Clare Island ariel view

Our Story

Waves Outline
Illustration of boat

The Vision

Our story, like so many others, begins with a vision – the joining of a proud past with a present possibility. For Islander Carl O’Grady it meant turning an island history of hardship and isolation into a reputation for the production of hard liquor. Fine Single Malt Liquor to be exact. It would be of the Island and of the ocean. It would be the first (Irish) Single Malt to be aged at sea, to be gently moved and made new by way of the waves and to Mr O’Grady’s mind, it would require a resurrection of sorts.

Illustration of Reeds
Barrel
O'Malley crest
Ships wheel
Ferry Captain

John O'Grady Ferryman 1900

Clare Island Emblem

The Wh...y?

The word whiskey does not appear on the label of our initial releases – Clare Island Single Malt Spirit Drink. Neither will it appear on any promotional materials or posts. G.I (geographical indentification) certification exists to protect Irish producers of whiskey – just as our single malt new-make spirit produced at the Connaught Distillery was certified. That bond (as we say in the trade) however was not extended to The Dolphin’s hold for the maturation of the spirit. So in the spirit of full disclosure, this is why the word whiskey is absent. We fully respect the reasoning and we look forward to using the ‘w’ word in the future. Nevertheless, we are enormously proud of our Single Malt Spirit Drink, because it is what it is.

Carl O'Grady
Video Frame

The Sea Change

Ours is the pride that comes when endeavour results in achievement, when obstacles are surmounted and promises fulfilled. We have succeeded in taking one thing and creating another. We think that you might feel the change too, when you bring that glass down for the first time. What you are tasting, what you are feeling is the spirit of the sea, the soul of the island.

Clare Island Pier
Dolphin Boat At Sea

A Single Malt Spirit Drink ages in a bourbon barrel in the hull of The Dolphin…

Tour Operators

Clare Island is one of the most interesting Irish Islands. It is scattered with ancient & historical relics. Its community holds fast a culture disappearing across Irand. Its beauty is known throughout the land. Visit www.clareisland.info and www.clareisland.ie for more details.

Clare Island Abbey exterior

Socials

Boat Outline
Clare Island Emblem

What People Are
Saying About Us

Clare Island Beach at Sunset