The Crolly Doll factory was dormant for almost 25 years, but restoration began in 2018. Today the factory, originally built in 1901 to manufacture carpets, is a whiskey distillery. Joe Devenney, Conor McMenamin and Kieran Davis are the sponsors behind this project. Since they share a common interest in whiskey and were watching the resurgence of Irish whiskey on a global scale, they wanted to be part of history. The last licensed whiskey distillery was registered to Willian Leathem of Bohillion, Burt, Co. Donegal in the early 1840s.
In August 2021, I was allowed to take part with a small group on a special tour that Joe Devenne and John Casey did themselves. The team is approaching the whole thing with a lot of joy and enthusiasm, there is still a lot to do, but I'm looking forward to trying the first bottling. Crolly will produce 500 barrels in the first year, I wish the young company the best of luck, the official opening is in spring 2022.
The history: Crolly Distillery became the 34th operating distillery in Ireland on October 8, 2020. The distillery is located in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht and has been supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta. The journey began in 2013 when friends Joe Devenney, Conor McMenamin and Kieran Davis discussed the revival of Irish whiskey.