Kilbeggan Distillery, also known as Cooley Distillery, is a whiskey distillery located in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, Ireland. It is the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, having been founded in 1757 by Joseph Teeling. The distillery has a rich and varied history, and has been owned by a number of different companies over the years.

In 1775, the distillery was acquired by Robert Leckey, who modernised the distillery and expanded its production. Leckey's son, John, continued to run the distillery after his father's death, and oversaw a further period of growth and expansion.

In 1829, the distillery was acquired by a group of local businessmen, who continued to run it until the 1870s. During this period, the distillery was known for producing a high-quality whiskey that was exported all over the world.

In the 1870s, the distillery was acquired by the Jameson family, who were already one of the largest whiskey producers in Ireland. Jameson continued to operate the distillery until 1959, when it was closed down.

The distillery remained closed for over 30 years, until it was reopened in 1987 by John Teeling. Teeling had a vision of restoring the distillery to its former glory, and he set about recommissioning the distillery and rebuilding its brand.

The distillery was a huge success from the outset, and it quickly became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland. In 2013, the distillery was acquired by Beam Inc., a global spirits company.

Modern Days of Kilbeggan Distillery

Today, Kilbeggan Distillery is a major player in the Irish whiskey industry. The distillery produces a range of award-winning single malt and blended whiskeys, and it is also a popular tourist destination.

The distillery is open to visitors, and offers a number of tours and tastings. Visitors can learn about the history of the distillery, and see how whiskey is made. They can also sample a variety of Kilbeggan whiskeys, and buy bottles to take home.

Kilbeggan Distillery is a great place to learn about the history of Irish whiskey, and to experience the taste of Ireland's national drink.