McConnell’s Distillery is proudly marking one year since opening its doors at the iconic Crumlin Road Gaol — and with over 20,000 visitors through its gates, it’s not just a milestone for the distillery, but a major moment for Belfast.
Located in the heart of North Belfast, McConnell’s Distillery is more than just a whiskey destination. It is a daring regeneration project that has reignited a proud Belfast tradition — returning whiskey distilling to a city that was once at the heart of the global industry. McConnell’s is playing a leading role in shaping Belfast’s future, while honouring its rich past.
At the core of this transformation is the McConnell’s Distillery Brand Home — a place where world-class whiskey meets Belfast culture, heritage, and community. Since opening in April 2023, the distillery has distilled enough new make spirit to produce 1.6 million bottles of McConnell’s Irish Whisky, which is already exported to over 45 markets worldwide.
However the story is not just about whiskey production. Over the past 12 months, McConnell’s has already become a key player in local tourism, establishing the Distillery as a must-visit experience for both local day-trippers as well as international visitors. Attracting thousands from across Belfast and Northern Ireland, the Brand Home has helped establish a new kind of destination — one that blends immersive whiskey tours with cultural events, gigs, creative showcases, collaborations, product launches and intimate gatherings. The gaol turned distillery has already preparing to host its first wedding!
McConnell’s Distillery is a space where Belfast comes together — where our past is celebrated, our present is vibrant, and our future is full of possibility.
John Kelly, CEO of McConnell’s Irish Whisky, says the project is about much more than distilling:
“This is a story about transformation, bringing new life and energy to a part of the city that holds deep historical significance — and creating something truly future-facing. The McConnell’s Distillery is not just where we make whiskey, it’s a genuinely welcoming brand home where we make connections: between the past and the future, between our city and the world.
“While we’re proud that McConnell’s is enjoyed in over 45 markets globally, we’re equally focused on creating a place of pride here in Belfast. We want the people of this city — and Northern Ireland as a whole — to feel ownership of what we’ve built, and to see it as a place to explore, connect, and celebrate together.”
Tourism Northern Ireland has welcomed McConnell’s success and its role in putting Belfast back on the whiskey map. Gary Quate, Tourism Manager – Food & Drink at Tourism NI, commented:
“It’s really exciting to see Belfast reclaim its whiskey heritage in such an impactful
way. The transformation of this historic building into a vibrant cultural and tourism
destination is exactly the kind of experience today’s visitors are seeking — and
McConnell’s is delivering that with style.
“Thanks to attractions like this, Belfast is becoming a more competitive and
compelling destination. Not just for international visitors, but for people from across
the island who are looking for rich, authentic experiences close to home.
Congratulations to the McConnell’s team on a phenomenal first year.”