THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step inside Skellig Six18 distillery for an award-winning gin and whiskey tasting that reveals Kerry’s coastal character through local botanicals and Celtic history. Discover hands-on distillation craft paired with culinary artistry near the Skellig Islands.
Step inside Skellig Six18 distillery for an award-winning gin and whiskey tasting that reveals Kerry’s coastal character through local botanicals and Celtic history. Discover hands-on distillation craft paired with culinary artistry near the Skellig Islands.
Book with Good Food Ireland
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Good Food Ireland · Knockeens, County Kerry
On the rugged southwestern coast of Ireland in County Kerry, the Skellig Six18 distillery offers an immersive journey into the craft of gin and whiskey production, wrapped in Celtic folklore and local lore. Located just off Valentia Road in Knockeens, this distillery stands out amid the dramatic coastal landscapes that define the region, with views that hint at the nearby Skellig Islands, whose wild Atlantic presence shapes the spirit of this place.
Good Food Ireland’s Skellig Six18 Gin & Whiskey Tasting is more than a simple tasting—it's an engaging sensory experience led by a skilled local storyteller. For about 45-55 minutes, visitors move through the working distillery discovering the nuances of distillation, whiskey maturation, and the botanical artistry behind their signature gin. The tour emphasizes hands-on activities and an audiovisual presentation that links the spirits to the region’s Celtic myths and natural heritage.
What truly sets Skellig Six18 apart is its deep connection to place and personality. The gin is crafted from botanicals foraged locally, blending coastal herbs and wild flavors, while the whiskey’s aging reflects the maritime climate. Collaborations with a Michelin Star chef have refined the recipes, elevating these spirits to award-winning status. Visitors over 18 sample small batches of both gin and whiskey, while younger guests receive soft drinks, making this a family-friendly introduction to Kerry’s rich cultural landscape.
The distillery also embraces sustainability, moving toward carbon-neutral production methods. After the tasting, visitors can browse a curated gift shop with exclusive editions unavailable elsewhere, cementing Skellig Six18 as a must-visit for those drawn to authentic Irish craftsmanship amidst one of the country’s most storied coastal regions.
easy.
45-55 minutes.
No special fitness needed; tours are mostly seated or standing indoors in a safe, accessible environment.
The experience includes a guided tasting of handcrafted gin and whiskey, insights into the distillation process, and learning about local botanicals and whiskey aging techniques.
The full experience usually takes between 45 and 55 minutes, allowing time for tastings and enjoying the immersive storytelling.
Yes, the distillery’s gift shop offers Skellig Six18 spirits and limited editions exclusive to the location.
Yes, non-alcoholic options are provided, and the tour is informative and engaging even without tasting alcohol.
Children aged 8 and older can join, and they receive non-alcoholic drinks during the tasting.
Locally foraged botanicals and maturation influenced by the Atlantic climate give these spirits a distinctive flavor tied to the Kerry coast.
The Kerry coast is steeped in Celtic mythology and history, with the nearby Skellig Islands hosting early Christian monastic settlements dating back to the 6th century.
Skellig Six18 is moving towards carbon-neutral distilling processes, reflecting Kerry’s broader commitment to preserving its unique coastal ecosystem.
Good Food Ireland is a curated network and marketplace for Irish food experiences based in Drinagh, County Wexford. The organisation connects travellers with local producers, chefs and hospitality venues to offer bookable food tours, workshops and tastings across Ireland. Experiences range from coastal oyster farm visits and shucking demonstrations to hands-on cheesemaking, sourdough workshops, farm tours and classic afternoon tea services at established hotels. Good Food Ireland works with generational producers, artisan food businesses and historic hotels to present authentic tasting and learning opportunities. Featured experiences include oyster farm tours in Mayo and Kerry, cheesemaking and heritage tours on the Aran Islands, farm visits and cookery school garden tours in Cork, and a variety of afternoon tea offerings at hotels and castles across several counties. Workshops and private tours provide small-group, experiential formats suited to food-focused travellers and local guests. Booking information, experience descriptions and partner details are provided for each listed trip so guests can choose dates, locations and formats that suit their needs. Good Food Ireland emphasises transparency about hosts, locations and activity types, helping visitors select experiences that match dietary needs, accessibility and scheduling preferences. For visitors seeking a taste of Ireland through producer-led visits, tasting sessions and hands-on food workshops, Good Food Ireland provides a searchable, county-organised catalogue of experiences and direct booking options through its listings. Contact details and the Drinagh, County Wexford headquarters are listed on the site for enquiries and group bookings. Listings are updated regularly with seasonal availability and partner information. Online.
Book with Good Food Ireland