Actor Hits the Whiskey Trail

Joe Bausch, a high-profile German actor, is in Ireland exploring our island’s tradition of whiskey distilling. He is here as a guest of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. 

Famous for his role in a popular German television crime series called Tatort, Joe will be documenting his trip in a two-page article that will appear in various German publications and will be read by approximately 1.7 million. Tourism Ireland will also be promoting his visit and experiences here via its own social media channels in Germany.

This year marks the 700-year anniversary of the first-known reference to Irish whiskey distilling, as featured in the 14th century manuscript the Red Book of Ossory. Tourism Ireland is highlighting the craft, history, local ingredients, landscapes and people that have shaped the Irish whiskey story through the ages, all with a view to encouraging visitors to our island across regions and seasons.

Joe’s whiskey-themed itinerary includes the Midleton Distillery Experience in Cork, as well as Kyteler's Inn, a private guided tour of St Canice’s Cathedral and the Red Book of Ossory in Kilkenny, and a tour of Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin. In Belfast, Joe will visit McConnell’s Distillery and Titanic Distillers. As well as learning about the craft and history of Irish whiskey, Joe will also visit the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Brittas Bay, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and Titanic Belfast.

Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Germany, said:

“The island of Ireland has a remarkable distilling heritage. Dating back to 1324, the Red Book of Ossory contains the first written reference to ‘aqua vitae’ or ‘uisce beatha’ or ‘whiskey’ on this island, and it is now on show in St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny.”