“We passed through traditional townlands where we didn’t recognise the names, thatched roofs, antiquated chapels and colourful pubs” Conall pays a visit to Ahascragh Distillery I took it slow and opened my grip; letting the steering wheel slide through my hands as we rounded another meandering corner inland towards east Co Galway. Crossing the countless, sometimes nameless streams and tributaries of the lakes and waterways that punctuated the landscape, we’d tried to take stock. ‘It’s very green’, Megan said.
It was very green. Any time I’d found myself flying home I’d always appreciate the rising shades of fields and foliage long associated with this island, but this was something more. It was also a drive into the unfamiliar.
Traversing the country we’d focused on the geographical extremes; the northern coastlines of Antrim and Donegal – down the wild Atlantic way, or east towards sprawling Dublin City; paths well worn. To us this was a novel, hidden Ireland. Something new at every turn.
We passed through traditional townlands where we didn’t recognise the names, thatched roofs, antiquated chapels and colourful pubs, steadily approaching Ahascragh, our first stop. Ahascragh Distillery and the restored waterwheel Ahascragh Distillery From one green to another – Ahascragh is home to Ireland’s first zero energy emissions distillery. Housed in a tastefully restored former mill, fragrances of brewing grains flood the space upon entry.
The interior is .