Gin and whiskey in rural Ireland, in one go. This guided stop at The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney turns rural County Leitrim into a distillery lesson, with a guided look at the first distillery in Connacht in over 101 years and tastings of PJ Rigney’s signature spirits.

I really like that the tour is fully guided and includes an expert tasting of Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey, so you’re not just looking around a building. You’ll also end with a refreshing Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Tonic at the Honey Badger bar in the botanical glasshouse, which feels like a fun payoff after the learning. One thing to consider: the experience is built around alcohol tastings, so plan your timing if you have to drive or if you prefer non-alcohol options (the tour info doesn’t mention alternatives).

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• First distillery in Connacht in over 101 years: you’re stepping into a major regional milestone, not a random sidestop.
• Expert whiskey tasting included: Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey is part of the ticket.
• Gunpowder gin and tonic at the Honey Badger bar: the ending is scheduled, served, and included.
• Botanical glasshouse finish: you get the tasting payoff in a distinctive setting.
• Small group size (max 26): easier conversation and a more relaxed pace than big group tours.
• English-language guided experience: clear explanations and a straightforward format.

The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney: a practical rural detour near Sligo

This tour is an easy add-on if you’re basing yourself around Sligo and want something that feels more local than touristy. You’re heading to The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney in Drumshanbo (County Leitrim), a place that’s positioned as a major comeback story for distilling in the region: the first distillery in Connacht in over 101 years.

What I like about that framing is that it promises more than a brand visit. You’re getting a guided route into how these spirits are made and flavored, plus time to taste the result. The experience runs about 2 hours, which is a sweet spot: long enough to learn and taste, short enough to keep your day flexible.

Stop 1 at the Shed Distillery: guided tasting and the “how” behind the spirits

The heart of the experience takes place at The Shed Distillery. Expect a guided journey into the distillery’s working world—described as an inner sanctum—and focused on PJ Rigney’s creations, including Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

Then comes the part that makes it more than a walk-through: an expert tasting of Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey. A distillery ambassador guides the process, and this is where the tour earns its rating. From the feedback, the standout learning moment isn’t just that you taste whisky—it’s that you understand how whiskey is distilled and how gin gets its character through botanical flavors.

Here’s why that matters for you: when someone explains the basics clearly, tasting becomes more interesting. Instead of drinking and hoping it makes sense, you’re given a framework for what you’re noticing—how process and ingredients turn into flavor.

A couple practical notes for your expectations:

• The tour is fully guided, so you’re not responsible for figuring out the order of things.
• The emphasis is on tasting and explanation, not a long, detailed, technical lecture. If you’re the type who enjoys hands-on learning through senses, you’ll likely be comfortable here.

The Honey Badger bar finale: gin and tonic in a botanical glasshouse

After the whiskey tasting lesson, the tour shifts to the finish: a Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Tonic at the Honey Badger bar. This is served as part of the guided experience, so you don’t have to hunt for a bar or pay extra for the “reward” moment.

The setting is also a big part of the appeal. You’ll finish in a botanical glasshouse, which makes the last stretch feel like a break rather than another stop. It’s a nice way to reset your senses after tasting, and it gives the tour a clear emotional arc: learn how things are made, then enjoy the result.

From the feedback, the ending is also where the social vibe happens—people tend to chat with each other because you’re still in a relaxed, guided group setting. With a maximum of 26 travelers, it’s not so crowded that you’ll feel shoved into someone else’s conversation.

If you’re hoping the tour is equal parts gin and whiskey, this is where you’ll get that mix: whiskey first (tasting lesson), gin second (the drink at the bar). Just keep in mind it’s still a structured schedule, so you won’t have hours to linger like you would at a standalone bar visit.

Price and value: what $25.34 gets you in the real world

At $25.34 per person for about 2 hours, this ticket price is surprisingly focused. You’re paying for more than admission: the experience includes guided tasting of Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey and includes the Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Tonic at the end.

That’s the value equation you should use when deciding:

• If you were to pay separately for a guided spirit experience and then add drinks, this format usually costs more than you expect.
• Here, the guided component and the included pour are bundled together, so you’re not guessing what you’ll get for your money.

Also, the group size matters for value. With a maximum of 26, you’re less likely to be lost in the shuffle. You’ll typically get a more personal feel than you would on large-scale tours where explanations race by.

One more small signal: the tour is commonly booked about 13 days in advance. That doesn’t mean you need to panic-book, but it does suggest it’s a popular slot, especially for people combining a distillery visit with a day in the Sligo/Leitrim region.

Timing, pacing, and who it suits best

The tour runs about 2 hours and ends back at the meeting point. That makes it easy to plug into a day plan: you know where you start, you know you’ll return, and you won’t be stranded at the other end of the county without a plan.

As for pacing, think of this as a “taste-and-learn” format:

• Start with guided distillery context.
• Focus on whiskey tasting with explanation.
• Finish with gin and tonic in a relaxed lounge/bar atmosphere.

Who will enjoy this most?

• People who like spirit tastings and want explanations, not just samples.
• Travelers who enjoy structured experiences that still leave room for conversation.
• Anyone curious about how gin flavor profiles can connect to botanical ingredients, since that theme comes through strongly in the feedback.

Who might want to choose carefully?

• If you dislike alcohol or prefer strictly food-based tours, this may not feel like the right match because tastings are central to the experience.
• If you want a super long tour with lots of technical detail, the 2-hour timeframe may feel brief—though it is long enough to cover the core tasting-and-learning.

Getting there: a clear meeting point and easy logistics

You meet at The Food Hub, Carricknabrack, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, N41 WR22, Ireland. The activity ends back at that same meeting point, which is one of those underrated travel comforts.

Logistically, it’s listed as being near public transportation, which helps if you don’t want to rely only on taxis or rental cars. Also, you’ll get confirmation at booking time, and the tour runs in English.

One more detail I appreciate when planning: service animals are allowed, and it states that most travelers can participate. That makes this a generally straightforward option for many visitors.

Should you book? My honest take

I’d book this tour if you want a compact distillery experience that includes both learning and a real tasting payoff. The combination of guided Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey tasting plus a included Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Tonic at the Honey Badger bar is a strong deal for the time, especially in a setting described as a botanical glasshouse.

I’d think twice if alcohol tastings aren’t your thing, or if you’re looking for a long, highly technical tour with no drinks involved. But for most people who enjoy spirits and want a guided, easy-to-follow experience, this is the kind of ticket that feels like good value.

FAQ

How long is the Guided Tour to Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You meet at The Food Hub, Carricknabrack, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, N41 WR22, Ireland.

What’s included in the price?

Admission is included, along with an expert tasting of Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey and a Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Tonic at the Honey Badger bar.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 26 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, no refund is given.

Is confirmation provided after booking?

Yes, confirmation is received at the time of booking.

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