Get ready to raise a glass to amazing liquids as the inaugural Kerry Drinks Festival makes its debut on Saturday, 15th November 2025, at Killarney Racecourse. The festival was officially launched this week with key sponsors Dingle Distillery and Carry Out Killarney.
The festival will bring together over 65 distilleries, breweries and producers and a host of enthusiasts for a day of sampling, socialising, and discovery, set in the scenic Killarney Racecourse. Each brand will bring selections of their products to sample. The festival offers people a unique chance to experience the flavour and craftsmanship of Ireland’s diverse drinks producers – from whiskeys and gins to craft beers, ciders, vodkas, liqueurs, and much more. Every attendee will take home a specially crafted Kerry Drinks Festival glass. There will also be a selection of artisan food available to purchase.
The day will kick off with a Trade Expo at 2:30pm, tailored for professionals from the bar, restaurant, hospitality & drinks industries. Attendees will have the chance to meet with a wide range of producers, explore new products, and forge valuable business connections ahead of the busy festive season.
During the evening masterclass (6-7pm), Dingle Distillery’s Paddy Foley (Head of Production) and Dave Cummins (Brand Ambassador) will guide guests through a tasting and give them in-depth insight into the distillery’s acclaimed portfolio.
The Brand Expo & Social for the general public runs from 7pm – 10.30pm. As guests wander through the Beerhall, Food Yard, Drinks Hall and the Spirits Lounge, they’ll get to meet with over 65 Irish and international producers and sample a selection of their products from whiskeys, gins, rums, vodkas and poitíns as well as beers and ciders, along with complimentary mixers by Three Cents. Many liquids will be served by the distillers, blenders, and brand owners themselves—a rare chance to engage with the makers behind the magic.
Dair Nua Cooperage will also give live barrel-making demonstrations.
Organisers have created a bespoke tasting glass for the festival, which each guest will use on the evening and get to take home. The glass has been crafted for sampling all the different liquids at the festival, with the tulip shape designed for concentrating flavours. Rinsing stations will be readily available for those sampling the range of liquids. This is in keeping with Killarney town’s policy of reducing the use of single-use plastics.
The festival team has also crafted a special Festival Bottle of whiskey in partnership with Dingle Distillery. This 10-year-old Dingle single malt will be exclusively on sale at the festival at the Carry-Out Killarney stand.
The event is organised by Sonya O’Dwyer and Laurie O’Dwyer (host of Whiskey Chats Podcast), who are the same people behind the very successful Cork Whiskey Fest, which celebrated its 3rd festival in March this year.
Speaking at the launch, festival sponsor Paddy Foley from Dingle Distillery said, “As a Kerry-based business, we’re excited to raise a glass to the first-ever Kerry Drinks Festival. More than a festival, it’s the launch of a movement that celebrates Ireland’s drinks heritage and current innovation.”.
John Fleming, from festival sponsor Carry Out Killarney, said, “We are delighted to be part of and an official sponsor to the inaugural Kerry Drinks Festival here in Killarney. For the town to host an event like this is a fantastic achievement. It’s a day to showcase all things Kerry, which is even better.”
For more information and to secure your spot, visit kerrydrinksfestival.com or follow @kerrydrinksfestival on social media.
Half-price tickets are available for trade professionals attending the Trade Expo. Masterclass tickets cost €27.50. General Public admission to the Brand Expo & Social is €47.50 (25% discount available for members of the emergency services). Drink responsibly. Drinkaware.ie.
ARTICLE CREDIT;
The Events, Tourism & Communications Agency
