Micil Whiskey Experience 1 - Whiskey & Poitín
Overview
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Step inside Galway cities only working distillery for a one-of-a-kind journey into Ireland’s oldest spirits. Discover how whiskey and poitín began as the same drink, separated only by the buying of a licence, and explore centuries of distilling tradition brought to life through our family’s 170-year-old illicit heritage.
Learn the secrets of brewing, mash bills, cask finishes and maturation, and see how we make whiskey today using time-honoured methods. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of rebellion, craftsmanship and community that makes our Micil spirits truly unique.
Your experience includes three guided tastings – two styles of whiskey plus a very special Heritage Edition poitín made with peated barley and oats.
It’s interactive, authentic, and an absolute must-do when visiting Galway.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Galway
Sample local Irish spirits at the first working distillery in Galway for over 100 years during this brief tasting tour of the Distillery. Delve into the distillery’s history, before sampling poitín and gin. Meanwhile, lots as your guide talks you through the production methods and history of both products.
What‘s Included
Poitín Tasting
Whiskey Tasting
Options
Micil Whiskey Experience 1 - Whiskey & Poitín
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A wonderful experience you shouldn't miss
MIG6226,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic visit to Micil Distillery in Salthill recently —an absolute hidden gem along the Wild Atlantic Way and from the moment we arrived, we were made feel so welcome by Jessica, which really set the tone for the whole experience. Aoife who was our host and guide was exceptional —her storytelling was witty, informative, and full of personality as she brought the history of the distillery, along with the different styles of whiskey and poitín, to life but … I’m still not convinced she doesn’t have a soft spot for the Scots! I was there with my son, who’s toured distilleries all over Europe and Australia, and he rates Aoife as one of the very best at her job and a great addition to the whole visitor experience at Micil. It’s a real working distillery, which makes a big difference—you get to see the whole distillery in action, adding a real sense of authenticity to the visit. It's easy enough to find as it tucked away at the back of the Oslo Bar in Salthill—definitely one to put at the top of your list! An absolute wonderful and memorable experience that I’d highly recommend to anyone visiting the area or even for locals who want to enjoy local enterprise. Give it a try and I guarantee you'll want to go back again... I did!
Excellent Whiskey Tasting experience
brianbU3151QF,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Micil Distillery Experience was fantastic. The guide was very knowledgeable, we learned so much about about the origins of the whiskey, poitin and distilling. The whiskey and poitin went down very easily and for dessert an Irish cream liqueur which was delicious. I would definitely recommend a visit to Micil Distillery.
Terrific Family-run distillery experience
TheCreek17,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome distillery experience with a small/local feel. Very different than the other much larger distilleries in Ireland. Terrific selection of gins and whiskies, and their historical reincarnation of poitin was also a fun twist. Definitely recommend hitting this place up when you’re in Galway!
Well worth the visit!
heathersF5913NI,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Highly recommend if you're in the area. Aoife was a fantastic guide and we learned so much. I love that we got to try Irish whiskey in a distillery that had so much history in the area. It made it that much more special. Also best Irish cream I've ever had!
Fantastic visit to Micil Distillery
cathywils0n,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Micil Distillery was fantastic. The knowledge shared about the origins of the whiskey, poitin and distilling was amazing. It was fun and educational. The whiskey and poitin were to my surprise really nice and it was topped off by Irish cream liqueur which was delicious. I would definitely recommend a visit to Micil Distillery, it was a wonderful experience.
Great whiskey tasting
theodorav2024,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour and tasting experience! People who work there are so friendly and knowledgeable :)) Would recommend if you are in Galway
Top class tasting/tour
Eamon57,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went on this tasting/tour yesterday with my Son and Son in Law. The tour was hosted by Aoife and she was excellent...knowledgeable, informative and witty. The tastings were generous and the product(s) were top class. I can say with confidence that the value for money for this tasting/tour is unequivocally the best you'll find anywhere in the whiskey making world. In summary, I would highly recommend this tour.
Knowledgable and historic
MaursandKevin2022,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really great visit . Michael was our guide and was brilliant Gave a detailed history of whiskey and poitin We were able to sample two whiskeys and a poitin
Great experience - learned much about poitin
marknO8730ID,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful time learning about Poitin and Irish whiskey. I definitely recommend, especially if you’re interested in poitin.
A lovely little distillery in a charming area of Galway
gregwatson08,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were in Galway for a bit longer than we probably should have been and were very happy to have stumbled upon our tasting experience at Micil. Our guide was engaging and the story of the distillery and Poitin was unique - this was our 4th distillery tour in Ireland and the first one that really went into that history. The whiskey was also quite tasty- we also got a bonus tasting of gin at the end and, as a gin LOVER, it was some of the best gin I've ever had - ended up buying two bottles to bring home.
From €25.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Micil Distillery