Roe & Co Distillery is an Irish whiskey distillery in the heart of the Liberties, Dublin’s former industrial quarter. Opened in 2019 in the striking power station that once supplied the Guinness brewery, it is not an exact reopening of George Roe’s historic distillery. It is a new venue created by Diageo, the owner of Guinness, to revive the name of one of the leading figures in Dublin whiskey.
Just metres from the historic Thomas Street site, Roe & Co now produces its own whiskey and offers two immersive experiences combining a look at the stills, a sensory introduction, tasting and cocktail-making. More contemporary than a traditional museum, the tour shows how Dublin is reconnecting with a heritage that was long overshadowed.
The story of Roe & Co began long before the current venue opened. In 1757, Peter Roe acquired a small distillery on Thomas Street. The family business took on a new dimension in the 19th century under George Roe, who greatly expanded the site and established his name among Dublin’s leading producers.
At its peak, the distillery covered almost 17 acres, or around 7 hectares. It employed more than 200 people and produced over two million gallons of whiskey a year. In the 1880s, George Roe & Co was one of the capital’s ‘Big Four’, alongside John Jameson, William Jameson and John Power. At the time, it was among the world’s largest facilities by production volume.
Its whiskey travelled far beyond Ireland. Great Britain was its main market, while bottles were also shipped to the United States, Canada and Australia. Roe was then one of the dominant names in Dublin whiskey, although it cannot be described as the undisputed leader across the British and Irish markets as a whole.
Its decline came at the turn of the 20th century. Growing competition from blended Scotch, political instability, trading difficulties with the United Kingdom and the closure of several international markets weakened the entire Irish industry. After several difficult years, the old distillery closed for good in 1926.
Most of the industrial buildings have since disappeared. Two unusual reminders remain near Thomas Street: St Patrick’s Tower, a former brick windmill that has become one of the area’s landmarks, and a historic pear tree that continues to blossom.
These remnants stand across the road from the Guinness brewery. They recall a time when west Dublin rang with the clatter of machinery, the rumble of barrels and the activity of the maltings. The proximity of Roe and Guinness is therefore not a modern invention: the two companies operated opposite each other for many years, each contributing to the industrial strength of the Liberties.
The new distillery keeps this memory alive without claiming to reproduce the 19th-century whiskey exactly. The Roe & Co brand is a contemporary creation, inspired by George Roe’s legacy and adapted to today’s tastes.
Roe & Co is located at 92 James’s Street, in a part of the Liberties sometimes known as the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Dublin whiskey. The area is home to several distilleries and attractions linked to Irish drinks, including the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, the Pearse Lyons Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse.
It is important not to confuse what they do, however: Guinness is a brewery, while Roe & Co, Teeling and Pearse Lyons are distilleries. Their presence within a relatively small area makes the Liberties one of Dublin’s most interesting districts for understanding the history of Irish beer and whiskey.
The opening of Roe & Co in June 2019 forms part of the spectacular revival of Irish whiskey that began at the start of the 21st century. It also marked Diageo’s return to the category after it had sold Bushmills several years earlier.
The distillery does not occupy a former sewage treatment plant, but the historic power station of the Guinness brewery. Built in the 1940s, this imposing brick building is distinguished by its industrial lines and Art Deco influences.
Diageo invested €25 million over three years in developing the brand, creating the distillery and fitting out the visitor space. The restoration retained the monumental character of the former power station while adding contemporary production facilities.
Copper, steel, dark brick and soaring spaces now create a particularly photogenic industrial setting. Roe & Co embraces a more urban and creative identity than some traditional distilleries: cocktails occupy almost as important a place as the whiskey itself.
The experiences include a guided visit to the Still House, the room housing the stills. An elevated walkway allows visitors to observe the equipment and follow the main stages of whiskey-making.
The guide covers the raw ingredients, fermentation, distillation and cask maturation. This section also explains the difference between malt whiskey, made from malted barley, and grain whiskey. Roe & Co works with both types of distillate, which can then be used in different blends.
Visitors do not, however, tour a vast industrial site comparable to a very large factory. The experience lasts around 45 minutes and focuses on interaction. It combines an introduction to production, tasting and a hands-on workshop in a dynamic format.
Participants then have a table reserved for them for around 45 minutes at the Powerhouse Bar. It is therefore wise to allow between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes on site.
