Lough Gill Distillery (Sligo)
Updated: 6 hours ago
Lough Gill Distillery is an Irish whiskey distillery at Hazelwood Demesne in Sligo, on the shores of Lough Gill in the north west of Ireland. It is the home of the Athrú single malt Irish whiskey brand.
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Lough Gill at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Producer / distillery | Lough Gill |
Location | County Sligo, Ireland |
Ownership | Sazerac Company following 2022 acquisition |
History / origin | The Irish Examiner names David Raethorne as the founder of Lough Gill Distillery. He said the preservation work done on Hazelwood House had saved it from dereliction. A 2021 piece on Malt Fascination… |
Whisky characteristics | Sligo estate and whisky brand, with different historic and current production |
Visiting | Consult current official visitor information; not every distillery is open to tours. |
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Where is Lough Gill Distillery?
The distillery is at Hazelwood Avenue, Sligo, F91 N2A0. TripAdvisor describes it as located in Hazelwood Demesne, a 300 year old estate on the banks of Lough Gill on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Founder and early years
The Irish Examiner names David Raethorne as the founder of Lough Gill Distillery. He said the preservation work done on Hazelwood House had saved it from dereliction. A 2021 piece on Malt Fascination describes the brand as bottling whiskey bought from other distilleries while also creating its own spirit.
Sazerac acquisition
On 20 June 2022 Hazelwood Demesne Ltd, the owner of the distillery, announced that US spirits company Sazerac would acquire the distillery and the Athrú brand.
Sazerac planned to develop the site of over 100 acres into a whiskey facility and visitor attraction, aiming for about 150,000 visitors a year, and to increase distillery and warehouse capacity.
The company said all current team members would remain. Sazerac also owns Paddy and Michael Collins Irish whiskeys, per the same report.
A possible rebrand
A Reddit post from 2025 says Sazerac rebranded the former Lough Gill Distillery as Hawk's Rock Distillery. We have not confirmed this from an official source, so check current naming before visiting.
Sources
Sources: Irish Examiner, 20 June 2022; The Whiskey Wash, 20 June 2022; Golden Pages Ireland listing; TripAdvisor listing; Malt Fascination, 24 August 2021; Reddit r/irishwhiskey (unconfirmed rebrand). Read on 21 October 2026.
What makes Lough Gill distinctive?
Sligo estate and whisky brand, with different historic and current production
Lough Gill whisky bottles and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Athrú Annacoona Single Malt | NAS / edition varies | Check label | Sligo estate and whisky brand, with different historic and current production |
Athrú Knocknarea Single Malt | NAS / edition varies | Check label | Sligo estate and whisky brand, with different historic and current production |
Named expressions include historic or limited releases and do not guarantee current availability, strength or specifications. Check the producer's labels.
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Frequently asked questions about Lough Gill
Where is Lough Gill located?
County Sligo, Ireland.
Who owns or operates Lough Gill?
Sazerac Company following 2022 acquisition.
What is distinctive about Lough Gill?
Sligo estate and whisky brand, with different historic and current production
What whisky is associated with Lough Gill?
Athrú Annacoona Single Malt, Athrú Knocknarea Single Malt. Current availability must be checked.
Can you tour Lough Gill?
Please check the producer's current visitor information; not all locations welcome visitors.
Sources and editorial checks
Existing history and sources are retained above. Ownership, operating status, bottlings and tours may change.
Photograph shows the historical Hazelwood House estate rather than the operational stillhouse.
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Cover photograph: Lough Gill Distillery site and Hazelwood House at Sligo, aerial view. Source: Irish Examiner. Photographer's original ownership and image reuse permission are not confirmed unless separately stated.
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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