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Antrim to Ardbeg

7 Days

19th-26th September, 2026

Overview

Join the Irish Whiskey Experiences Team for a x7 night Irish & Scottish whiskey adventure from the 19th-26th September, 2026!

In 2026, we’re on a mission to take you into the Anam (soul) of Irish whiskey, the land, the water, the people & traditions that have endured for centuries to form a story of heritage, craftsmanship & place like no other.

We’ll take you from the rugged coastlines of Ireland’s Antrim Coast to the peaty heart of Islay, as we explore legendary distilleries, hidden gems & the vibrant people behind the world’s finest spirits.

From staying in Ireland’s first whiskey hotel, to sipping whiskey drawn from the cask in Ardbeg, taking over Ireland’s oldest thatched pub for music & whiskey & soaking up Belfast’s rich distilling history.

Want to join us? Places on board the Whiskey Bus open on a first come, first serve basis on Friday June 20th at 7pm EST/midnight Irish time.

Cost per person sharing is €3950, which can be paid across monthly instalments of €335. A single supplement of €750 applies & is paid on final instalment. Full payment is required in August 2026.

*Disclaimer: all events, experiences & personalities are subject to change at the last moment where factors out of our control may require a change. In such a case, an appropriate alternative as chosen by Irish Whiskey Experiences will be substituted in its stead.

Trip Highlights

  • Stay at Ireland's First Whiskey Hotel, the Harbourview
  • Dine with Harbourview Hotel owners & founders of Outwalker & Limavady Irish Whiskey
  • Enjoy music, whiskey & food in Ireland's oldest thatched pub, Crosskeys Inn
  • Savour some of the world's oldest & best single malts at the Old Bushmills Distillery
  • Immerse yourself in Islay, Scotland, with some of the world's best known brands
  • Sip whiskeys drawn directly from the cask in Islay
  • Learn about Belfast's rich distilling history
  • Sip sherry & whiskey in the warehouse at Echlinville Distillery
  • Have a disco in the docks with Titanic Distillers

Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday 19th September :
Welcome to Ireland's First Whiskey Hotel

Group collection at Dublin Airport

Stop at J.J. Sheehy’s for pints & a light lunch

Check into the Harbourview Hotel, Ireland’s First Whiskey Hotel for x4 nights

Welcome dinner with Adrian McLaughlin & Darryl McNally, Hotel Owners & Founders  of Outwalker & Limavady Irish Whiskey

Dinner
Day 2 - Sunday 20th September :
Copeland at Crosskeys

Enjoy a leisurely morning

Travel to the Crosskeys Inn, Ireland’s oldest thatched pub, for an afternoon of music & whiskey

Gareth Irvine, Founder of Copeland Distillery & Global Brand Ambassador Mick McKeown will host an exclusive whiskey tasting with special pours

Return to hotel for dinner at leisure

Evening tasting with Darryl McNally, Founder of Limavady Irish Whiskey for some special drams from his own collection

Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to the home of single malt Irish whiskey – The Old Bushmills Distillery

Draw whiskey directly from the cask deep in a warehouse

Sample several spectacular single malts, including distillery exclusives & the limited edition Causeway Collection

Lunch at the Bushmills Inn

A ‘whiskey on the rocks’ at UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway

Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure

Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Tuesday 22nd September :
From Antrim to Ardbeg - Boat Trip to Islay

Travel to Ballycastle to catch our private charter to Islay, Scotland

Enjoy stunning scenery en route, including Rathlin Island

Enjoy morning whiskys & a tour at Ardbeg Distillery

Travel to a peat bog with a peat expert to learn about its role in whisky making & beyond

Enjoy a seafood lunch over looking the water at Lagavulin Distillery

Savour some rare whiskys from the cask at Lagavulin

Catch the ferry back to Ballycastle

Final group dinner in the Harbourview Hotel, before moving on to Belfast

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Wednesday 23rd September :
Belfast's Fair City

Depart Carnlough & travel to Belfast

Check into the Grand Central Hotel, home for x3 nights

Free afternoon in Belfast to explore the city or relax

Visit to the Friend at Hand, the Irish whiskey shop & museum

Spend the evening with the IWE team in a local pub for pints & pours

Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Thursday 24th September :
The Exceptional Echlinville

Morning & afternoon at leisure to explore Belfast

Travel to the Echlinville Distillery for a private evening

Dine by the copper pot stills

Enjoy a sherry & whiskey tasting in the warehouse, led by Jarlath Watson

Return to Belfast to relax or enjoy the nightlife!

Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Friday 25th September :
Disco in the Docks with Titanic Distillers

Travel to Titanic Distillers via boat trip with a welcome Irish Coffee

A morning of history, whiskey & pours

Enjoy a silent disco in the docks with whiskey & cocktails!

Final group dinner in Belfast

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Saturday 26th September :
Return Home

Breakfast

Your Whiskey Bus Experience

What's Included

  • 7 nights accommodation in hotels
  • All breakfasts, most lunches & dinners everyday
  • Travel between each location in a private, luxury coach
  • All whiskey experiences & tastings
  • Shipping for up to 20 bottles purchased throughout the trip
  • Surprises along the way

What's Not Included

  • Flights to Ireland
  • Travel or health insurance
  • Whiskey or gifts purchased at distilleries
  • Any other personal purchases

FAQs

How do I reserve my place?

Reservations are now open. To secure your place simply click the link at the top of the page which will open a secure payment link. You have the option to pay in full or via monthly instalments.

How will I pay for the remainder of my trip?

Once you have paid the deposit/paid in full, a few days later you will receive a follow up email from the team at Irish Whiskey Experiences acknowledging your place is secure. Rest assured if the money has been taken from your bank account, your place on board is safe.

If you have selected monthly payments, you will then pay the remaining balance of your trip in small monthly instalments which will automatically leave your bank account on the same date you paid your initial deposit. This is a subscription set up by Irish Whiskey Experiences & does not require you to take any action.

I have a query, how can I discuss it?

No problem, simply drop us an email at info@irishwhiskeyexperiences.com & a member of our team will get back to you.

I can no longer make the trip, can I cancel?

Whiskey Bus guests may cancel their trip at any time before its commencement but it’s important to note that the initial trip deposit is refundable only if the trip is canceled within 30 days of payment of initial deposit.
There are no refunds of further payments due to inability to travel or cancellation for any reason.
We strive to provide a fair and transparent refund policy, ensuring that customers have the opportunity to make informed decisions and manage their travel plans with flexibility within the specified timeframes.
We recommend taking out trip insurance that will cover any unforeseen costs outside of the above timeframes.

What happens if the trip itinerary is changed or cancelled?

Irish Whiskey Experiences (IWE) will always endeavor to ensure that proposed travel itineraries remain unchanged, however IWE reserves the right to amend itineraries where circumstances dictate without compensation. In the event of a trip cancellation by IWE, full refunds will be given. Guests are advised to ensure sufficient travel insurance is taken out when booking any experience.

Send us an Enquiry About Availability

Antrim to Ardbeg
From €3950
/ Adult
  • 4 & 5 Star Hotels
  • Dublin
  • Lauren McMullan, Barry Chandler & Anthony Sheehy
  • All breakfasts, most lunches & dinners
  • 24 places
  • Private coach
  • 18

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