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Ireland's largest whiskey festival returns to Belfast this summer

Preparing for Belfast Whiskey Week (L-R): Paul Kane, Belfast Whiskey Week; Conor Owens, Belfast Hidden Tours; and Sarah Kennedy, McConnell's Irish Whisky.
Preparing for Belfast Whiskey Week (L-R): Paul Kane, Belfast Whiskey Week; Conor Owens, Belfast Hidden Tours; and Sarah Kennedy, McConnell's Irish Whisky. Preparing for Belfast Whiskey Week (L-R): Paul Kane, Belfast Whiskey Week; Conor Owens, Belfast Hidden Tours; and Sarah Kennedy, McConnell's Irish Whisky.

IRELAND’S largest whiskey festival returns to Belfast this summer.

The fourth Belfast Whiskey Week will feature more than 100 events spanning nine days (July 22-30).

Amid a resurgence in local craft distilleries, this year’s event has partnered with 14 venues across the city with more than 40 brands and distilleries on board.

Developed by Belfast-based businessman Paul Kane, the enthusiast driven festival will this year encompass heritage walking tours, a steam train journey, a blindfolded sensory journey and even a speed dating event.

Belfast Whiskey Week also returns with regular staples of music, talks, cooking, food pairing sessions and of course a plethora of whiskey tastings.

“It is a must attend event for those with an interest and taste for all things whiskey,” said Paul.

“Belfast is quickly re-emerging as an important place for Irish Whiskey. Soon we will have two functioning distilleries, something the city hasn’t seen in over 70 years.

"The city is steeped in whiskey heritage and legacy spanning 300 years and it’s important to celebrate that.”

For those who can’t attend, a ‘Taste of the Festival’ pack will include 30 different drams featured at the festival, along with some unique merchandise or a choice of one of six exclusive festival bottles.

L-R: Conor Owens Belfast Hidden Tours; Paul Kane, Belfast Whiskey Week and Sarah Kennedy, McConnell's Irish Whisky.
L-R: Conor Owens Belfast Hidden Tours; Paul Kane, Belfast Whiskey Week and Sarah Kennedy, McConnell's Irish Whisky. L-R: Conor Owens Belfast Hidden Tours; Paul Kane, Belfast Whiskey Week and Sarah Kennedy, McConnell's Irish Whisky.

Prices for Belfast Whiskey Week events range from £5-£65. Day passes are available from £80, across a variety of levels including introduction, intermediate, masterclass.

For details visit belfastwhiskeyweek.com or follow Belfast Whiskey Week on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (#BWW and #irishwhiskeyfest).

Belfast Whiskey Week works in partnership with Irish Whiskey Auctions, Belfast Whiskey Club, Echlinville Distillery, The Friend at Hand and the Duke of York. Willis Insurance and risk management returns as festival partner and Hastings Hotel Group as festival accommodation provider. Festival venues were selected for their strong Whiskey links and include Whites Tavern, The Duke of York, The Deer’s Head, Common Market, Maddens, Ben Madigan’s and Revolución De Cuba.

Belfast Whiskey Week will also be collaborating with Belfast Hidden Tours and McConnell's Irish Whisky.