Kildare mum is 150,000th visitor to distillery
Surprised by an official welcoming committee
Kildare mum of two Heidi Lawless became the 150 thousandth visitor to The Shed Distillery at the home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim with pals Natalie Horler, Jackie Poland, Simone Walsh and Rebecca Whelan.
The group was surprised by an official welcoming committee led by Leitrim Cathaoirleach Paddy O’Rourke and Distillery owners Pat and Denise Rigney with representatives from Fàilte Ireland, Leitrim Co. Council m, the local community and distillery staff on Friday afternoon (11th October 2024).
The Shed Distillery attracted a record 50,000 visitors in 2023, making it the number one visitor attraction in the Shannonside region.
Heidi was presented with a special commemorative ‘150,000th visitor’ edition of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and a large bouquet of flowers.
From humble beginnings with just two employees in 2014, The Shed Distillery has grown to become Ireland’s No. 1 export gin brand and a symbol of rural revival, employing over 100 local residents across the distillery, the Jackalope Café, and the Curious Gift Shop.
The Visitor Experience, only opened its doors to visitors during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when travel was at a standstill, making the rapid rise in visitor numbers particularly remarkable.
It has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Ireland’s Northwest with the latest Fáilte Ireland report revealing the Visitor Experience attracted a record 50,000 visitors in 2023, more than doubling the population of the whole County. Notably 70% of these visitors are international, contributing to the significant 11% rise in international visitors to Ireland's Hidden Heartlands region (which covers areas across Leitrim, Roscommon, and parts of Galway and Cavan).
In a region previously considered an employment blackspot, The Shed Distillery now employs over 100 locals across the distillery, the Jackalope Café, and the Curious Gift Shop, showcasing the profound impact of this family business on the rural community.
It is the proud home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, as well as a range of super-premium spirits.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our 150,000th visitor,” said PJ Rigney founder of The Shed Distillery. “It is a true testament to the power of the passion and dedication of our team and the incredible support of the local community. We’re honoured to have become the top visitor attraction across the Shannonside region.”