished guests to Titanic Distillers on this significant and momentous occasion.’’
Titanic Distillers CEO, Stephen Syminton commented:
‘’Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is a hugely important event for Belfast, bringing significant cultural and economic benefit to the city while attracting visitors from around the world.
It is a privilege for Titanic Distillers to play a pivotal role in the launch of this year’s celebrations and to help showcase the very best of Belfast’s heritage, culture and hospitality.
We look forward to welcoming guests to our historic distillery throughout August and sharing a unique experience rooted in Belfast’s rich maritime and industrial legacy.”
This exclusive event brought together representatives from across the tourism, hospitality and cultural sectors as Belfast prepares to welcome visitors from across Ireland and internationally for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann celebrations this August.