Locke's Distillery and Museum

Locke's Distillery and Museum, located in the small town of Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, claims to be the world’s oldest licenced whiskey distillery. Using a pot still, the distillery produced Irish malt whiskey from 1757 until 1954, when it was closed. Reopened again in 1982 as a museum, Locke’s has since been renovated and, with around 85% of the original machinery intact, it was became functional again in the summer of 1997.

The museum tour, which can be taken Monday through Sunday (with or without a tour guide) takes about 40 minutes, and gives an interesting insight into what use to be a thriving and countrywide industry in Ireland, producing a world-famous beverage.

Visitors get to see the ancient process of whiskey making, as the product moves from millstones through various procedures including fermentation, up to casking. Also of interest are the water wheel and steam engine, which supplied power.

In July 1997, the machinery turned again for the first time since closure. The drive shaft, pulleys and pumps are all working on a daily basis.

An exhibition in the front grain loft was opened by Her Excellency, Mary McAleese, President of Ireland on June 17th 1998. It presents a large part of the collection of distillery artefacts. This new addition greatly enhances the visits.

Until the distillery closed in 1954, it was still in the hands of the Locke family. It was restored, however, by the Kilbeggan community, who clearly take pride in the building’s prominent place in the village and its heritage.