Founded 1829, closed 1954

Distilling in Tullamore goes back to the early 1780s with 32 known Distillers operating at the time. The Distillery that introduced the world famous Tullamore Dew was founded in 1829 by a Michael Molloy extending a former Plant on the site. By 1832, he produced 20,000 gallons proof Whiskey.

Warehouses of Tullamore Distillery in the 1950s.

In 1857, the company was passed to Bernard Daly, Nephew of the founder, and another 30 years later, to his Son, Captain Bernard Daly, who didn't show any interest in running the company. Instead, he promoted the Distillery's most promising employee, Daniel E Williams, to General Manager, and gave him full business control.

Aerial view over Tullamore Distillery, ca. 1950s

With Williams as Manager, the company expanded greatly, reaching an annual output of 270,000 gallons (1.2 Million Litre) and covering 10 acres (4 hectares). In the 11 Warehouses, nearly 1 Million Gallons of "Old Pot Still" were hold in bond.

Their famous Tullamore Dew leads back to Daniel E Williams's Initials. It became one of Ireland's most successful Whiskeys. The Distillery's output was also sold in the UK and Australia.

Since Tullamore Distillery was strong in their home market, it survived the collapses of the UK and US markets in the 1920s and 1930s, but was ailing badly when it reached the 1950s. It would most certainly have vanished like most of the Distillers in Ireland at the time, if not they had invented Irish Mist, a liqueur made of Whiskey, Herbs, and Heather Honey, in the late 1940s. This brand grew so strongly that the company was renamed into The Irish Mist Liqueur Co., Ltd., in 1953.

Tullamore Distillery, Grand Canal Warehouse in 1904

Unfortunately, the then outdated Distillery's output exceeded demand and production became too expensive. Therefore, distilling stopped in 1954 never to resume again.

The Tullamore Dew brand was bought by IDG from Cantrell & Cochrane, then owner of Tullamore and Irish Mist, in 1975. They marketed it until 1993, when it went back to C&C.

Today, remnants of the Distillery can be found all over the lovely town of Tullamore. One old Grand Canal Warehouse hosts the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, more information about which can be found on their website.