The Old Jameson Distillery Experience museum in Dublin’s historic Smithfield district housed the production of Irish whiskey, Jameson, in 1780–1971 until the enterprise moved to a new distillery in Midleton, County Cork. The old factory remained abandoned for several years. It then re-opened its doors as an exhibition space, turning into one of Ireland’s most famous sights.

In the 18th-19th centuries, Dublin was the production center of Irish whiskey. On its streets, the largest distilleries in the country, Powers and Teeling, were located within walking distance from each other. However, they were soon challenged by another brand that became a legend in the world of alcoholic drinks.

The Jameson company was founded by John Jameson. He was married to the daughter of John Haig, owner of several distilleries. Inspired by his father-in-law’s experience and success, John Jameson opened his production on Bow Street in Smithfield. He was soon joined by one of his four sons, also a namesake, and the family business got the name John Jameson & Son.

By the beginning of the 19th century, John Jameson and John Jameson Junior’s whiskey became the global front-runner in popularity and production. The production expanded and acquired huge underground storage, causing locals to name it a city within a city. However, in a few decades, the distillery business suffered severe losses due to the Irish War of Independence and Prohibition in the United States.

Rough times continued until the later 20th century when the largest whiskey companies in Ireland merged into the Irish Distillers and moved to New Midleton distillery. Jameson was among them.

In 1997, the Old Jameson Distillery Museum was opened in the former distillery in Smithfield, with a small production, exhibition spaces, and a bar. There, you can not only discover the history and the ins and outs of the production of the most excellent Irish whiskey but also participate in tastings.