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Why is Roe & Co Distillery a must-visit attraction?

If you’re spending time in Dublin and want something that feels local, creative, and a little unexpected, Roe & Co Distillery fits right in. Set in a former power station in the Liberties, this working distillery blends old industrial character with a very modern approach to Irish whiskey.

What stands out straight away is how personal the visit feels. Instead of long lectures or technical deep dives, the focus is on flavour, conversation, and experimentation. Guides talk you through how Roe & Co whiskey is made, but always in a relaxed, easy-to-follow way that makes sense even if you’re new to the topic.

The setting adds a lot to the atmosphere. Exposed brick walls, steel beams, and open-plan spaces give the distillery an urban edge, while the stills and blending areas remind you that real production happens here.

From guided tastings to interactive flavour workshops, Roe & Co is designed to be social and engaging. It’s easy to reach from central Dublin, well-paced, and welcoming, whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or as part of a short city break.

What to do at Roe & Co Distillery?

Go on a guided distillery experience

You’ll join a 45-min guided experience led by a live host who walks you through the building’s past and its present as a working distillery. In a small group of no more than 16 guests, you’ll see the stills up close and hear how Roe & Co brings a historic Dublin whiskey name into the modern day.

Take part in a personalised whiskey tasting

This is where things slow down and get more hands-on. You’ll enjoy a guided tasting of three premium Roe & Co whiskeys, paired with artisan confectionery created by Irish chocolatier Tara Gartlan. The host tailors the tasting to the group, helping you notice flavour, texture, and balance without making it feel technical.

Create your own unique cocktail

Rather than just watching, you’ll get to make something yourself. Depending on the experience you choose, this could mean crafting your own whiskey cocktail or experimenting with a custom blend, guided step by step, so it feels fun and approachable.

Relax at the Power House Bar

Your visit naturally flows into the Power House Bar, where you can sample a seasonal whiskey cocktail or one of Roe & Co’s signature serves. The industrial setting, open layout, and relaxed pace make it an easy place to sit back and chat after your guided session.

Brief history of Roe & Co Distillery

The Roe distilling story began in 1757, when Peter Roe acquired a small distillery on Thomas Street in Dublin’s Liberties. Under George Roe, it grew into Europe’s largest distillery by the 1880s, exporting Irish whiskey worldwide during the industry’s golden age.

Dublin’s whiskey industry later declined, and the original Roe distillery closed in 1926. The name was revived in 2017, with a new distillery opening in a former Guinness power station, blending Dublin’s distilling heritage with modern production, visitor experiences, and a creative, social approach.

Who built and designed the Roe & Co Distillery experience?

The Roe & Co Distillery experience was commissioned by Diageo Ireland and designed by RKD Architects, who repurposed the 1946 Guinness Power Station into a working distillery. Original brick, steel, and industrial features were retained, while open layouts, clear sightlines, and thoughtfully designed tasting and social spaces create an intuitive and immersive visitor journey.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Roe & Co Distillery

Most experiences last between 45 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on whether you choose a guided tasting or a flavour workshop.