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BURREN WHISKEY HAS A
RICH AND VARIED HISTORY

Since the 13th century, whiskey has been part of the special Burren region. 

Find out more

BURREN WHISKEY HAS A
RICH AND VARIED HISTORY

Since the 13th century, whiskey has been part of the special Burren region. 

Find out more
  • 13th Century

    The Cistercian monks.

    The Cistercian monks maintained a still at Corcomroe Abbey in the 13th century, having retrieved stills from Salamanca in Spain.

  • 16th Century

    Whiskey becoming important.

    By the 16th century, there were scores of stills of varying sizes to be found across the Burren – whiskey had become important for trade and was used for the barter of goods and services.

  • 17th Century

    Ó Lochlainn clann ruled from ancient times.

    It was in the Burren that the Ó Lochlainn clann ruled from ancient times to the 17th century.

    With little interest in land or title, but rather people’s welfare, the leader of the Ó Lochlainn clan was colloquially called the ‘Prince of the Burren’.

  • 20th Century

    Whiskey being produced for worldwide.

    Whiskey continued to be produced in the region and shipped across Galway Bay to distilleries until the early 20th century, ceasing mostly when those same large distilleries closed for good.

  • 21st Century

    Burren Distillers today.

    “It has been a long journey from conception to construction of the micro distillery in Ballyvaughan – I wanted to respect the heritage of the Burren and do something special and sustainable. That has resulted in a micro distillery which will produce just 150 casks of single estate whiskey annually.”

An ancient place in a modern world

The largest Karst region in Europe, flecked with protected flora and fauna, the Burren in County Clare is a special place.

This unique unspoilt region stretches from the Atlantic Ocean on the Clare coast to Galway Bay.

The timeless formation of limestone never fails to amaze visitors or make the local community proud to live here.

What is not widely known is that whiskey enjoys a rich and varied history in the Burren.

The Cistercian monks maintained a still at Corcomroe Abbey in the 12th century, having retrieved stills from Salamanca in Spain.

By the 16th century, there were scores of stills of varying sizes to be found across the Burren – whiskey had become important for trade and was used for barter of goods and services.

Whiskey continued to be produced in the region and shipped across Galway Bay to distilleries until the early 20th century, ceasing mostly when those same large distilleries closed for good.

The “Prince” & The Brehons

It was in the Burren that the Ó Lochlainn clann ruled from ancient times to the 17th century.

With little interest in land or title, but rather people’s welfare, the leader of the Ó Lochlainn clan was colloquially called
the ‘Prince of the Burren’.

This ‘Prince’ focused on people rather than politics. He believed firmly in the Brehon Laws, which advocated equality,
diversity and fair play for all.

Restoring Burren Whiskey

Marrying the rich history of whiskey in the Burren with the Brehon tradition, descendant and local Noel O Lochlainn had a dream: restore whiskey to the Burren after a century of absence and abstinence.

Burren Distillers was founded in 2013 to construct a micro distillery, which would craft “sean gael” Irish whiskey in artisan style.  Whiskey distillation began in October 2019, producing approximately 150 casks per annum of single estate Irish whiskey and other select spirits.