History of Birr Whiskey

Whiskey distilling in Birr has a long and storied past, dating back to at least the early 19th century. At its peak, the town was home to multiple distilleries, producing high-quality whiskey that was renowned across Ireland and beyond.

Early Distilling in Birr

By 1818, Birr had become the whiskey distilling hub of County Offaly, with two major distilleries in operation: Robert Robinson’s distillery on Castle Street and Michael Hackett’s distillery at Elmgrove. A third, older distillery, near what is now Mill Island Park, also played a role in the town’s whiskey heritage. The military barracks at Crinkill likely contributed to the growing demand for locally produced whiskey.

During the early 19th century, Birr distilleries were key players in Ireland’s whiskey industry. In 1832, Robinson and Hackett’s distilleries alone accounted for over 135,000 proof gallons of whiskey, placing Birr among the leading whiskey-producing towns in the country.

The Rise and Fall of Birr’s Whiskey Industry

As the 19th century progressed, the industry faced significant challenges. The temperance movement, led by figures like Father Mathew, impacted whiskey sales. By the late 1840s, the Castle Street distillery had ceased operations, and by the 1860s, the Hackett distillery had passed into the hands of the Wallace brothers, who modernized and expanded production.

At its peak in the 1880s, the Wallace distillery produced approximately 200,000 proof gallons per year, employing 40 workers and contributing significantly to the local economy. However, tragedy struck in March 1889, when a devastating fire destroyed much of the distillery. Despite efforts to revive the business, including a proposal for a locally funded company, the distillery never reopened.

The closure of Birr’s last distillery marked the end of an era. The town’s economy suffered further setbacks with the closure of the military barracks in 1922 and the workhouse in 1921, contributing to a long period of economic decline.

A Legacy That Endures

Though whiskey production ceased in Birr over a century ago, its legacy lives on. The remnants of the town’s distilleries, including The Maltings on Castle Street and parts of the Elmgrove distillery, still stand today as a testament to Birr’s rich distilling history.

As Ireland’s whiskey industry experiences a resurgence, the story of Birr’s distilleries remains an important chapter in the history of Irish whiskey.