The Boatyard Distillery Ltd

The Boatyard Distillery is now Ireland's most represented gin distiller across the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars. The next step will see Boatyard grow into 40 markets globally, whilst ensuring every home on the island of Ireland can conveniently purchase a bottle.

The Boatyard Distillery is situated on the banks of Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, North West Ireland. Boatyard is Fermanagh’s first legal distillery since 1890. Our story began with a dream in 2013 when our founder, Joe McGirr, imagined returning home to his native Enniskillen. The goal was to make a gin, not just any gin, but one so perfect for Martinis globally it would be poured in the world’s finest bars and restaurants.

The American Bar at The Savoy whilst World’s Best Bar became the first bar outside of Ireland to stock Boatyard. Then headed by Declan McGurk, who selected the gin from being seduced at a blind tasting, to then discovering it is made local to where his family origins lay. Fast forward to October 2020 and Declan joined the Boatyard business, to help inspire a position in the world’s best bars and restaurants.

Boatyard finds itself in a position where it has attracted top industry professionals to help growth. Now being used by many of the finest bartenders around the world, this endorsement is leading us to Boatyard being available on multiple shelves globally in a retail environment. Our goal is, to be the leading Irish gin distillery making sustainable spirits while giving our team their best possible adventure.

Boatyard has produced 72,000 bottles in 2022 and has production capacity on current stills for 150,000 bottles. The distillery has become a must go to visitor attraction in north west Ireland welcoming 4,200 visitors in 2022. - Spirits sales are expected to increase of over 80% in 2023.

The Boatyard distillery proudly leads in it’s innovate approach towards sustainability and expects in early 2023 to be the first distillery on the island of Ireland to be certified B Corp. Its 2.8 litre eco pouches are used to refill bottles in bars and restaurants and create an affordable way for the end help drive sustainability. Customers are invited to come direct to the distillery to fill up their own bottle and benefit from huge reduction in price whilst helping to vastly reduce waste.

Boatyard has seen fantastic growth in the bars and restaurants of GB with our product available in every major city. Michael Smoley has been developing the Boatyard position in NYC since launch in June 2021. Already listed in over 200 bars and restaurants in the state of New York, the demand for premium high quality gin is experiencing exceptional growth. Listing highlights include The Dead Rabbit, Katana Kitten, Dante, Eleven Madison Park and Crown Shy.

In January 2023 Boatyard was the first Irish gin brand to feature in Drinks International Annual Brands Report 2023 Top Ten trending brands globally.