IN BREVE
- From March 27 to 29, 2026, the Cork Whiskey Fest will take place in Cork, a festival dedicated to Irish whiskey and spirits.
- The event will bring together over 60 distilleries, breweries, and cider producers at Cork City Hall, featuring tastings of rare products.
- The program includes Distillery Day at Midleton Distillery, with access to master craftsmen and dedicated tastings.
- In addition to tastings, there will be masterclasses and meetings with experts on the creativity and craftsmanship of Irish whiskey.
- The festival offers an opportunity for in-depth exploration for enthusiasts and industry professionals.
From March 27 to 29, 2026, the Cork Whiskey Fest returns to Cork, an event dedicated to Irish whiskey and spirits. The fourth edition will take place in Ireland’s second most populous city after Dublin. Cork is also home to the historic Midleton Distillery, a point of reference for enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Considered the fastest-growing whiskey festival in the country, the event will bring together over 60 distilleries and breweries. The heart of the event will be the Brand Expo & Socials, scheduled at Cork City Hall.
BRAND EXPO & SOCIALS AT CORK CITY HALL
On Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM, Cork City Hall will host the grand Brand Expo & Socials. The increased capacity will allow more than 60 distilleries, breweries, and cider producers to present their labels under one roof. Participants will be able to taste new and rare whiskeys, as well as beers, ciders, gins, rums, vodkas, and poitín, a traditional spirit linked to Irish rural culture.
Products can be paired with complimentary mixers. Every visitor will receive the official festival glass. Dedicated food options are also planned. The event will offer the chance to meet producers directly and delve into the history, tradition, and production techniques of the various labels.
MASTERCLASSES AND EVENTS IN OLIVER PLUNKETT STREET
During the weekend, Oliver Plunkett Street will host over 15 events including masterclasses, guided tastings, and in-depth meetings. The sessions will be curated by distillers, brewers, and industry experts.
The program will focus on the creativity, craftsmanship, and heritage of Irish whiskey and spirits. Participants will be able to engage with representatives from historic distilleries and new players on the Irish scene.
RARE TASTINGS AND THEMATIC FOCUSES
The calendar includes sessions dedicated to innovative creations and traditional and experimental styles. In-depth looks at vintage whiskey crocks, peated pot still style Irish whiskeys, and unique blends are planned. Also on the agenda is a tasting from the Midleton Distillery warehouses, hosted in the Ballroom of the Imperial Hotel.
DISTILLERY DAY AT MIDLETON DISTILLERY
On March 28, Distillery Day will be held at the Midleton Distillery. The distillery produces, among others, Jameson, Redbreast, and Method and Madness. The experience includes access to the distillery, the warehouses, and meetings with master craftsmen, accompanied by dedicated tastings. Redbreast is a 100% Irish single pot still, obtained from the combined use of malted and unmalted barley according to regulations.
AN EVENT DEDICATED TO IRISH WHISKEY CULTURE
The Cork Whiskey Fest is also organized by Laurie O’Dwyer, host of Whiskey Chats. The festival aims to be an opportunity for in-depth study of the world of Irish spirits, through tastings, meetings, and discussions. The March 2026 appointment confirms Cork as a nerve center for Irish whiskey and a key destination for professionals and enthusiasts.
