Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers: County Donegal
Updated: 9 hours ago
Ardara Distillery (Sliabh Liag Distillers) is listed in the Whisky Clan Distilleries collection as a distillery in Ardara, County Donegal, in Ulster, Ireland.
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Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers at a glance
Quick fact | Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers |
|---|---|
Distillery / producer | Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers |
Location | County Donegal |
Research overview | Ardara Distillery (Sliabh Liag Distillers) is listed in the Whisky Clan Distilleries collection as a distillery in Ardara, County Donegal, in Ulster, Ireland. |
Whisky Clan guide | History, production, bottles and visitor information |
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History and production
Donegal revival in Ardara
The Ardara Distillery says it is a revival of the whiskey making traditions of north-west Ireland, based on the Show Field in the coastal town of Ardara. Co-founder James Doherty says his grandfather was an illicit distiller in Donegal a century ago, and that the distillery makes grain-in, heavily peated, triple distilled whiskey.
Stills: three copper stills from Forsyths of Scotland
Head distiller: Graeme Bell
Company: Sliabh Liag Distillers, founded by James and Moira Doherty
Range: Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey, An Dulaman Gin and Frank Carr's Irish Poitin
Cover photograph: Ardara Distillery modern stillhouse with glass facade in County Donegal. Image source: Lough Eske Castle Hotel. Reuse licence or permission not confirmed.
Photograph source: Lough Eske Castle Hotel
Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers whisky bottles and expressions
The Silkie bottlings are Sliabh Liag's wider whiskey portfolio, while the 2026 Ardara Single Malt and limited Sliabh Liag Single Malt relate more directly to the new distillery. Don't imply every blended Silkie bottle was distilled in Ardara.
Bottle or expression | Documented style or detail |
|---|---|
Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey 2026 | Heavily peated Donegal single malt, 2026 edition |
The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey | Sliabh Liag blended whiskey brand |
The Legendary Dark Silkie | Smoke-led Silkie expression |
The Legendary Midnight Silkie | Darkest smoke-focused Silkie blend |
Rare, limited and historic whisky releases
These are producer-documented collector editions, annual batches or limited bottlings. Inclusion does not imply that they are still in stock.
Limited expression | What makes it notable |
|---|---|
Ardara Single Malt Cask Strength 2026 | Higher-proof 2026 Ardara edition |
The Legendary Red Silkie Pomerol | Pomerol-cask-influenced expression |
The Legendary Ruby Silkie | Special bottling within the Silkie series |
Sliabh Liag Single Malt Founder's Release | 139 × 500ml bottles; inaugural regional distillation release |
Visiting Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers
If you plan to visit, check current opening times and any tour bookings with the distillery before travelling. Availability can change.
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Frequently asked questions about Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers
Where is Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers?
The available research places the producer in County Donegal.
What is known about its background?
Ardara Distillery (Sliabh Liag Distillers) is listed in the Whisky Clan Distilleries collection as a distillery in Ardara, County Donegal, in Ulster, Ireland.
Which whisky expressions does Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers produce or bottle?
The guide lists Ardara Single Malt Irish Whiskey 2026, Ardara Single Malt Cask Strength 2026, The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey, The Legendary Dark Silkie. See the bottle and rare release tables for verified details.
Can I visit Ardara Distillery and Sliabh Liag Distillers?
Check current visitor access and tour arrangements directly with the producer before travelling.
Sources and further reading
Further source read on 21 October 2026: The Ardara Distillery history page.
Producer bottle range and product details:
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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