Date
Monday
Mar

March 3

International Irish Whiskey Day

Raise a glass and celebrate International Irish Whiskey Day in true Irish fashion with friends, music, and of course, a smooth glass of whiskey! Sláinte!

Yearly Date
March 3
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate International Irish Whiskey Day on March 3! This day is dedicated to the rich and flavorful spirit that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. Did you know that Irish whiskey was once the most popular liquor in the world, until it suffered a decline in the 20th century? Luckily, it has made a strong comeback and is now recognized as one of the finest types of whiskey out there. So join in on the festivities and toast to this delicious drink on its special day! Sláinte!

International Irish Whiskey Day Timeline

1405
First Recorded Distillation
The earliest known record of distillation in Ireland was mentioned in the Annals of Clonmacnoise where a chieftain died from "taking a surfeit of aqua vitae" at Christmas.
1608
Bushmills Foundation
Bushmills in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is often claimed as the oldest licensed distillery in the world, with a license to distill granted in 1608.
1823
The Excise Act
The Excise Act of 1823 eased the punitive taxes on Irish Whiskey and led to a boom in whiskey distilleries in the mid-to-late 1800s.
1900s
Irish Whiskey Crisis
Prohibition in the United States and trade wars with Britain led to a sharp decline in the Irish Whiskey industry in the early 20th century.
1966
Ireland's Distilleries Consolidation
Three remaining distilleries, Jameson, Powers, and Cork Distilleries, consolidated to form Irish Distillers.
2014
Irish Whiskey Renaissance
Irish Whiskey experienced a resurgence, with new distilleries opening and international exports tripling between 2002 and 2014.

How to Celebrate International Irish Whiskey Day

1

Create your own Irish whiskey cocktails

Put an Irish twist on your favorite cocktails by swapping out the traditional whiskey for some Irish whiskey. Try making a classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan with Irish whiskey for a delicious and unique drink.

2

Visit an Irish whiskey distillery

Plan a trip to visit one of Ireland’s many famous whiskey distilleries. You’ll get to learn about the history and process of making Irish whiskey and maybe even get to sample some different varieties.

3

Host an Irish whiskey tasting party

Invite friends over to taste and compare different types of Irish whiskey. Set up a blind tasting and have everyone vote on their favorites. You can also pair the whiskeys with different snacks to enhance the flavors.

4

Cook with Irish whiskey

Add a splash of Irish whiskey to your recipes for a unique flavor. You can use it in sauces, marinades, and even desserts like Irish whiskey cake or Irish coffee ice cream.

5

Attend an Irish whiskey tasting event

Keep an eye out for any local events celebrating International Irish Whiskey Day. It could be a great opportunity to try different types of Irish whiskey and learn more about the culture surrounding this beloved drink.

Why We Love International Irish Whiskey Day

A

It's a great excuse to enjoy some whiskey

International Irish Whiskey Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in your favorite type of whiskey. Whether you like it straight or mixed into a delicious cocktail, this holiday celebrates all things whiskey-related and encourages us to savor every sip!

B

It's a chance to learn more about Irish whiskey

On International Irish Whiskey Day, take some time to educate yourself on the history and production of this beloved spirit. You may discover some interesting facts and gain a newfound appreciation for the complex flavors that make up Irish whiskey.

C

It brings people together

No celebration is complete without good company - and enjoying a glass of Irish whiskey with friends or family is always a great way to bond over a shared love for this drink. So raise a glass and toast to friendship and joy on International Irish Whiskey Day!

International Irish Whiskey Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 2
Thursday
2024
Mar 2
Saturday
2025
Mar 2
Sunday
2026
Mar 2
Monday
2027
Mar 2
Tuesday