Fourth pour for Cork Whiskey Fest
When it comes to whiskey, they say the angels get the vapour and we get the rest. Well, here in Cork, we’ve been getting more than most in recent years thanks to the Cork Whiskey Fest.
Widely recognised as Ireland’s fastest growing whiskey festival, Cork Whiskey Fest returns for its fourth pour next month complete with a new location in the city.
Running from 27-29 March, the festival will be relocating from MacCurtain Street down to Oliver Plunkett Street for an expert-led programme packed with masterclasses, exclusive tastings, and lots of rare whiskeys.
The main festival highlights, both Brand Expo & Socials, are moving to a new home in Cork City Hall this year, where increased capacity will see more than 60 distilleries, breweries, and brands gather under one roof on 27 and 28 March from 7-10.30pm. Attendees will be treated to complimentary tastings of new and rare whiskeys, beers, ciders, gins, rums, vodkas, and poitíns, which can all be paired with complimentary mixers, whilst discovering first-hand the stories and craftsmanship behind each spirit. Every ticket holder will receive a specially crafted Cork Whiskey Fest glass, with gourmet food vendors on site selling tailored bites throughout the evening.
“We’re thrilled to bring Cork Whiskey Fest back for its fourth year,” says co-organiser Laurie O’Dwyer, host of Whiskey Chats Podcast, who runs the festival with his wife Sonya.
“Our growth has allowed us to expand into incredible new spaces, with Cork City Hall becoming the home of our biggest-ever Brand Expo & Socials, and Oliver Plunkett Street buzzing with whiskey events all weekend. We have a fantastic few days planned with great liquids and plenty of craic.”
Across the weekend, Oliver Plunkett Street will come alive with more than 15 intimate events, including masterclasses, historic deep-dives, and exclusive tastings led by producers, brewers, and whiskey historians. There will be an opportunity to sample innovative new and rare spirit releases.
Festival highlights include A Pint & A Drop, delivered by the head brewers from three Cork Breweries - Rising Sons Brewery, Blarney Brewing Co, and Original 7 Brewery.
Other standout sessions delve into Vintage Whiskey Crocks, Peated Pot Still Irish Whiskeys from Killowen Distillery, and a rare Midleton warehouse tasting hosted at the Imperial Hotel Ballroom.
One of the most sought-after tickets of the weekend is Distillery Day at Midleton Distillery on 28 March, offering unparalleled access to the distillery, warehouses, and master craftspeople alongside exceptional tastings.
This year’s festival is sponsored by Irish Distillers/Midleton Distillery and IrishMalts.com. John O’Donovan of IrishMalt.com said: “We’re delighted to again support Cork Whiskey Fest for the fourth year.
“It’s not only a celebration of Irish whiskey, but a community-driven event that connects people through shared experiences, storytelling, and a passion for great spirits.”
Cork Whiskey Fest has grown into an unmissable annual Leeside celebration. All events sold out last year so advance booking is highly recommended. For a full list of events go to corkwhiskeyfest.com or follow @thecorkwhiskeyfest on social media.