World’s first distillery in a former prison opens at Crumlin Road Gaol
In a ground breaking transformation, McConnell’s Distillery has opened its doors in the historic A-wing of Crumlin Road Gaol, marking the world’s first distillery conversion of a former prison.
Known colloquially as “The Crum,” this Belfast landmark opened in 1846 and functioned as a prison for 150 years before closing in 1996.
GALLERY
The gaol, rich with history and architectural significance, holds a Grade-A listed status, making its renovation a project of both historical and cultural importance.
The vision for McConnell’s Distillery began in 2012, culminating in a comprehensive restoration and renovation effort that started two years ago. With a significant investment of £22 million, the transformation was led by Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd, a seasoned building and fitout contractor known for its excellence in construction. This challenging project required the integration of modern distilling facilities into the historically significant structure while preserving its unique character.
Felix O’Hare & Co Ltd faced numerous challenges during the project, particularly in maintaining the structural integrity and historical features of the building. The firm undertook complex structural works, ensuring that elements such as slate walkways, cast iron railings, and staircases were preserved. The meticulous planning and expertise of the workforce were crucial in overcoming these challenges, ensuring that the building’s heritage was honored while adapting it for its new purpose.
The distillery now boasts 30,000-litre inter-spirit tanks and state-of-the-art distilling equipment, installed with the assistance of specialist contractors. The architectural fitout was designed to enhance the visitor experience, offering whisky tours that promise to be both educational and immersive. The in-house joinery workshop, utilizing a blend of modern CNC technology and traditional methods, produced bespoke and handcrafted furniture, further elevating the venue’s aesthetic appeal.
John Kelly, CEO of McConnell’s Belfast Distillery Company, expressed his excitement for the project’s completion. “We are thrilled to be welcoming our first visitors after years of planning, building, and fitout. We are ready to unveil the visitor experience, and I am very confident that all of our guests, locals and tourists alike, will have a truly world-class experience when they come through our doors,” he said. Kelly also highlighted the substantial investment from both the board and international investors, along with the support from Northern Ireland Government Departments, which was pivotal in bringing this ambitious project to life.
As McConnell’s Distillery opens its doors, it stands as a testament to innovative reuse of historical structures, blending the rich past of Crumlin Road Gaol with a new era of whisky production and tourism.
Images via McConnell’s Distillery
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