The Old Jameson Distillery Dublin and the Jameson Experience at the Old Distillery Midleton Co Cork, both top tourist attractions in Ireland, have announced visitor figures for the first 6 months of 2012 showing a 13% growth compared to the same period last year. A total of 160,500 visitors passed through the doors between 1st January and 31st June, compared to 139,700 visitors in the first half of 2011.
Both attractions are famous for their Jameson guided tours and whiskey tasting tutorials. So far this year, a majority of customers have come from the USA, France, Germany, Britain, and Scandinavia. The Midleton attraction has also seen a growth of domestic visitors, with more families now holidaying in the Cork area.
John Callely, Managing Director, Watercourse Distillery, which operates Irish Distillers’ visitor centres, says: “We are delighted to announce the increase in visitors to both Jameson visitor centres in Cork and Dublin. We strive to make our visitor centres more than tours, but a place to visit, eat and enjoy the atmosphere. We welcome visitors from all sectors – the individual visitor, tour groups of all sizes and corporate groups who use both facilities as offsite gala dinner venues.”
John Callely added: “It is very encouraging that our visitor numbers continue to increase, especially in the current economic climate. Our passion is to ensure visitors get the whole Jameson experience. We believe there is something very special about the Old Jameson Distillery and the Jameson Experience which is appreciated by both tourists and locals alike. Bookings look very strong for the remainder of the year, but we also look forward to further growth next year in welcoming visitors from far and near to special events in these venues as part of The Gathering 2013.”
Tours in both centres cost just €13 for adults and include a guided tour through the Distillery, which culminates in the tasting bar for a signature Jameson drink (soft drinks also available). From April to October ‘The Shindig,’ which is an Irish night, runs at the Dublin centre every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and includes a guided tour, four course meal and live entertainment of Irish music, song and dance.
