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Rebel City Distillery: Cork’s Revival of Craft Spirits

Discover Cork’s first distillery in 50 years, blending heritage and innovation in craft gin and absinthe within a historic industrial setting.

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Rebel City Distillery is Cork City’s first distillery in nearly 50 years, located in a beautifully restored 1920s former Ford electrical transformer building in Ballintemple. It offers immersive tours showcasing the art of gin and absinthe distillation, featuring their signature Maharani Irish Gin and unique absinthe. Visitors enjoy guided tastings, a warm welcome with a gin & tonic, and a glimpse into Cork’s docklands heritage, all within a vibrant boutique distillery setting.

A brief summary to Rebel City Distillery

  • Unit P6, Marina Commercial Park Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Rd, Cork, Ballintemple, T12 XHP7, IE
  • +353214966300
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 11:30 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 11:30 am-4 pm
  • Friday 11:30 am-3:30 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance as walk-ins are not accepted to ensure availability.
  • Wear warm clothing during winter visits due to the building’s original design not retaining heat.
  • Enjoy the signature Maharani Gin and unique absinthe during the guided tasting session.
  • Allow about 75 minutes for the full tour and tasting experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Bus

    Take Bus 202 or 205 from Cork city centre towards Ballintemple; journey time is approximately 20-25 minutes. Services run regularly but check schedules for evenings and weekends. A single fare costs around €2.50.

  • Taxi

    A taxi ride from Cork city centre to Rebel City Distillery takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic, with fares typically between €10-€15. Taxis are widely available in the city.

  • Walking

    For those who enjoy a stroll, the distillery is about a 15-minute walk from Cork city centre along mostly flat terrain. Suitable for most visitors including wheelchair users.

  • Car

    Driving is convenient with free parking available on site. Note that some entrances to Marina Commercial Park close after 6pm on weekdays and remain closed on weekends; use the main gate with security guard access at all times.

Rebel City Distillery location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Cold Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Rebel City Distillery

A Historic Industrial Gem Reborn

Nestled in the heart of Cork’s Ballintemple district, Rebel City Distillery occupies a striking 1920s former Ford electrical transformer building that had lain dormant from 1984 until its revival in 2020. This beautifully restored industrial space breathes new life into Cork’s historic docklands, blending heritage with contemporary craft spirit production. The building’s original design, meant to dissipate heat, creates a distinctive atmosphere that can feel chilly in winter months, adding to the authentic industrial character of the site.

Crafting Spirits with Global Inspiration

At the core of Rebel City Distillery’s identity is its flagship Maharani Irish Gin, a unique fusion of Irish distilling tradition and vibrant botanicals sourced from Kerala, South India. This blend reflects the cultural richness and global connections emblematic of great port cities like Cork. Alongside the gin, the distillery produces Ireland’s only absinthe, crafted in small batches inspired by a 19th-century French recipe. Each spirit is carefully distilled on-site, combining experimental artistry with respect for time-honored methods.

Immersive Visitor Experience

Visitors are welcomed warmly with a refreshing gin & tonic upon arrival in the distillery’s inviting drink studio. Guided tours last approximately 75 minutes and offer an educational journey through the science and art of distillation. Guests explore the aromas of carefully selected botanicals, learn about the distilling process, and enjoy a tasting session featuring Rebel City’s signature spirits. The experience is both informative and sensory, providing insight into the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Community and Cultural Significance

Rebel City Distillery stands as a symbol of Cork’s industrial heritage revitalized for the 21st century. It celebrates the city’s Leeside roots while embracing a spirit of innovation and cultural fusion. The distillery’s location in the Marina Commercial Park places it near other vibrant local attractions, contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the docklands area as a hub for creativity and tourism.

Practical Details for Visitors

Tours and tastings are available by booking in advance, with no walk-ins accepted to ensure personalized experiences. The distillery operates mainly Thursday through Saturday with multiple tour times, including special cocktail classes. Free parking is available on-site, and visitors should dress warmly in colder months due to the building’s industrial nature. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors interested in craft spirits and local heritage.

Innovative Spirit and Future Prospects

Rebel City Distillery continues to expand its offerings, with plans for a Spirits School Experience and additional events that deepen engagement with the art of distillation and mixology. It embodies a new wave of Irish craft distilling, combining tradition, experimentation, and cultural storytelling, making it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

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