The Flavours Experience is particularly suited to cocktail enthusiasts and visitors who want to explore whiskey in a fun way. The workshop explores five broad flavour families: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami.
Through different pairings, each person identifies the flavours best suited to their palate, then chooses a cocktail based on their preferences. The aim is not simply to have a drink, but to understand how the balance between ingredients can bring out or soften certain characteristics of whiskey.
The experience continues at the Powerhouse Bar with a seasonal cocktail created by the distillery team. This format is the most accessible for people who are still unfamiliar with whiskey or who usually find it too strong when served neat.
Beyond the Blend takes a more in-depth approach. The experience includes a tasting of three premium whiskeys representing different aromatic expressions. It is accompanied by handcrafted confectionery designed to highlight the flavours of the spirits.
Participants are then invited to create their own blend. This stage sheds light on the essential role of the master blender: seeking a balance between texture, intensity, fruit notes, spice and the influence of wood. The resulting blend is then used to make a cocktail.
More expensive, this option is better suited to whiskey enthusiasts, visitors curious to compare several aromatic profiles, or those looking for a more technical experience.
The Powerhouse Bar occupies one of the building’s most spectacular spaces. Its décor extends the site’s industrial identity while drawing on the codes of a contemporary cocktail bar.
Unlike the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse, access is not reserved for ticket holders. You can come just for a drink, subject to availability. Booking is still recommended at weekends and during busy tourist periods.
The menu naturally showcases Roe & Co whiskey, particularly in seasonal cocktails. Non-alcoholic drinks and beers are also available. The bar does not usually serve meals, although temporary food offerings or food trucks may be present during seasonal events.
Roe & Co has a more restrictive policy than some other whiskey attractions. The experiences are exclusively open to people aged 18 and over. Children, teenagers and even babies are not permitted on tours.
Official photographic identification may be requested. Non-alcoholic alternatives are available, but they do not exempt visitors from the age limit. This rule makes Roe & Co an activity to avoid when planning a family itinerary.
Roe & Co does not seek to impress solely through a lengthy historical exhibition. Its main strength lies in its sensory approach, industrial staging and the visitor’s active participation.
The Flavours Experience is especially well suited to a first introduction. It demystifies whiskey without requiring any prior knowledge and shows how it can be used in balanced cocktails. Beyond the Blend adds a more technical dimension through comparative tasting and the creation of a blend.
History enthusiasts may find the heritage story less developed than at some older distilleries. Nevertheless, the stills, the restored building and the proximity of George Roe’s remaining landmarks give the whole experience real depth.
The distillery can easily be combined with a half-day in the Liberties. The Guinness Storehouse is just a few minutes’ walk away, as is Pearse Lyons Distillery, housed in a former church. Christ Church Cathedral, Dublinia and St Patrick’s Cathedral are also within walking distance.
It is possible to combine several whiskey-related visits, but it is best to take the included tastings into account and drink in moderation. Two successive alcohol-focused experiences can quickly become less informative than hoped.
Prices and time slots may vary depending on the date. It is recommended that you check the official Roe & Co booking page before travelling.
From Dublin city centre, allow around 20 minutes on foot. From Temple Bar, the route follows Dame Street, passes Christ Church Cathedral, then continues along Thomas Street to James’s Street.
Bus route 123 connects the city centre with the area, among other places. Other routes may serve the surrounding area depending on your starting point and changes to the network. The nearest Luas stop is at St James’s Hospital, on the Red Line.
Parking is available a few minutes’ walk away, including around Crane Street, but spaces are limited. In this densely built-up area, public transport or walking is generally more practical than driving.
The building is wheelchair accessible. A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available on site. Admission for a companion may be offered if requested in advance from the venue.
Roe & Co also holds ‘Autism Friendly’ accreditation, obtained with the support of the Irish association AsIAm. Sensory kits, a map of sensitive areas and a visual guide can be provided. A sensory-friendly Beyond the Blend session is normally offered on the first Wednesday of each month. It is essential to confirm with the distillery that it will take place before your visit.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome, but other animals are not permitted.
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Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
92 James's Street, The Liberties, The Liberties (County Dublin) - Republic of Ireland
53.343678, -6.285667
1 heure
Opening hours for the Flavours and Beyond the Blend experiences:
Powerhouse Bar opening hours:
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