Photo: Little Lane Media

Lambay Island may be barely three miles off the east coast of Ireland, but it retains an air of inaccessible mystery. When WB Yeats visited in the 1880’s, he compared his experience to landing on a remote South Seas island for the first time.

Privately owned by the Baring family since 1904, Lambay is entirely focused on off-grid living, run mainly on renewable energy generated by harnessing the power of the wind and sun. With only six permanent residents to appreciate its stunning natural beauty, the island holds many tales of dynasty and devilment.

Now, for the first time Lambay is offering private groups a chance to experience a Lambay Whiskey VIP tour. Groups of 2-12 can now visit from April to October as part of a new cultural and heritage whiskey tour, in exclusive partnership with Lambay Irish Whiskey Company (LIWC) — with booking enquiries managed by specialist Irish whiskey tour operator, Whiskey Island Tours.

Whether your clients like a bit of history with their mystery, appreciate access to rare and unique experiences or simply enjoy a delicious drop of whiskey: it’s all waiting on Lambay Island.
The VIP Whiskey tour begins at Malahide Marina, where guests hosted by a Lambay Whiskey brand ambassador are ferried to the island via private boat transfer. After being welcomed to the island by members of the Baring family, visitors embark on a guided walking tour around the ancestral home and castle grounds where history and architecture intertwine (along with incredible stories of the family lineage; the wildlife; and the flora and fauna of this secret place).

After the walking tour, it’s time to discover the unique taste of Lambay Irish Whiskey at a three-part tasting masterclass in the quaint surroundings of the island’s Bothy Clubhouse. This tasting includes the stories of the craft process of Lambay Whiskey, the fine art of blending and finishing before a visit to the bonded warehouse called the Sea Cask Room.


Inspired by this special place, triple-distilled Lambay Whiskey is bourbon cask matured, then masterfully blended in hand-selected Cognac casks before being crafted with water from Lambay Island’s Trinity Well. The hand-selected French oak casks are carried across the sea from the world-renowned cellars of Camus, France.

There is no operating distillery on the island (yet!); the whiskey spirit is sourced through an independent Irish distiller before being matured, blended and finished by LIWC. Lambay Whiskey launched in Ireland in 2018 and is now in over 40 markets worldwide as well as Duty Free. There are currently two products in the portfolio with a third to be announced in Spring 2020.

Upgrades are available such as private dining options, overnight accommodation and island safaris, giving guests the opportunity to relax and fully appreciate the wonderful wildlife and nature the island has to offer.

For information on other unique MICE experiences, contact Meet in Ireland.