Discover
Our Story
In early 2020, during a time of global change, Andrea Kissane from Killarney and Martin Wray from Derry came together with one shared vision: to create something truly special—Muckross Wild Irish Spirits Co. Ltd. Their story, however, began long before that, shaped by their unique backgrounds and the landscapes that inspired them.
Andrea’s life growing up beside Killarney National Park, surrounded by Ireland’s breathtaking wilderness, nurtured a deep connection to nature. Meanwhile, Martin’s experience behind the bar in Manchester’s vibrant mixology scene brought his passion for crafting exceptional spirits to life. Together, these two worlds came together to create Muckross Irish Gin—a gin that’s as wild and beautiful as the land that inspired it.
Muckross Irish Gin is more than just a product; it’s the embodiment of Andrea and Martin’s shared journey, blending the raw beauty of Killarney’s landscapes with the creativity and flair of modern mixology. Crafted with passion and care, each bottle tells a story of two people, two places, and a dream that became reality.
At Muckross Wild Irish Spirits Co., we believe in the power of connection—not just between two people, but with the land, the spirit, and the people who enjoy it. Andrea and Martin invite you to experience the wilds of Ireland through their eyes, to taste the essence of Ireland in every sip, and to share in something truly remarkable. This isn’t just their story; it’s yours too, as you become part of the journey.
Sláinte is táinte!
History
In the serene landscapes that would become Killarney National Park, Muckross’s history begins with the 15th-century foundation of Muckross Abbey by early Christian monks. Nestled amid lush woodlands and sparkling lakes, this sacred space encapsulates centuries of devotion and the deep connection between Ireland’s cultural heritage and its natural beauty. The stone ruins of Muckross Abbey stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, marking the start of the region’s unique legacy.
The story of Muckross took on new dimensions in 1843 with the construction of Muckross House by the Herbert family. Set against the breathtaking Kerry landscape, this Victorian mansion exuded elegance and grandeur. A favored gathering place for royalty and distinguished guests, Muckross House became a symbol of hospitality and aristocratic charm, securing its place as one of Killarney’s most cherished landmarks.
In 1932, the legacy of Muckross was sealed when the estate was donated to the Irish state, leading to the creation of Ireland’s first national park. This generous act preserved the area’s natural beauty and historical significance for generations to come. Today, Killarney National Park spans over 26,000 acres, with emerald forests, cascading waterfalls, and the iconic Lakes of Killarney. Home to native wildlife, including the red deer, the park draws nature lovers and travelers from around the world.
Muckross House, now a museum, offers a glimpse into 19th-century opulence while blending harmoniously with the timeless beauty of County Kerry. Together, Muckross and Killarney National Park stand as a testament to Ireland’s dedication to preserving its heritage and natural wonders, captivating all who visit.
Inspiration
Nestled in the heart of County Kerry, the historic Muckross, Killarney, and its breathtaking national park are the heart and soul of Muckross Irish Gin. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse ecosystem, this enchanting region serves as a treasure trove of inspiration that we’re proud to share with the world. Our journey began with a deep passion to capture the essence of our home in a spirit that would captivate both the senses and the heart. Surrounded by ancient woods, cascading waterfalls, and misty mountains, the vision for a gin that truly represents the look, feel, touch, and taste of Killarney took shape.
The foundation for our gin was laid when we discovered an exhaustive survey by the Office of Public Works (OPW), which documented the flora and fauna of Killarney National Park. This invaluable resource revealed the park’s rich botanical diversity, offering a palette of flavours as varied and vibrant as the landscape itself. Using this as our guide, we embarked on an ambitious quest to craft a gin recipe that would encapsulate the unique spirit of the kingdom. After 22 recipe iterations, blending the traditional with the unique, we finally achieved a gin worthy of its surroundings—rewarded with a Silver Medal at the London Spirits Competition in both 2022 and 2024 and two Gold Medals at the Berlin International Spirits Competition in 2025.
Muckross Irish Gin is more than just a drink; it’s a tribute to the natural beauty and heritage of Killarney. Each bottle represents the meticulous care, research, and creativity behind its creation. By weaving together the historical and botanical richness of Muckross, Killarney, and its national park, the gin offers not just a taste of this magical place but an invitation to experience the wonder and inspiration that resides in every corner of this cherished landscape. A proud homage to the land that inspired it, Muckross Irish Gin invites connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike to experience the true essence of Killarney with every sip.
Design
Dive into the heart of Ireland with every glance and sip of Muckross Irish Gin, a spirit that offers not just an extraordinary taste but also a journey through the lush landscapes and rich history of Killarney. This isn’t just a bottle; it’s an award-winning masterpiece, having earned a prestigious silver medal in the design category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021. This accolade speaks to our gin’s exceptional design, capturing the essence of Ireland with elegance and creativity.
Designed to appeal to all the senses, this tactile work of art features intricate embossing on the front, back, and shoulders, inviting touch and offering a visual feast. Proudly etched with “Established in Killarney Ireland” on the front, our bottle pays homage to the birthplace of this exquisite gin. The back features a roundel symbolizing “the natural order,” representing the harmony of Killarney National Park’s flora and fauna. The shoulder of the bottle bears the words “Small Batch Irish Spirits,” a subtle reminder of the meticulous craftsmanship behind each batch.
The bottle stopper, adorned with the Muckross roundel and laser-etched with precision, crowns this majestic design, sealing the rich heritage within. A custom-designed label, created by a talented local artist, paints a vivid tableau of Killarney’s famous lakes, mountains, and wildlife, including herons, white-tailed eagles, and the native red deer, alongside the botanicals that give our gin its unique flavour. Every glance at the label reveals something new, inviting the viewer to explore the depth of its origins.
The journey doesn’t end there. A hidden Irish toast, “Sláinte is táinte!”—wishing health and wealth—is engraved on the bottom of the bottle, offering a final touch of Irish warmth and hospitality.
With Muckross Irish Gin, you’re not just enjoying a premium spirit; you’re immersing yourself in the natural beauty, craft tradition, and vibrant life of Killarney National Park. Every sip is an invitation to experience Ireland’s wild, untamed spirit, encapsulated in a bottle that tells a story as rich and captivating as the land itself. Sláinte to a journey of taste, tradition, and timeless beauty, celebrated by connoisseurs and recognized in competitions worldwide.
Craft
Muckross Irish Gin is the epitome of the London Dry style, celebrated for its uncompromising purity and the intricate process that ensures a bold juniper flavour leads every sip. The small-batch approach, with each batch carefully distilled in a bespoke copper pot still of only 150 litres, allows for the creation of a gin that’s not just a drink but a story in every bottle. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the essence of the chosen botanicals—ranging from Juniper and Coriander to the delicate notes of Heather and Hawthorn—melds beautifully, creating a gin that’s as complex as it is harmonious.
The botanicals are handpicked to weave together a tapestry of flavours that’s as wild and inviting as the Irish landscape itself. The first encounter with Muckross Irish Gin reveals a floral and sweet aroma, unfolding into a smooth, herbaceous, and juniper-led taste adventure, punctuated by a lively citrus burst. This journey through taste concludes with a long, floral finish that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Sipping a Muckross Irish Gin is like taking a stroll through the lush, green fields of Killarney National Park, with each botanical playing its part in painting a vivid picture of this enchanting land. It’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and the natural beauty of Ireland, distilled into a truly remarkable gin. Join us in experiencing a gin that not only captivates the palate but also captures the heart of Ireland’s wild and vibrant spirit.
Discover the true essence of Ireland with every sip of Muckross Irish Gin. Explore the collection today and experience the magic of Killarney in a bottle.
