Roe & Co Distillery — Attraction in Dublin

I love whisky, and whiskey. I've probably been on coming up to 100 distillery tours most of which have been excellent or at least interesting. However Roe & Co is the first one I've been on which was downright unpleasant.

It all started when our group tried to book our tour, with rather aggressive messages from their customer service department who, despite us asking on 29th Jan for payment methods, sent an email 6 weeks later stating "We noticed that you still haven't paid your booking * booked on 22/03/2025.” And "Shall your booking stays unpaid 3 days before the visit, we will have no choice but to cancel it.” We asked for payment links or bank transfer options but apparently that was not acceptable.

When we arrived things started ok, paid immediately and enjoyed the cocktail as we arrived 30 mins ahead of our tour so as not to be late, although our guide didn't collect us until 5 mins after our start time.

When we met the guide though things fell apart within minutes - he was needlessly aggressive, rude, abrasive and spoke to us like toddlers when we were all excited to be there. He shouted at us pretty much immediately when anyone made the smallest sound, even when we were talking about the tour and tasting. Choice quotes included "don’t make me speak to you like a 5 Year Old". The tour of the distillery was rushed and mainly delivered on some stairs, with the guide barking information at 100 mph which left minimal room to digest or ask more questions, and laden with snide comments again even though we were taking photos, videos and commenting on how cool it was.

The blending experience was, without doubt the worst 20 mins I have spent in a distillery; again it was all rushed through and the guide continued to shout at us for having fun and to making it all feel like it was beyond a hassle that he was there, gainfully employed to deliver a relatively formulaic ‘experience’. I personally got shouted at for mixing the cocktail in the wrong order as it was hard to follow instructions given how fast he was going.

It got to the point where one of us had to personally step in and tell the guide - as politely as he could - that he was being rude, obnoxious and how him speaking to us with utter contempt had ruined our experience and put a dampener on our entire day of experiencing the city and whiskey of Dublin together. He then refused to apologise and used the words:

“Let’s just shake hands and move on, I’m trying to get through this script so I can get through this tour’.

Get through the tour? We PAID a wedge to be on it and to hear that emphasised how little value he, and be extension the brand had in us being there and we all felt like we had wasted our time going - and paying - for such a horrible time.

Once that was over, he promptly darted off and left us at the bar with no goodbye, thanks, apology or anything.

Upon getting to our table for the final whiskey we had to ask three times for the additional ones we had paid for so they could be shared out, same for the free cocktail. We would not have cared one bit if we had enjoyed our time there but sadly this was a blight on our entire trip and feel beyond let down.

Obviously we left without buying a bottle of anything, and I probably won't touch their stuff again despite liking it. If you're looking for Irish hospitality head to Teeling, Liberties or Pearce-Lyons all of which...

Where whiskey meets artistry—and hospitality shines

Roe & Co Distillery is more than a stop on Dublin’s whiskey trail—it’s a spirited celebration of flavor, creativity, and connection. Nestled in the heart of the Liberties, this beautifully reimagined former Guinness power station pulses with energy, inviting guests into a world where tradition meets innovation.

From the moment we arrived, the staff were phenomenal—welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and their ability to tailor the experience to each guest made the tour feel personal and memorable.

The journey begins with a deep dive into the art of distilling and blending, where you learn not just how whiskey is made, but why each step matters. The storytelling is rich, the visuals are striking, and the pacing is perfect—never rushed, always engaging.

But the real magic happens in the cocktail workshop, where expert bartenders guide you through a hands-on experience that’s equal parts education and indulgence. You explore the five flavor profiles—sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami—and craft a cocktail that suits your unique palate. It’s interactive, playful, and surprisingly enlightening. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a curious novice, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for balance and creativity in mixology.

The setting itself is stunning—industrial chic meets Irish warmth. Every detail, from the copper stills to the ambient lighting, adds to the immersive feel. And the Power House Bar at the end? The perfect place to sip, savor, and reflect.

Roe & Co isn’t just a distillery—it’s a masterclass in hospitality and flavor. If you’re in Dublin and want an experience that’s equal parts fun, flavorful, and expertly guided, this is the...

We visited Roe & Co on the Saturday of St Patrick's weekend and were absolutely delighted with our experience. From the moment we walked we were made to feel very welcome. As we'd arrived a good bit early we were lucky to get an empty table in the bar to "prepare" for the tour. I had love espresso martini (my first one ever but definitely not my last). The girls had either whiskey sours or something similar, the lads had Hophouse pints. There was a lovely, relaxed atmosphere where we could chat, drink & take in our surroundings. There's a cocktail menu available which has alot of information to help you narrow down what you might drink. If you're not a cocktail drinker there's a wide selection of whiskeys to drink along with pints. If you're looking for a knowledgeable guide with the BEST personality look no further than Billie. Although she'd had a very busy weekend giving tours she had sooo much energy which meant that her story telling was fantastic. From the ground floor you weave your way up the stairs to view the distilling area (from above), to the sampling room where you learn about the ingredients & love that's involved in making a good whiskey and then to the blending area where you get a chance to learn more about the flavours in a cocktail and of course how to make one properly (which you of coutse get to drink) after which you return to the bar to sample a free cocktail from flavour profiles you just learned. I myself was caught between sour and umami. Luckily enough everyone at my table chose a different flavour so we got to taste them all. We hope next time when we have more time to book in for the 4 course meal along with...