Listoke Distillery and Gin school

If you’re looking for something creative and different to do this weekend, why not try making your own personal gin? The Listoke Gin school is offering classes in the grounds of the haven that is Listoke House.

Once you arrive you will be greeted by a light refreshment before a talk of the history of the Listoke estate. Next comes a tour of the distillery, explaining the distilling processes and showcasing the equipment. Next comes the hand on part. The class commences with offering you three different gin profiles to guide you in choosing your gin flavours. Next you will be introduced to the botanicals, these are what give the gin its flavour (think chamomile, orange or cinnamon). Once you’ve chosen the botanicals to add, it’s time to distill your gin in a miniature still. Then it’s time to bottle the gin and add a label. Your personal gin is ready to go!

These gin classes cost 95 euro per person (or 90 euro if booking more than one). For bookings, see their website.

For those of you who aren’t partial to gin, don’t fret. There is the opportunity to take a tour of the distillery, where small batch Listoke 1777 gin is made. Or maybe you have no interest in alcohol at all? The take a trip around the Listoke gardens, with walled garden, orchard, vegetable garden and grass tennis court. There are two greenhouses dating back to 1900, and a garden shop selling French style willow picnic baskets and herb handbags (which make great presents) along with annual and perennial plants. And when you’ve had enough wandering and touring, head to the tea rooms to relax and grab a tea and bite to eat while overlooking the gardens. Go on. You deserve it.

Listoke House can be found on the Ballymakenny Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth.

See their website for more information.