My next adventure didn’t lead me to mountains or the ocean this time — but straight to the spirits. More precisely, to The Shed Distillery. And why exactly there?
Working as a bartender in Ireland, I came into contact with local products on a daily basis. One of them was Gunpowder Irish Gin Drumshanbo, which we regularly served behind the bar. And since this gin is produced right in County Leitrim, where I was living and working at the time, it was only a matter of time before I said to myself:
“Alright. It’s time to see where this whole thing actually comes from.”
Cycling for Gin
When I realised that The Shed Distillery was relatively close, I decided to go there by bike. A day off, good weather, and a clear destination — what more could you ask for?
The ride took me about an hour and a half, covering roughly 24 kilometres. Yes, I took my time — but I knew there was a tasting waiting for me at the end. And let’s be honest, that’s better motivation than any energy drink.
Leitrim is calm, green, and in places almost completely empty — perfect for slow travel like this, where you have time to think, breathe, and properly look forward to what’s ahead.
What Is The Shed Distillery and What Do They Produce?
The Shed Distillery is located in the small town of Drumshanbo and is known for combining traditional Irish craftsmanship with unusual ingredients from around the world. This is not a mass-production factory — it’s a proper craft distillery where quality, detail, and hands-on production come first.
Their portfolio is surprisingly broad:
- Gunpowder Irish Gin Drumshanbo – their flagship product, distilled with oriental botanicals such as gunpowder tea, citrus, and herbs. They also produce flavored gins including Orange, Fig, Pineapple, and citrus blends with lime and lemon.
- Drumshanbo Vodka – clean, smooth yet sharp, distilled using the sausage tree (Kigelia africana), an African botanical rarely used in vodka production.
- Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey – a traditional Irish whiskey made from a combination of malted and unmalted barley.
- Seasonal and limited editions, which often appear only for a short time and are exclusive to certain periods or locations.
Everything is produced on-site, from distillation all the way to bottling — which is exactly what gives the distillery its authentic, hands-on character.
The Shed Distillery Tour – How to Get There
When I arrived, all that was left was to wait for 12:00, when the tour started.
And how do you actually book it?
Simple — through their online reservation system on the official website. I highly recommend booking in advance, especially on weekends.
You can choose from several options:
Gin Experience
- a tour focused mainly on gin
- during the tour you also taste their Port Cask Single Pot Still whiskey
- at the end, you get a gin-based drink
Whiskey Experience
- a longer and more detailed tour
- deeper insight into whiskey production
- more tasting samples along the way
I chose the gin-focused experience, since gin was the reason The Shed Distillery caught my attention in the first place.
A Gin Tour That Actually Makes Sense
I went with the gin tour, simply because that’s what I was most curious about — and honestly, it was a great decision. The whole tour lasted just over an hour, and I wasn’t bored for a single moment.
You learn:
- how the distillation process actually works,
- where the individual ingredients come from (from all over the world),
- why they combine Irish craftsmanship with oriental elements,
- and how the whole idea behind the brand was born.
I’m deliberately not going to spoil that story here. This is one of those cases where the old rule applies perfectly: better to see it once than hear about it twice. If you get the chance, go there in person — the real experience beats any description.
A Restaurant Where Even the Lamps Say “Gin”
After the tour, I treated myself to lunch right in their restaurant — and even the interior alone is worth mentioning.
Lamps made from glass bottles used for gin, subtle distillation-themed details, gin and whiskey everywhere you look — nothing over the top, just perfectly balanced so you immediately know where you are.
I went for a properly loaded burger, which hit the spot perfectly after cycling, walking around the distillery, and a full tour.
A Private Tasting Behind the Bar
After lunch, I took a walk around the distillery grounds, which are beautifully maintained, and then headed back to the bar. The original plan was simple: taste all the gins and head back home.
But then…
The bartender who had also led the tour was behind the bar, so we started chatting. What was supposed to be a few minutes turned into another 40 minutes of conversation about gin, botanicals, differences between editions, and flavor profiles.
The result?
- I tasted every gin they had available,
- got a private, informal tasting session,
- and as a bonus, he let me try their vodka as well.
This is exactly how a proper bar experience should feel — no rush, no crowds, just good conversation, great spirits, and an easygoing atmosphere.
Cycling Back – With a Smile and a Full Stomach
Well fed, in a great mood, and genuinely satisfied, I eventually got back on the bike. I still had another 24 kilometersahead of me on the way home.
But this time, it felt easier. My head was full of impressions, my legs a bit tired, yet I had that clear feeling that this was exactly the kind of day worth traveling for.
Heading Home With a Small Technical Bonus
The ride back, as usual, wasn’t completely without complications. Not that it was long — but somehow, the return journey is always trickier than the way there.
While riding, I noticed that my handlebars started slipping and dropping. The bolts had loosened, and I couldn’t properly lean on them — definitely not something you want to deal with on a bike at speed. Luckily, I was mostly riding on forest paths and local roads, so I slowed down and started looking for a solution.
After a few kilometers, I came across a house where a car was just pulling in. I stopped and tried my luck, asking whether they might have a hex (Allen) key. It took a moment, but in the end, they found one. We tightened the bolts, I thanked them — and later that same day, I went and bought my own tools, because once was more than enough for surprises like that.
Guinness to Finish and a Perfect End to the Day
After about two exhausting hours, I finally made it back to the town of Mohill. I stopped by the local pub, ordered a Guinness, sat down, took a breath, and let the whole day sink in.
Only then did I head home, had some dinner, and went to sleep with that satisfying feeling of a day well spent. A trip for gin, cycling, tastings, people, stories — exactly the kind of day you remember.
And where I cycled to next in Ireland? You’ll find out in the next part — so don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and subscribe to the newsletter to make sure you don’t miss the next chapter.
Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden.
Flying Easterner
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