Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I cover the world’s best hotels, restaurants and wine. It’s difficult to believe that twenty, even ten, years ago liquor store shelves ...

with over 30 distilleries across the island offering tours, whiskey experiences, and visitor events. The Irish Whiskey Association estimates that over 800,000 holidaymakers visited a whiskey ...

Along with the tours, the distillery also offers whiskey blending and whiskey cocktail making classes. Note that due to licensing laws in Ireland, you can't buy alcohol before 12:30 p.m. on Sundays.