Fore Distillery, built in the heart of Ireland’s County Westmeath, is a must-see for lovers of spirits and off-the-beaten-track discoveries. With its craft techniques, environment and historical heritage, a visit to this distillery is a must for anyone wishing to delve into the history of Irish poitin and rum… But we’d better warn you: no Irish whiskey here… This is a very different kind of spirit!
Founded around 630 AD by Saint Féichín, Fore Abbey quickly gained a reputation as a sanctuary dedicated to prayer and a simple life in harmony with nature. In the 12th century, Hugh de Lacy reinforced the importance of the site by elevating Fore Abbey to the rank of Benedictine priory, still dedicated to Saint Féichín.
At its height, it is estimated that some 300 monks lived within these walls before the abbey burned down. Around the 15th century, the last prior had to cede the abbey to Henry VIII, leading to the dispersion of the monks and the gradual ruin of the monastery. Even today, the site continues to fascinate, revealing a past rich in legends, notably around the Seven Wonders of Fore, which include :
In the shadow of this centuries-old abbey now stands Fore Craft Distillery, founded in 2021 by County Meath native Oliver Guirke. It was in the United States, in Kentucky in particular, that he discovered his passion for distillation.
On his return home, Oliver found the ideal location on the edge of the Fore Valley, where he blended the methods he had learned overseas with Irish traditions. Using recipes inspired by the Benedictine monks of Fore Abbey, the distillery now produces three main spirits:
The aim is to use the best ingredients in small batches to guarantee consistent quality and a unique character, deeply rooted in the terroir. The cereals come from the rich soils of the Boyne Valley, while the spring water, drawn from the surrounding area (Fore is called Fobhair in Irish, meaning “water springs”), lends its purity to the distillations.
To add complexity to these spirits, Fore Distillery combines pot stills and column stills, before resting or maturing the spirits in bourbon casks, then refining them in Irish oak barrels. The result is a harmonious, rounded balance on the palate, with woody, spicy notes typical of Ireland. Meanwhile, Oliver patiently rests the first whiskey casks, which should be ready in two years’ time, promising an unprecedented alliance between American know-how and Fore Abbey’s Irish heritage.
During his research stay in the USA, Oliver met and married Sheena, a warm-hearted Armagh lady, who fully supported the project.
Together, they opened the Barrel & Bean Café, a gourmet nugget adjoining the distillery, with a breathtaking view over Glore Lake. It serves sandwiches, soups, pastries, McCabe’s coffee and many other delights that will delight all visitors. The couple, along with their children Caoimhe, Alannah and Cormac, make the distillery a true family affair, with each member contributing to Fore’s unforgettable experience.
As you enter Fore Distillery, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a passionate team who will guide you step by step. The fun, hands-on tour will teach you everything you need to know about Irish rum and poitin, from ingredient selection to distillation techniques. Cask filling, maturation, bottling…
You name it!
You’ll know everything there is to know about how their beverages are created! We particularly love the atmosphere on site: you can feel the warmth of the copper stills, breathe in the scent of fermented cereals and never tire of listening to the passionate and caring explanations of the master distillers. You’ll also be able to taste the distillates produced: rum, poitin…
You’ll have the opportunity to discover spirits and know-how that are a little different from the usual Irish whiskeys.
Adresse :
GPS :
Tour duration :
Rates : 45€ per visit
Opening hours :
between 1h30 and 2h00
3.86/5 (7 votes)
