From the Bluegrass to the Emerald Isle: Why Mint Julep Experiences Expanded to Ireland
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Apr 19, 2025
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At Mint Julep Experiences, we’ve always believed that great storytelling begins with a good pour and ends with unforgettable memories. For more than a decade, we've led bourbon lovers on immersive, behind-the-scenes journeys across Kentucky and Tennessee—introducing them to the distillers, makers, and master craftsmen behind America’s native spirit. Our curated experiences along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail have become a hallmark for spirit seekers around the world.
Now, we’re raising a glass to something new—and something old. We’re proud to introduce our newest adventure: Ireland Whiskey Tours. We’re taking the same level of passion, authenticity, and storytelling that defines our U.S. tours and bringing it across the Atlantic to the birthplace of whiskey itself.
Why Ireland?
When people ask us why we chose Ireland as the next destination for Mint Julep Experiences, the answer comes easily: because it just makes sense. The connection between Kentucky and Ireland runs deep—through culture, heritage, craft, and community. Ireland isn’t just a destination. For us, it’s a homecoming of sorts.
Centuries ago, Irish and Scots-Irish immigrants arrived in the hills of Appalachia and Eastern Kentucky. They brought with them the skills, knowledge, and passion for distilling that would become the foundation for what we now know as Kentucky Bourbon. It wasn’t just about whiskey—it was about survival, self-reliance, and preserving their cultural identity in a new world.
One remarkable example of this shared heritage is the story of Mary Dowling. Often referred to as the “Mother of Bourbon,” she was born Mary Murphy to Irish immigrant parents in Kentucky. Her husband, also Irish-born, passed away young, leaving Mary to run their distillery business during the onset of Prohibition. Defying the odds and the law, she smuggled her stills to Mexico and kept producing bourbon. Today, her legacy is being honored by Rabbit Hole Distillery through their Mary Dowling Bourbon—a fitting tribute to her resilience and her Irish-American roots, and a story often highlighted on our Kentucky bourbon tours.
A Shared Spirit Between Ireland and Kentucky
The more you look, the more similarities you find between Ireland and Kentucky. While they are separated by oceans, they are united by spirit—both the kind in a bottle and the kind you feel in your soul.
Whiskey and Whisky Traditions
Ireland is one of the oldest whiskey-producing countries in the world. Names like Bushmills Distillery, Midleton Distillery, Jameson Distillery, and Teeling Distillery have helped shape a global appreciation for the spirit. In Kentucky, the traditions of bourbon are held with just as much pride—especially along the famed Bourbon Trail—with iconic names like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve.
There are also some unexpected business ties. Brown-Forman, the Kentucky-based parent company of Old Forester and Woodford Reserve, owns Slane Distillery in County Meath. And Sazerac, makers of Buffalo Trace, now owns Paddy Irish Whiskey. These aren’t just symbolic links—they’re real investments that reflect a shared future between two whiskey worlds.
Horse Culture
Horse racing and breeding are pillars of life in both Ireland and Kentucky. In Lexington, you’ll find Keeneland and countless thoroughbred farms spread across the Bluegrass. In Ireland, Punchestown, the Curragh and Leopardstown host world-class races, while the countryside is dotted with paddocks and training yards.
Both places see horses not just as sport, but as legacy. The bond between horse and human is celebrated, and equestrian excellence is a mark of national pride. Ireland, just like Kentucky, is Horse Country.
Music and Storytelling
Ireland is a land of storytellers, and Kentucky is no different. Traditional Irish music, with its fiddles, pipes, and heartfelt lyrics, resonates deeply with the roots of Appalachian bluegrass. The instruments may change slightly, but the themes are familiar—love, loss, home, and resilience.
In both places, music is a community. It’s how stories are passed down and how history lives on. Whether you’re sipping a pint in a cozy Irish pub or enjoying live bluegrass at a Louisville bar, you’ll feel the same spirit of connection.
Scenic Beauty
It’s no wonder both Ireland and Kentucky are beloved by travelers and photographers. Kentucky’s rolling hills, winding roads, and historic farmlands offer the same kind of serenity and splendor as Ireland’s emerald coastlines, rugged cliffs, and ancient stone villages.
