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JUST DAYS AFTER hosting one of Ireland’s biggest gigs, Slane Castle Estate has announced a new whiskey distillery is to be built on the 1,500 acre site.
The US distillery Brown-Forman, the same company behind Jack Daniel’s and Southern Comfort, made the announcement yesterday that it had purchased all shares of Slane Castle Irish Whiskey, the venture originally launched by the Conyngham family over 15 years ago.
Opening in 2016
The $50 million (€44 million) investment will create over 25 jobs at the new distillery and consumer experience which is due to be opened in 2016.
Lord Henry Mountcharles said his family will be a key part of the brand-building model for the new Irish whiskeys due to be on the market in 2017.
We are thrilled at the prospect of working for many years to come with Brown-Forman on developing the trademarks and to welcoming friends to the new distillery, right next door to our ancestral home. We know that Brown-Forman is the perfect partner to take these new Irish whiskeys to the US and other markets across the globe.
Conyngham family
His son, Alex, who is also involved in the business, said he was pleased his family could join forces with Brown-Forman.
“Our family has been part of the Slane community for many generations and we are pleased to join forces with Brown-Forman to bring our special part of Ireland to the world.Our commitment to caring for our land, cultivating barley, and our family legacy are consistent with Brown-Forman’s long-term approach to whiskey making, and we believe that this aligned approach will bring great success.”
Brown-Forman Chief Executive Officer Paul Varga said it was very excited about this new venture into Irish Whiskey.
“Irish whiskey has been one of the fastest growing segments in the global whiskey category over the last few years,” stated Lawson Whiting, executive vice president and chief brands and strategy officer for Brown-Forman Brands.
The news has been welcomed by local politicians and the local TD Helen McEntee, who said it was great to see investment in the Boyne Valley region.
Miriam Mooney of the Irish Whiskey Association said the investment in Slane Castle Irish Whiskey is a very promising development for the Irish Whiskey sector and will bring investment and employment to the Boyne Valley area, as well as positive knock-on effect for hotels, restaurants and tourism in general.
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What about the ibis near newlands cross??
@Potatoe-man: cruelly overlooked again this year.. maybe next time
@Potatoe-man: I was thinking the Aspect in Park west but that Ibis has a bit more class.
The journal writing a full article about a site making an error. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
Yep sure the journal will have people looking for ‘Ballinyfin’
In fairness, it looks amazing. Would love to be loaded
Last time I was there the food was not great and the place cold! Was a few years ago though and sleeping was in a dormitory.
Yeah true, but I’ve honestly never even heard of it.. Still great to have the number 1 and a few in the top 10..well done hoteliers
Ah big whoop, it’s east instead of north. I’m sure whoever stays there can figure it out. They won’t be navigating by compass.
Its south-west. East of Dublin is the Irish sea!
Fine seaweed baths they have!
Is it still cheaper than The Shelbourne?
Waterford castle while nice is no where the nicest hotel in Munster not a mind top ten in the world !!
Can’t say I’ve been to either of the other too. But Ashford Castle is glorious
Americans who will spend 600 quid a night on a hotel, 500 quid a day on a private driver guided tour, and then moan at the price of a 2 quid handmade postcard….
A lovely hotel and well worth the visit. I was very lucky to be able to photograph both interior and exterior. The gold room was unbelievable a place of great beauty. Congrats to all both staff and owners. Unfortunately I could not afford a stay there now.
Stayed there for a night to celebrate wedding anniversary last year. An out-of-this-world experience.
Like the moon?
No Laois
Denito, you didn’t go in looking like that photo,did you?
And The Journal get the hashtag for this article (#KIM KARDASHIAN) wrong.
It doesn’t really fit in in Laois though tbh.
It has been there for 200 years, no point in moving it somewhere else now.
So the best hotel in the world according to 300,000 readers of the influential New York travel magazine. Basically, Americans.
Went to college there in the 70′s. Use to be run by the patrician brothers. Beautiful couldn’t describe the surroundings thou some of the brothers were a bit effie.
I’ve always wanted to go to Laos
I wonder do they take supervalue coupons in ballyfin?
Built 200 yrs ago in 2014 ?
Ballyfer was once won in a game of cards
Kim Kardashian obviously didn’t agree. Didn’t she leave early AND not pay the bill??
have your say