Located on the edge of the picturesque town of Drumshanbo (eight miles from Carrick-on-Shannon), The Shed Distillery stands as an example of a business born out of love and determination. Now in its tenth year, this popular destination invites both Irish visitors and those from abroad to embark on a journey of taste and discovery. From distillery tours to the charming Jackalope Café, The Shed promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
A Distillery with a Story
At the heart of Drumshanbo, The Shed Distillery boasts more than just exceptional spirits; it tells a tale of craftsmanship and passion. The first distillery in Connacht in over 101 years, The Shed was founded in 2014 by P.J. Rigney, an experienced entrepreneur with a passion for crafting unique spirits who, inspired by his travels and a deep-rooted interest in alchemy, established the distillery as a place where traditional distillation methods would meet innovation.
The philosophy behind The Shed is centered around curiosity and exploration, evident in its flagship product, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, which combines oriental botanicals with Irish ingredients. The Shed is known for its commitment to authenticity, using copper pot stills and traditional methods to create spirits that are both innovative and deeply connected to their Irish heritage.
Distillery Tours: Where Craft Meets Culture
Distillery tours (which take approx 1.5hrs) provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the meticulous art of creating their award-winning gins and whiskies. The journey unfolds amid copper stills, wooden barrels, and the heady aroma of botanicals as you gain insights into the distillation process and the dedication that goes into each batch.
Knowledgeable guides lead you through the process, from botanical selection to the intricacies of distillation, making each visit an educational and immersive adventure and an ideal group activity on your Carrick-on-Shannon hen or stag party. The tours cater to both connoisseurs and curious minds, making it an enriching experience for all.
Shed Distillery tours are very popular with visitors to the area, so advance booking is advised (via thesheddistillery.com. or talk to Philip when booking your Carrick Self Catering acommodation).
Tasting the Artistry
No visit to The Shed is complete without sampling the wares! Your fully-guided tour will include a tasting of Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey with one of The Shed’s expert ambassadors and finish with a refreshing Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Tonic at the Honey Badger bar in the distillery’s majestic botanical glasshouse (above).
The Jackalope Café
Adjacent to the distillery, the Jackalope Café is the perfect spot for a group lunch or a coffee with friends after your tour and tasting. The menu, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, offers a delightful blend of traditional Irish flavours and contemporary twists, including dishes that pair perfectly with The Shed’s renowned spirits. in a charming and imaginative space that reflects the spirit of the distillery itself. Keep an eye out for the café elusive namesake, the Drumshanbo jackalope!
What sets The Shed Distillery apart is not just its premium creations but also the warm hospitality that greets every visitor. The staff’s passion for their craft and genuine eagerness to share their knowledge create an inviting atmosphere, ensuring that each guest feels like part of the distillery. It’s no surprise that in just 10 years The Shed has become renowned both as producers of some of the best craft spirits Ireland has to offer, as well as one of Leitrim’s top tourist attractions for all it offers visitors.
