Shane Lowry Company buys former Tullamore Whiskey Visitor Center

Golfer Shane Lowry, publican and hotelier Alan Clancy acquired the Old Bonded Depot in Tullamore from Tullamore Dew Distillery, William Grant & Sons.

William Grant & Sons said Laurie, of the Offaly firm, and Mr. Clancy purchased the historic building through their firm Emante for an undisclosed amount following an « extensive consultation and tender process to select a suitable new owner ».

Emante is expected to open a bar and a restaurant on site.

Mr Clancy, who also controls hospitality group NolaClan, said Emante was « delighted » with the acquisition of Old Bonded Warehouse.

« We look forward to doing our part in boosting the local economy in the coming years, and we will be sharing more plans around the building next year, » he said.

Built on Bury Quay in Tullamore in 1879, the building was used as a heritage Tullamore Dew whiskey center and restaurant, but the tourist attraction closed in October 2020.

“We are excited to be working with Alan Clancy and Shane Lowry to ensure that it continues to be an important destination for the city of Tullamore,” said David Moore, Head of Marketing for Tullamore Dio.

Separately, William Grant & Sons is now planning to open a new visitor experience center at Tullamore Distillery, which employs more than 90 people.

Mr. Moore said the new center is « currently in development, » and that the distillery is looking forward to welcoming visitors from early 2022 onwards. He added that more details will be announced « in the near future. »

In recent years, more than €100 million has been invested in Tullamore Distillery by William Grant & Sons, the Scottish company that acquired the Tullamore Dew brand from C&C in 2010 and brought whiskey back to Tullamore for the first time in 60 years through construction and later The distillery expanded on the outskirts of the city.