Clonakilty Distillery: The Scully Family and the Atlantic Coast
Updated: 20 hours ago
Clonakilty Distillery sits on the edge of the coastal town of Clonakilty in County Cork, on Ireland’s south-west coast. It was created by the Scully family, who the distillery says have farmed the same land for nine successive generations.
In this guide
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Clonakilty at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | Clonakilty |
Country and region | County Cork, Ireland |
Ownership / operator | Scully family |
History | See the original researched history below. |
Whisky identity | Family-run coastal distillery with changing sourced and own-distilled whiskey releases. |
Visiting | Check the producer's latest official tour and opening information before travelling. |
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A farm family and a big idea
The official story names Michael Scully as founder and the man who thought up the idea. Padraic and Helen Scully are also described as founders. The family says it set out to improve Irish whiskey by using natural elements in a more sustainable way, including a heritage barley strain grown on its own land and water drawn from a deep artesian well.
How it is made
Barley comes from the family farm or from local farmers in Co. Cork.
Fermentation runs for over 100 hours, which the distillery says is well beyond the industry standard.
The spirit is triple distilled in long-necked stills.
New make is diluted with spring water from the distillery’s artesian well before filling.
Single pot still whiskey matures in a warehouse overlooking the Atlantic, and the distillery says the maritime air shapes the casks.
Bottling is done in-house, with strength adjusted gradually over up to two weeks.
The distillery also describes using unmalted as well as malted barley, and a method it calls the gentle cut.
The range and visiting
The collection includes whiskey, Minke Irish Gin and Minke Irish Vodka. The distillery runs guided tours and tastings, and the site notes it is a certified B Corp. Check the official site for tour times and prices.
A Scully family farm distillery
Whiskybase says Clonakilty Distillery was founded by the Scully family in West Cork, which also grows its own barley on the family farm. A design agency note dates the founding to 2016, and RTE reported in March 2019 that the distillery opened that month as Ireland's 23rd, up from four in 2013.
Focus: single pot still Irish whiskey, with Michael Scully as CEO
Heritage: Scully has spoken about reviving a historic grain
Certification: listed as a B Corp
Galley Head and the move into single malt
In November 2021 Clonakilty Distillery launched Galley Head, a single malt named after the Galley Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1875 and stands 53 metres above the Atlantic just outside the town. Cork Beo reported it as a core expression at 40% ABV.
Head distiller Paul Corbett said the team chose single malt to make a full flavoured, barley forward whiskey. According to the same report, the malt was finished in two cask types: a re-shaved, re-toasted wine cask and a freshly disgorged Bordeaux red wine cask.
Where it sells and who can visit
The 2021 report said the distillery exported to 15 US states and two Canadian provinces, as well as the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Japan and Russia. It also noted a visitor centre, tours and an on-site restaurant.
Sources differ on the opening date. Cork Beo describes the distillery as enjoying success since opening in 2018, while an RTE report of March 2019 treated it as newly opened that month. We have kept both statements rather than choosing one. The official site is clonakiltydistillery.ie.
Sources and gaps
Sources: clonakiltydistillery.ie home page and Our Story page.
Gaps: founding and opening years, still sizes, capacity, individual whiskey ABVs, awards and tour prices were not stated on the pages read.
Further source read on 21 October 2026: RTE report of 5 March 2019 and Whiskybase.
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Cork Beo, 10 November 2021 (updated 24 November 2021), on the Galley Head single malt launch.
What makes Clonakilty distinctive?
Family-run coastal distillery with changing sourced and own-distilled whiskey releases.
Clonakilty whisky bottles and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Clonakilty Double Oak | NAS / varies | Check label | Family-run coastal distillery with changing sourced and own-distilled whiskey releases. |
Clonakilty Port Cask | NAS / varies | Check label | Family-run coastal distillery with changing sourced and own-distilled whiskey releases. |
This table describes documented expressions. It does not guarantee current stock, age statements or strengths. Check producer labels for details.
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Frequently asked questions about Clonakilty
Where is Clonakilty based?
County Cork, Ireland.
Who operates Clonakilty?
Scully family.
What distinguishes Clonakilty?
Family-run coastal distillery with changing sourced and own-distilled whiskey releases.
Which bottlings are documented?
Clonakilty Double Oak, Clonakilty Port Cask. Some editions may be historical.
Can you visit Clonakilty?
Please check whether tours are currently operating and book through the producer before travelling.
Sources and editorial checks
Original research and historical notes have been retained. Visitor details, owners and bottle ranges may change.
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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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