You can stand at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher or on a hill in horse country and feel a similar sense of awe. Nature is a big part of the charm in both destinations, and it’s often the backdrop to the best travel memories.
Warm Hospitality and Deep Roots
There’s something special about the people in Kentucky and Ireland. It’s the warmth, the welcome, the willingness to share a laugh or a drink with a stranger. It’s an unspoken promise that if you visit, you’ll be treated like family.
In Louisville, you can explore the historic Limerick neighborhood, once home to a large Irish immigrant community, and dive into archives of the Kentucky Irish American newspaper. These stories remind us that Irish identity is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Bluegrass State.
Launching Ireland Whiskey Tours
With all these connections, it was only a matter of time before we expanded our footprint to Ireland. Through Ireland Whiskey Tours, we’re building on the success of our Kentucky bourbon tours and Tennessee whiskey tours, and bringing our signature Mint Julep approach—immersive storytelling, exceptional hospitality, and insider access—to one of the most beautiful whiskey regions in the world.
Our tours are designed for travelers who want more than just a tasting room. We create full experiences that blend whiskey education with cultural exploration, scenic wonder, and unforgettable flavors. From iconic stops like Jameson Distillery, Teeling Distillery, and Bushmills Distillery to hidden gems along the way, we’re offering a new way to see Ireland—through the lens of whiskey. Whether it’s your first time in Ireland or your fifth, we’re offering a new way to see the country—through the lens of whiskey.
Each itinerary is handcrafted to highlight the best of Irish whiskey and Irish life. Guests can expect:
- Exclusive tastings and behind-the-scenes tours at distilleries like Midleton, Slane, Roe & Co, Bushmills, Pearse Lyons, and more
- Cultural experiences like the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, and Dublin’s historic neighborhoods
- Visits to artisan producers, local breweries, and culinary hotspots—along legendary whiskey destinations like Jameson Distillery, Teeling Distillery, and Bushmills Distillery—round out an unforgettable Irish experience
- Luxury transportation, carefully selected 4-star hotels, and expert guides
- Optional activities like jaunting car rides, guided hikes, and live music sessions
Whether you're a bourbon aficionado tracing your spirit’s roots or simply a traveler curious about Irish whiskey, our tours are designed to deliver stories you’ll remember—and drinks you’ll savor.
The Mint Julep Way
What makes a Mint Julep tour different isn’t just the itinerary—it’s how we deliver it. Whether it’s our Kentucky Bourbon Tours or Tennessee Whiskey Tours,or our new Ireland Whiskey Tours, our guides are passionate storytellers. Our partners are masters of their craft. And our guests come away feeling like insiders, not just observers.
We believe in quality over quantity. That’s why our tours are limited to small groups or private bookings, ensuring a more personalized and engaging experience. From handpicked accommodations to curated pairings and hidden gems, every detail is designed to reflect the same high standards we’ve maintained in Kentucky and Tennessee for over a decade.
We also collaborate closely with local Irish businesses, distilleries, and artists to ensure that our tours support the communities we visit. We’re proud to be building something that celebrates Ireland’s heritage while creating meaningful connections for travelers.
More Than a Tour—A Connection
Expanding to Ireland isn’t just about geography. It’s about connecting two places that share a legacy. It’s about honoring the past while creating something new. And it’s about giving our guests a chance to explore the deeper meaning behind the spirits they enjoy.
For our longtime fans in Kentucky and the U.S., it’s an opportunity to see where it all began. For our new friends in Ireland and Europe, it’s a chance to experience the Mint Julep magic firsthand. No matter where you’re coming from, this is a journey worth taking.
Join Us on the Emerald Isle
From Louisville to Limerick, Lexington to Cork, and Bardstown to Belfast, we invite you to raise a glass with us. Let’s explore distilleries where stories flow as freely as the spirits. Let’s walk the same paths that once carried smugglers, poets, rebels, and whiskey makers. Let’s rediscover what it means to travel with intention, curiosity, and joy.
Ireland Whiskey Tours is more than a vacation—it’s a tribute to the people and places that make whiskey worth celebrating. Come for the whiskey, stay for the stories, and leave with memories that last a lifetime.
Sláinte and cheers to wherever the road may lead.
👉 Learn more about Ireland Whiskey Tours - https://www.irelandwhiskeytours.com/
