Since King James l granted Co. Antrim a whiskey licence in 1608, Bushmills has been home to Ireland's oldest licenced whiskey distillery. Set in the picturesque village of the same name, Old Bushmills has long been an enduring icon for whiskey connoisseurs the world over.

Two centuries of emigration from Ireland to America ensured the drink's foothold in the New World, with only the 1930s prohibition temporarily stalling its US progress. Today tourists with a taste for the 'water of life' flock to its hallowed doors to sample the range of award-winning single malts and original blends.

The 40min guided tour takes you step-by-step through the distillation process, ending in a wee dram for your troubles. Absorb those intoxicating aromas, gaze at a veritable forest of maturing casks and watch as hundreds of bottles fill with liquid gold.

The Gift Shop and Distillery Kitchen Restaurant serve all manner of hearty food and Irish and whiskey-themed souvenirs. It is also the only place in the world where you can buy the 12 year-old Distillery Reserve Single Malt.

The great thing about Bushmills is that it is an authentic working distillery and not some fabricated museum. As such, though, daily activities may preclude access to some areas, so check ahead if you want to ensure you see it all. U8s are welcome on site but due to safety reasons are not permitted on tours.