Where is the meeting point?

The stated meeting point is The Copeland Distillery in Donaghadee; arrive at the distillery for check-in and seating.

What time does the tasting start and finish?

The bar opens at 4:00 p.m., event seating from 7:00 p.m., tasting begins at 7:30 p.m. and the event finishes by 10:00 p.m.

How many samples are included?

Your ticket includes an arrival drink plus a guided tasting with five whiskey samples.

Is this event age-restricted?

Yes. The minimum age to attend is 18; please bring valid photo ID.

How large are the groups?

Seating is limited to 30 guests to keep the session intimate and conversational.

Is the venue accessible?

Accessibility is noted in the event description; contact The Copeland Distillery directly if you require specific accommodations.

Coastal Whiskey Night at The Copeland Distillery — Donaghadee Tasting & 26.1 Release | Distillery | Events

On a crisp Friday evening in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, The Copeland Distillery throws open its doors for a communal tasting that pairs coastal character with small-batch whiskey. Located in the harbor town on the north coast, the distillery invites guests to sample five exclusive whiskies and an arrival cocktail while CEO Gareth Irvine leads the group through stories of production and the release of 26.1. The event runs from the bar opening at 4:00 p.m., with seating available from 7:00 p.m. and the guided tasting beginning at 7:30 p.m.; it wraps by 10:00 p.m. What makes this tasting special is the meeting of place and product. Donaghadee’s working harbor, nearby lighthouse and views across the North Channel to the Copeland Islands give the spirits a maritime context you can almost taste: briny air, cool breezes and a community with a long history of seafaring and trade. The Copeland Distillery leans into that heritage, offering a curated flight of five samples that showcase local aging techniques and flavor profiles that shift from honeyed cereal to peat and coastal salinity. Tickets include an arrival drink and guided tasting; seating is limited to thirty guests and minimum age is 18. Practical details matter here: the bar opens at 4 p.m. if you want a pre-event cocktail, event seating begins at 7 p.m., the tasting starts at 7:30 p.m., and last orders are at 9:45 p.m. The format favors conversation — expect tasting notes, founder insights and questions after each pour. For travelers, Donaghadee makes a compact base: explore the pier, watch seabirds over the Copeland Islands or linger at nearby cafés before the evening. This is not a formal lecture but a convivial, educational night designed for both whiskey novices and committed enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn by the new release 26.1, the chance to hear from CEO Gareth Irvine, or simply the social ritual of shared tasting, the evening is a window into the region’s growing craft spirits scene. Limited tickets mean these sessions sell out quickly; plan to arrive early if you want a pre-tasting drink and to savor the harbor ambience. It’s an accessible, low-key way to connect with local flavor and learn the stories behind the bottles while standing where sea and spirit meet. Practicalities are simple: the meeting point is The Copeland Distillery, with accessibility noted and a maximum group size of 30 to keep the setting intimate. Bring ID to confirm the minimum age of 18 and book early —tickets are limited for this release. If staying in town, allow time to walk the harbor before the tasting; if arriving from farther afield, check local transport into Donaghadee so you can enjoy samples responsibly and fully appreciate the narrative behind each pour.