Bushmills Distillery and Coast Tour

This seven-hour tour pairs a 45-minute guided distillery tour at Bushmills (licensed since 1608) with coastal driving and a Giant's Causeway visit. Bushmills is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. The tour includes two drams (small whiskey samples) and a distillery museum walk. Return drive along the north Antrim coast includes a photo stop at Dunluce Castle. Designated driver service available for tourists. Best for whiskey lovers and coastal scenery enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 7 hours. Group size: up to 50. You meet at Crown Liquor Saloon. Key highlights: Bushmills Distillery: world's oldest licensed whiskey producer (established 1608), Two drams (whiskey samples) included in tasting, Guided walk through working copper stills and aging warehouses.

Price: £50

Duration: 7 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: up to 50

Minimum age: 18+ for distillery tasting (under-18s can visit with adults but skip tasting)

Best for: whiskey lovers and coastal scenery enthusiasts

Best time: May–September for dry weather; distillery tours run daily at fixed times (11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm); June–July for longest daylight for photography; avoid November–February for wind and rain

Meeting point: Crown Liquor Saloon

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

10:00am Pick up at Crown Liquor Saloon - Meet outside the bar; coach departs at 10:15am towards Bushmills (60 km, 1.5-hour drive).

11:45am–1:15pm Bushmills Distillery tour and tasting - 45-minute guided walk through copper stills, grain warehouses, and aging casks; two drams included; distillery museum available for extra browsing.

1:30pm–2:30pm Lunch stop in Bushmills village - Free time at pubs and cafés; guide recommends Bushmills Inn for food (£8–12) near the distillery.

3:00pm–4:00pm Giant's Causeway coastal path walk - Shorter walk than full-day tours (30–45 minutes); focus on stone columns and photo opportunities.

4:15pm–5:00pm Dunluce Castle photo stop - 15-minute stop at castle ruins overlooking the coast; no entry included, external viewing only.

5:30pm–7:00pm Return to Belfast and Crown Liquor Saloon - Coach arrives back by 7pm; option to stay for evening drinks at Crown.

The whole experience takes 7 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Crown Liquor Saloon.

• Bushmills Distillery: world's oldest licensed whiskey producer (established 1608)
• Two drams (whiskey samples) included in tasting
• Guided walk through working copper stills and aging warehouses
• Giant's Causeway basalt columns walk
• Dunluce Castle clifftop views
• Accessibility: Distillery tour has several steps and uneven floors (industrial setting); limited wheelchair access. Causeway path on accessible lower walkway. Dunluce Castle viewpoint accessible by car.

What is included: Coach transport from Crown Liquor Saloon, Bushmills Distillery guided tour (45 minutes), Two whiskey drams (small samples), Distillery museum access, Giant's Causeway coastal path access, Dunluce Castle photo stop.

Not included: Meals and drinks (except two whiskey drams), Bushmills gift shop purchases, Extra whiskey bottles for purchase (available at distillery £35–60). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Photo ID (required for distillery entry over 18), Waterproof jacket (coastal wind exposure), Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones and stone paths), Sunglasses and sun protection (no shade at causeway), Cash or card for lunch and whiskey purchases. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May–September for dry weather; distillery tours run daily at fixed times (11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm); June–July for longest daylight for photography; avoid November–February for wind and rain.

Accessibility: Distillery tour has several steps and uneven floors (industrial setting); limited wheelchair access. Causeway path on accessible lower walkway. Dunluce Castle viewpoint accessible by car..

Operator: Whiskey Coast Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Crown Liquor Saloon (0 min (meeting point) walk)

This activity is run by Whiskey Coast Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before; 50% refund 24–48 hours; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Distillery tour has several steps and uneven floors (industrial setting); limited wheelchair access. Causeway path on accessible lower walkway. Dunluce Castle viewpoint accessible by car..

Best time to go: May–September for dry weather; distillery tours run daily at fixed times (11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm); June–July for longest daylight for photography; avoid November–February for wind and rain.

What whiskey will I taste?

Typically Bushmills Original (40% ABV) and Bushmills Black Bush (40% ABV) or similar house blends. Tasting is approximately 30 ml total (two 15 ml drams). Non-drinkers can taste zero-alcohol cider alternative or juice.

Can non-whiskey drinkers do this tour?

Yes. The distillery museum and industrial process are interesting independently of tasting. Younger visitors (under 18) tour the distillery but skip the dram. Non-drinkers receive alternative beverages.

Is there time to buy whiskey at the distillery shop?

Yes. After the tour, approximately 20 minutes is available before lunch departure. Distillery shop sells bottles (£35–120); express shipping to UK available if you prefer not to carry.