Connacht Whiskey Company: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Updated: Oct 27
Connacht Distillery in Ballina revived whiskey distilling in County Mayo after more than 150 years. Its story is important because it began with sourced whiskey brands before producing, maturing and releasing its own Connacht single malt.
In this guide
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Connacht Whiskey Company at a glance
Distillery fact | Details |
|---|---|
Location | Ballina, County Mayo |
Country | Ireland |
Region | County Mayo |
Founded | Founded 2014; first distillation 2016; own whisky first released 2021 |
People | Connacht Whiskey Company investors and master distiller Robert Cassell |
Reference whisky | Connacht Single Malt Batch 1 |
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The history of Connacht Whiskey Company
The Connacht team developed a new distillery in Ballina on a former bakery site, investing roughly €10 million into the production facilities. Distillation began in 2016 and mature casks were laid down to create the first locally distilled whisky in generations.
In August 2021 it launched Connacht Single Malt Batch 1, the first core bottle from the distillery's own matured spirit. Earlier Ballyhoo and Spade & Bushel brands were sourced products and should be distinguished from the 2021 Connacht-distilled whisky.
Owners and founders
Connacht Whiskey Company investors and master distiller Robert Cassell. Current status and ownership can differ from the founding story, as noted where appropriate.
Grains, distillation and maturation
The single malt is produced with Irish malted barley and pot still distillation. The initial release combines maturation in ex-bourbon barrels with a further Oloroso sherry cask stage.
The producer also makes other spirits such as poitín and gin. These are distinct categories and should not be confused with age-stated single malt.
Connacht Whiskey Company whisky range
Below are genuine released whisky expressions. Historic bottles and batch-specific strengths should be checked before ordering. No Whisky Clan tasting has been carried out for this research guide.
Connacht Single Malt Batch 1
First core whisky from the distillery's own spirit, bottled in 2021.
Connacht Single Malt later batches
Successive cask variations and batches with distinct bottling specifications.
Ballyhoo and Spade & Bushel
Earlier sourced whiskey brands from the business.
Pictured: Connacht Single Malt Batch 1. This is a real producer bottle, rather than a stock illustration.
Awards and key milestones
The first 2021 release represents the major milestone in returning whisky making to Mayo. Individual competition awards should be verified by bottle and year.
Visiting Connacht Whiskey Company
The Ballina distillery has offered tours and tastings. Check current availability and age restrictions with the operator before travelling.
Visitor sessions, opening days and availability can change. Check with the actual operator before travel.
Explore more whisky producers
Read our Glenfiddich guide for a comparison with traditional Scotch malt production.
Explore more Whisky Clan distilleries
Lough Mask Distillery — Mayo, Connacht
Achill Island Distillery (IrishAmerican) — Connacht (County Mayo)
Ahascragh Distillery — Galway, Connacht
Ardara Distillery (Sliabh Liag Distillers) — Donegal, Ulster
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Connacht Whiskey Company?
Ballina, County Mayo
When did it begin?
Founded 2014; first distillation 2016; own whisky first released 2021
What is the reference whisky?
Connacht Single Malt Batch 1. The article above covers other releases.
Can I visit?
The Ballina distillery has offered tours and tastings. Check current availability and age restrictions with the operator before travelling.
Sources and image credits
Research checked 23 October 2026. Outbound links are listed at the bottom after the article.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches whisky producers and bottle releases and welcomes corrections with reliable sources.
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