. Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest working distillery, is also a key tourist attraction where visitors can observe, at first-hand, the traditional craft and skills of making Irish whiskey.
During a tour of the distillery Minister Arlene Foster said: “Tourism plays a central role in the Northern Ireland economy and Bushmills Distillery has become a key part of the tourism experience.
“Visitors travel from across the world to experience the rugged north coast, with its wealth of visitor attractions, and, for many, top of their itinerary is the world famous distillery. Its visitor centre welcomed more than 120,000 visitors in 2006, making it one of Northern Ireland’s most popular attractions.”
Throughout 2008, Bushmills Irish Whiskey is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the original licence to distil whiskey granted to the Bushmills area in 1608 by King James I. In this anniversary year, Bushmills Distillery was also recognised for its Outstanding Contribution to Tourism at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards. This award recognises and celebrates the long history of Bushmills Distillery and its exceptional contribution to tourism in Northern Ireland.
Notes to Editors:
- Bushmills™ Irish Whiskey is made at Ireland’s oldest working distillery in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland. The brand portfolio includes five award-winning whiskeys: Bushmills™ Original, Black Bush™, Bushmills™ Malt 10 yo, Bushmills™ Malt 16 yo and Bushmills™ Malt 21 yo. Bushmills is the only distillery in Ireland to make triple-distilled malt whiskey. This is at the heart of all Bushmills™ whiskeys.
- In 2008 Bushmills™ celebrates the 400th anniversary of the original licence to distil whiskey granted to the Bushmills area in 1608. The distillery will mark the occasion with the release of a limited edition Irish whiskey, Bushmills™ 1608.
- Diageo invested £200million in the acquisition of Bushmills Distillery in 2005. Through an investment programme, £7.5million has been invested in the infrastructure at the distillery to date, to facilitate growth and meet anticipated future demand. The company employs 120 people at the distillery in all areas through distilling, blending, maturation and bottling.
- The Bushmills Distillery received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award’ at the annual Northern Ireland Tourism Awards on 29 May 2008. This award recognises and celebrates the long history of Bushmills Distillery and its contribution to tourism in Northern Ireland.
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