We’re delighted to introduce our newest combo experience: the Belfast Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour plus an exclusive visit to the legendary McConnell’s Distillery — all at a special discounted rate. This is the perfect way to see the city and then step inside one of Ireland’s most historic whisky brands. Included in McConnell’s Signature Tour is a welcome drink (McConnell’s 5 Year with ginger ale), a guided walk through the distillery where you’ll hear the brand’s remarkable story, and a tasting of three unique spirits: McConnell’s Single Malt New Make Spirit, McConnell’s 5-Year-Old Blend, and McConnell’s Sherry Cask Finish. The full experience lasts 50 minutes and is suitable for all ages, with the tasting reserved for guests 18+.
McConnell’s is no ordinary whisky — it’s a name steeped in history. Founded in 1776, before the “e” was even added to Irish whiskey, McConnell’s has always been a pioneer. The brand began with Hugh McConnell, a grocer and spirit dealer, and was later carried forward by his widow Eleanor while raising their young family. By the late 1800s, Ireland was producing 70% of the world’s whisky, and McConnell’s was at the heart of this golden era. To keep up with demand, Hugh’s sons, John and James, built the impressive Cromac Distillery on Belfast’s Ravenhill Road in 1899.
Though the brothers faced huge challenges — including devastating fires in 1907 and 1909, and ultimately U.S. Prohibition in the 1930s — their resilience cemented McConnell’s as a name synonymous with quality and tradition. Now, the brand is back and stronger than ever.
In 2024, McConnell’s opened its stunning new distillery inside the historic A Wing of Crumlin Road Gaol – transforming an old Victorian prison into our award-winning state of the art Irish Whisky distillery in the heart of Belfast. In just 18 months, McConnell’s Distillery has welcomed over 25,000 visitors and counting. When visitors arrrive, they are treated to a McConnell’s and Ginger welcome drink – a little-known fact is that ginger ale was also invented right here in Belfast, making it the perfect complement to a McConnell’s 5 year – both proudly ‘Belfast Born’!
With a production capacity of 500,000 litres of pure alcohol each year, the distillery is as innovative as it is authentic. The distinctive McConnell’s bottle even pays tribute to the past, shaped like the old medicine bottles once used when whisky was advertised as a tonic. Since its relaunch the brand is already available in over 40 markets worldwide, winning 49 Global Whisky Industry Awards along the way.
Better still, you can visit this remarkable distillery at Stop 18 on our Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour. And with our combo ticket, you’ll save money while enjoying the very best of Belfast — history, heritage, and a taste of world-class whisky.
McConnell's Whiskey and Belfast City Sightseeing combo tour
We can be contacted by email at info@citysightseeingbelfast.com or through our tour office on +44 (0)28 90 321321. We look forward to seeing you soon!
