If you’re wandering through Tralee and have an interest in Irish spirits, chances are you’ve come across the highly-rated Skellig Six18 Distillery Tour. While I haven’t done it myself, I’ve spent quite some time reading reviews and gathering details about this experience, and it honestly sounds like a solid choice for anyone curious about Irish whiskey or gin, especially with a taste for local storytelling.
What really catches the eye is the consistent 5-star rating and the glowing recommendations from past visitors. Plus, it’s a reasonably priced experience at around $27.27 per person, which seems quite fair considering the depth of knowledge offered and the quality of the spirits they produce. A couple of things stand out—the engaging guides and the beautiful setting—but there’s also a small consideration about the tour’s duration and group size that’s worth noting.
This tour is a good fit for travelers who enjoy authentic, hands-on experiences and are interested in learning about the craft behind Irish spirits. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or just looking for a unique activity in Kerry, this distillery visit seems well worth adding to your list.
Key Points
- Highly praised guides make the experience both informative and enjoyable.
- Tastings of whiskey and gin are a highlight, with positive reviews about their quality.
- The experience seamlessly combines local stories and history with the distilling process.
- Affordable for the value; you get a detailed tour and tastings for a reasonable price.
- Tours are fully guided and last about 50 minutes, fitting easily into a day of sightseeing.
- The setting in Cahersiveen offers a scenic backdrop to the distillery experience.
A Closer Look at the Skellig Six18 Distillery Tour
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What Is It Exactly?
The Skellig Six18 Distillery Tour offers a guided peek into one of Ireland’s newer and well-regarded craft distilleries. The tour, which lasts roughly 50 minutes, is led by knowledgeable local guides who blend storytelling with facts. The experience is designed to be both educational and sensory—think sights, sounds, aromas, and of course, tastings.
This isn’t just a walking through the factory; it’s more like sitting down with a passionate local who shares the ins and outs of their craft, peppered with stories about the Skellig Coast and Irish heritage. The tour has earned the Double Gold at the 2022 International Spirits Challenge in London, which is no small feat and points to the quality of their spirits and the professionalism of the team.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Two things immediately shine through when reading reviews: the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge and the quality of the spirits. Past visitors rave about guides like Shannon, Patricia, and Trish, who are described as warm, friendly, and very well-informed. Not only do they explain the distillation process, but they also weave in local mythology and history, turning a simple factory visit into a mini cultural journey.
And then there’s the spirits themselves. Reviewers love the gin and whiskey produced here, mentioning that the flavor profiles are distinctive, with local herbs and aromatics playing a big role. One reviewer even suggests trying the gin for its superior quality, even if whiskey isn’t usually their thing. That’s a solid compliment, especially in a crowded market of Irish spirits.
The Itinerary Breakdown
- Start at Skellig Six18 Distillery: You’ll begin with a warm welcome and a guided walk through the working distillery. Here, the guides share insights into how the gin and whiskey are crafted, emphasizing traditional Irish techniques combined with local ingredients.
- Storytelling & Local Insights: Throughout the tour, guides sprinkle in stories about Cahersiveen, the Skelligs, and the spirit-making process, making it more than just a technical overview.
- Sight and Sound: Expect to see the equipment in action, hear the bubbling of stills, and smell the aromatic herbs, which all contribute to the sensory experience.
- Tasting Session: The tour culminates in a tasting of their premium spirits. Depending on your chosen package, this could include different whiskeys and gins, with reviews praising both the flavors and the stories behind each one.
The Authentic Experience
What makes this tour really compelling is how personal and detailed it feels. Visitors mention the tour being very “hands-on” and the guides taking the time to answer questions thoroughly, which elevates the experience from a standard visit to something more meaningful. Several reviews note how the guides make the process engaging, sharing maps, plants, and scents along with their stories.
Price and Value
At around $27.27 per person, this tour offers excellent value. Given the quality of the spirits, the knowledgeable guides, and the cultural insight, most guests agree that it’s money well spent. It’s a relatively short experience—about 50 minutes—but packed with information and tasting opportunities.
Some reviews highlight that the tour is not overly commercial and feels genuine, which is increasingly rare these days. It’s clear that the focus here is on craftsmanship and storytelling, making it more than just a quick look behind the scenes.
What Are the Downsides?
While this experience is very well-liked, it’s worth mentioning that the duration is just under an hour, so if you’re looking for a full-day activity, you might want to combine it with other adventures. Also, the tours tend to be small and intimate, which is great for interaction but might mean booking well in advance—most visitors are booked about 105 days ahead.
Another consideration is that, since the tour is about 50 minutes, it’s probably best suited for those with a general interest rather than hardcore spirits connoisseurs seeking an exhaustive masterclass. Still, for most travelers, the balance of education, storytelling, and tastings hits the right notes.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
This experience is ideal for travelers interested in Irish culture, spirits enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a memorable, personal look into Irish distilling. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate stories and local insights, as the guides make a point of weaving history and mythology throughout.
It also works well for small groups, romantic outings, or even curious solo travelers who enjoy learning about craft industries firsthand. If you’re into flavors, enjoy tasting spirits, or just want to support local entrepreneurs, this tour should resonate.
The Sum Up
In the end, the Skellig Six18 Distillery Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines storytelling, craftsmanship, and tasting in a way that feels authentic and accessible. The guides’ warmth and knowledge make it more than just a factory walkthrough—they make it a genuine cultural exchange. The spirits produced here, highlighted by glowing reviews, show there’s real talent and care behind the scenes.
This tour is a good fit for those who want a short yet impactful experience that deepens their appreciation for Irish whiskey and gin. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re already exploring Kerry and want a taste of local entrepreneurship with a side of memorable stories.
If you love learning about how things are made, enjoy tasting quality spirits, or want an activity with a genuine local flavor, this is a visit you’ll likely enjoy. It’s an excellent value for the quality and intimacy on offer.
Skellig Six18 Distillery Tours
“Today we had a very enjoyable and interesting tour of the Skellig Six18 distillery with our enthusiastic guide, Shannon. Great experience with a de…”
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. While it’s designed for adults, younger guests interested in spirits will find it interesting, but it’s primarily a tasting and storytelling experience.
How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts about 50 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your day without taking up too much time.
What is the price?
The experience costs around $27.27 per person, which many find reasonable given the quality of the guide and spirits.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made quite far in advance—about 105 days on average—so plan ahead to secure your spot.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour, allowing flexibility if your plans change.
What will I learn during the tour?
You’ll learn about the distillation process for Irish whiskey and gin, hear stories about the Skelligs and Cahersiveen, and understand what makes their spirits special.
Are tastings included?
Yes, the tour concludes with tastings of their spirits, which vary depending on the selected package.
What do past visitors say?
Reviews consistently praise the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, the quality of the spirits, and the engaging storytelling.
Is this experience family-friendly?
While most travelers find it accessible, it’s primarily geared toward adults interested in spirits, so consider that with children or young teens.
All in all, if you’re after a genuine, friendly, and informative peek into Irish spirits with a touch of local culture, the Skellig Six18 Distillery Tour should definitely be on your radar.
