Whiskey Exploration and Fantastic Food in Midleton in Cork

Situated in the quaint town of Midleton, about 20km from Cork City, is the Old Midleton Distillery, which is home to the world renowned brands of Irish whiskey; Jameson, Paddy and Powers.

A magnificent building that was founded in the early 19th Century by the Murphy Brothers, the Midleton Old Distillery was in production for some 150 years up until the mid 1970s when an adjacent complex was built. Year-on-year this new complex produces some 24 million bottles of Jameson, Powers and Paddy Irish Whiskies, of which many can be brought from the onsite gift shop.

Although no longer in use, the distillery has been restored to its former glory, and guides thousands of visitors around the workings of Irish Whiskies though it’s informative historic Whiskey Tour.

The tour begins with an information audio-visual presentation, before a tour guide leads visitors through the production of Irish Whiskey and the old workings of the distillery, including the World’s Largest Pot Still, a 150 year old Water Wheel and the original Malting Houses, Corn Stores and Still House, the tour then naturally ends at the Jameson Bar, where visitors can sample some whiskey.

The Old Midleton Distillery Tour is a fantastic opportunity to explore Midleton and all it has to offer in the way of splendid eateries, farmers markets and food stores, all of which showcase the best of local produce.  Below are just a few of these wonderful restaurants/cafes/bars:

Farmgate Restaurant and Country Store – Just a short walk from the Old Midleton Distillery, this popular restaurant, food store and bakery is much loved by locals and visitors alike. Supporting local regional producers, all products are sourced locally – from cheeses to meat and fish. A tantalisingly honest menu of traditional and modern Irish cuisine, Farmgate Restaurant and Country Store is open from 9am – 5pm on Tuesday – Saturday and for evening meals between 6:30 – 9:30pm on Thursday – Saturday. For more information visit: www.farmgate.ie/midleton

Finin’s Bar and Restaurant –  Located on the Main Street, a few minutes from the Old Midelton Distillery, this family friendly bar and restaurant is known for serving good wholesome Irish food made from the finest and freshest of locally sourced produce. Specialising in Seafood and priding itself on serving 100% Irish beef and poultry, all menu options are designed to showcase the wonderful local ingredients. Open from 10.30am -11.00pm Monday to Saturday, Finin’s lunch specials change daily and they offer vegetarian and celiac menu choices. For more information visit: www.finins.ie

Pizzeria San Marco – Situated on the Main Street, this pizzeria boasts authentic Italian dining experience, from the wood burning oven to homemade pizza dough and desserts. A varied menu of pizzas, pastas, salads, grilled meats and delicious desserts, that also includes homemade gluten free pizza dough, pasta and desserts! Open from 5 – 9pm Monday – Thursday and 12 – 9:30pm Friday – Sunday, the San Marco Pizzeria also offers a children’s menu. For more information visit: www.pizzeriasanmarco.wordpress.com

Raymond’s – Just 50 yards from the Midelton Heritage Centre, just off the main street, this comfortable modern restaurant has a mouth watering menu using the very best of locally sourced fresh ingredients and inspired by French and Mediterranean influences.  Open 7 Days a week from 12 for lunch and dinner, Raymond’s offers an A La carte Menu and Early bird Menu Options. For more information visit: www.raymonds.ie

Sage – Situated on the Main Street, this stylish and chic restaurant has a simple ethos, to source the best of local produce from Cork County, in fact many of their products are sourced within a 12 mile radius of Midelton, a feat that they celebrate on Sunday’s when they run a 12 Mile Lunch Menu. Open from 12 – 3:30pm for Lunch and 5:30 – 9:30pm for dinner, Sage offers a carefully prepared menu showcasing the best of local seasonal produce. For more information visit: www.sagerestaurant.ie