Ahascragh Distillery
Located 49 minutes from Claregalway Hotel.
Nestled in the historic village of Ahascragh, County Galway, Ahascragh Distillery is redefining Irish spirits with Ireland’s first zero‑energy emissions distillery. Housed in a lovingly restored 19th‑century mill, this innovative distillery blends traditional craft with cutting‑edge sustainability, offering visitors a memorable experience from grain to glass.
A Celebration of Tradition and Innovation
Ahascragh Distillery was created by husband‑and‑wife team Gareth and Michelle McAllister, who transformed an old stone mill into a modern spirits destination powered entirely by renewable energy sources including wind and solar, paired with high‑temperature heat pumps and energy‑recycling systems. It’s a first for the Irish drinks industry and a powerful example of sustainable production.
What to See and Do
🥃 Distillery Tours & Tastings
Take a guided tour of the state‑of‑the‑art facility to see how premium Irish spirits are made and learn about the sustainability technology that sets Ahascragh apart. Tastings include acclaimed spirits like Clan Colla Irish Whiskey and Xin Gin, perfect for both newcomers and connoisseurs.
🍽 The Clan Colla Restaurant
Enjoy locally inspired dishes paired with house spirits at The Clan Colla Restaurant, where fresh ingredients and great flavours meet in a relaxed setting, ideal after a tour, tasting, or scenic drive through Galway’s countryside.
🌱 Sustainability in Action
Ahascragh isn’t just a distillery, it’s a showcase for what responsible production can look like. With zero emissions, renewable power, water‑sourcing from on‑site wells, and sustainable packaging goals, the team is committed to protecting the environment while crafting exceptional spirits.
📍 Visitor Experience
The upcoming Visitor Centre features historical exhibits celebrating the mill’s heritage and looks ahead to the future of Irish whiskey. Workshops, tastings, and interactive experiences make a visit to Ahascragh Distillery both educational and enjoyable.
Why Stay With Us?
As our guest enjoy all the comforts you would expect from a stylish Irish hotel but with added convenience for those looking to explore Galway City and the surrounding areas. With a direct public transport route stopping outside the hotel on regular intervals. The bus service brings you to Eyre Square where you can travel to Salthill at your leisure and take in the sights along the way.
We offer seasonal packages to our guests with more than just a great night’s sleep. From Gourmet Getaways for those romantic breaks to extended family escapes with overnight accommodation, dinner for the whole family, full breakfast each morning and use of all on-site facilities. If the weather cuts your visit to Salthill short then don’t worry, we have you covered, all guests receive complimentary access to our state of the art Leisure Centre and gym. Just because the fun stops outdoors doesn’t mean we can’t keep it going right here in Claregalway.