Launch event this Wednesday (11th November 2026) will unveil an exciting new festival celebrating whiskey, local hospitality and Carlow’s growing visitor experience
Carlow is set to raise a glass to its rich hospitality, tourism and business offering with the launch of the inaugural Carlow Whiskey Festival 2027, a new festival initiative designed to bring together whiskey enthusiasts, local businesses, distilleries and visitors for a celebration of whiskey and the county’s unique offering.
The festival will be officially unveiled at a launch event this Wednesday at 6pm in The Irishmans, Carlow, where attendees will have an opportunity to hear more about the plans for 2027. The event will feature guest speaker Bernard Walsh of Walsh Whiskey, who will share insights into the Irish whiskey industry and the opportunities that events of this nature can create for local communities and businesses.
The Carlow Whiskey Festival is being developed through a collaborative partnership involving Carlow County Council, Carlow Whiskey Society, local vintners, Carlow Tourism and County Carlow Chamber. The initiative aims to establish a distinctive annual event on Carlow’s festival calendar, showcasing the county as a destination for quality experiences, hospitality and tourism.
Welcoming the launch, Mayor of Carlow, Cllr. Ken Murnane, said:
"I am delighted that Carlow is preparing to introduce a new Whiskey Festival for 2027. This is an exciting initiative which brings together our local businesses, hospitality sector and tourism interests around a shared celebration of Irish whiskey and the experience that Carlow has to offer.
I am really looking forward to officially unveiling the festival and would encourage everyone with an interest in whiskey, tourism or simply seeing new events develop in our county to come along this Wednesday evening at 6pm in The Irishmans. It will be a great opportunity to hear more about the plans, meet those involved and get a first taste of what we hope will become a fantastic addition to Carlow's events calendar."
Commenting on the importance of festivals to the local economy, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council, said:
"Festivals and events play a hugely important role in strengthening our local economy, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and creating a positive profile for our towns and county. They provide an opportunity to bring people together, encourage visitors to stay longer and spend locally, while showcasing the quality and diversity of our hospitality, retail and tourism offering.
The Carlow Whiskey Festival is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership and collaboration. By bringing together the public and private sectors, local businesses and industry representatives, we can develop new experiences that add to Carlow's appeal as a destination, generate economic activity and create opportunities for our business community. We are looking forward to building this festival into an exciting annual event for Carlow."
The inaugural Carlow Whiskey Festival will take place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 January 2027, with a programme of whiskey tastings, distillery experiences and events hosted across a number of Carlow's well-known hospitality venues.
Everyone interested in finding out more about the festival is encouraged to attend the official launch this Wednesday at 6pm in The Irishmans, Carlow.