WHO WE ARE
Mourne Dew Distillery was founded in 2017 by Donal Farrell, inspired by his family’s deep roots in the Mourne Mountains and a unique twist in his career.
Originally a barrister and chartered accountant, Donal’s path changed after a court case involving cold distillation for DNA extraction sparked his imagination. The gentle process inspired him to think about crafting spirits of unmatched purity, and soon after, Mourne Dew was born.
Bringing together tradition and innovation, Mourne Dew celebrates the legacy of Donal’s ancestors, who were known poitín and whiskey makers as far back as the 1870s. We blend old recipes with cutting-edge distillation methods, reviving heritage mash bills, wood-aging techniques, and pioneering cold distillation. This expertise allows us to capture only the purest flavours from local and exotic botanicals, creating award-winning spirits that are as complex as they are refined.
We believe in crafting spirits with respect for tradition, the land, and innovation.
With each bottle, we aim to deliver a taste that is timeless, distinctly Irish, and truly exceptional.
our identity
Artist tHE fAIRY pOITÍN sTILLS OF mOURNE
Somewhere between the steely granite outcrops and the lush woodlands of the southern slopes of ancient Mourne, lie hidden fairy stills, ancient vessels in which the finest poitín this side of heaven is created. The enchanted Mourne liquor, more precious than any gold, has been distilled from the fairies’ own herbs and berries, drenched in the dew of early dawn and kissed by the rising sun…
Artist Collaboration - Capturing Spirits
Our bottles are adorned with the captivating artwork of local artist Kathryn Callaghan. Instead of using brushes, she pours inky mixes freestyle, capturing energy and spirit much like we aim to do at Mourne Dew.
Kathryn’s technique is driven by her desire to capture the essence of her subjects. She strives to represent feelings and memories, rather than produce exact visual representations. Art, from her perspective, has the power to connect with our inner thoughts and memories, thus igniting emotions.
Kathryn’s studio, located near Strangford Lough in County Down, is open by appointment, and you can explore more of her work on her website or social media.
Website: kathryncallaghan.co.uk
Facebook and Instagram: @kcfineart