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Muckross Irish Gin — A Spirit Born of Killarney
Beneath the shifting skies of County Kerry, where ancient oaks line the lakesides and soft mists drift across the mountains, a gin was born that captures the untamed spirit of Ireland. In the heart of Killarney, a landscape steeped in myth and beauty, wild botanicals flourish in abundance. It’s here, among heather-clad hills and winding forest trails, that the story of Muckross Irish Gin begins.
This is more than just a spirit. It’s a celebration of place, craftsmanship, and identity — a premium small-batch Irish gin that reflects the character of the land that inspires it. Recognised on the world stage, Muckross Irish Gin has earned international acclaim, including Best Irish Gin at the 2025 Berlin International Spirits Competition, securing its place among the finest award-winning Irish gins.
For anyone searching for the best Irish gin, or a gin that truly reflects the soul of Killarney, this is where the journey starts.
Our Story
The idea for Muckross Wild Irish Spirits Co. took root during a time of great change. In early 2020, Andrea Kissane from Killarney and Martin Wray from Derry came together with one shared vision: to create something meaningful — a gin that would bring together their love of nature, craft, and storytelling.
Andrea’s upbringing on the edge of Killarney National Park nurtured a lifelong connection to the land. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and wildflowers, she developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. Martin, meanwhile, honed his skills behind the bar in Manchester’s vibrant mixology scene, where he discovered the beauty of precision, flavour balance, and the stories great spirits can tell.
Their two worlds met at the perfect moment. Inspired by the wild landscapes of Kerry and driven by a shared passion, they set out to create a Killarney gin that would be as evocative as it was exceptional. Muckross Irish Gin became the embodiment of that vision: a spirit that is both rooted in heritage and crafted with contemporary skill.
History
Long before a single drop of gin was distilled, the story of Muckross had already been unfolding for centuries. In the serene landscapes that would later form Killarney National Park, Muckross Abbey was founded in the 15th century by early Christian monks. Nestled among ancient woodlands and sparkling lakes, its ruins still stand today — a quiet reminder of Ireland’s enduring relationship with the land.
The story continued in 1843 with the construction of Muckross House by the Herbert family. This grand Victorian mansion became a gathering place for distinguished guests and visiting royalty. Its elegant halls and sweeping gardens reflected the cultural richness of the region, setting the stage for the area’s lasting heritage.
In 1932, the estate was gifted to the Irish state, creating Ireland’s first national park and preserving this extraordinary landscape for future generations. Today, Killarney National Park stretches over 26,000 acres, filled with emerald forests, cascading waterfalls, and the famous Lakes of Killarney. Red deer roam freely as they have for centuries, and visitors from around the world come to experience its timeless beauty.
It’s within this remarkable setting that Muckross Irish Gin finds its historical and emotional roots.
Inspiration
Killarney’s wild landscape is more than just a backdrop — it’s the beating heart of Muckross Irish Gin. From the start, the founders wanted to create a gin that truly tastes of this place: earthy, floral, fresh, and alive with botanical character.
An extensive botanical survey by the Office of Public Works revealed the extraordinary diversity of the park’s flora. Guided by this, Andrea and Martin began an ambitious process of experimentation. Over 22 recipe iterations, they worked to balance traditional gin foundations with native botanicals found in the park — ingredients like hawthorn, heather, blackthorn, and rosehip.
The result is a gin that embodies the landscape itself. It’s floral yet structured, smooth yet vibrant. Each botanical plays its part in weaving together a tapestry of flavour that reflects Killarney’s natural rhythm. When you raise a glass of Muckross Irish Gin, you’re not just tasting a drink; you’re tasting the spirit of Killarney.
Design
The bottle that carries Muckross Irish Gin is a story in its own right. Awarded a Silver Medal for Design at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021, it’s both tactile and beautiful — a reflection of the care that goes into every element of the brand.
Elegant embossing wraps around the glass, with “Established in Killarney, Ireland” proudly etched on the front. A roundel on the back represents the harmony of the park’s ecosystem, while the words “Small Batch Irish Spirits” circle the shoulders as a quiet testament to craft.
The stopper is laser-etched with the Muckross roundel, sealing the heritage within. A custom-designed label, illustrated by a local artist, captures the wildlife and scenery of Killarney — herons, red deer, mountains, and lakes — alongside the botanicals that define the gin. Even the base of the bottle holds a hidden Irish toast: Sláinte is táinte! — wishing health and wealth to all who share it.
This attention to detail turns every bottle into a keepsake — a beautiful vessel for a premium Irish craft spirit.
Craft
Muckross Irish Gin follows the London Dry tradition, celebrated for its clarity and balance. Each small batch is distilled in a bespoke copper pot still of just 150 litres, allowing for remarkable precision and control.
The botanical line-up is carefully hand-foraged and selected. Juniper, coriander, and angelica form the classic base, while native botanicals such as heather, hawthorn, blackthorn, and rosehip add their wild Irish character. The result is a gin that opens with bright citrus and floral notes, unfolds into smooth herbaceous complexity, and finishes long and elegant — like a walk through Muckross Wood after rain.
This is what small batch Irish gin should be: authentic, balanced, and deeply connected to its landscape.
A Spirit to Discover...
Muckross Irish Gin is more than a drink; it’s a journey through centuries of history, wild landscapes, and thoughtful craft. From the first pour to the lingering finish, it embodies the essence of Killarney.
If you’re ready to experience a truly distinctive Killarney gin, explore our online shop to order a bottle for yourself. You can also discover more about our recent award wins or browse seasonal cocktail inspiration to find your perfect serve.
This is Wild Ireland — distilled.