A popular German actor called Joe Bausch is in Ireland this week, exploring the island’s long and rich tradition of whiskey distilling.
He is here as a guest of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
Famous for his role in a popular German television crime series called Tatort, Joe will be documenting his trip in a two-page article that will appear in various German publications and will be read by approximately 1.7 million people.
Tourism Ireland will also be promoting his visit and experiences here via its own social media channels in Germany.
This year the country is celebrating 700 years of whiskey distilling on the island of Ireland – as 2024 marks the 700-year anniversary of the first-known reference to Irish whiskey distilling, as featured in the 14th century manuscript the Red Book of Ossory.
Tourism Ireland is highlighting the craft, history, local ingredients, landscapes and people that have shaped the Irish whiskey story through the ages, all with a view to encouraging visitors to our island across regions and seasons.
Joe’s whiskey-themed itinerary includes the Midleton Distillery Experience in Cork, as well as Kyteler’s Inn, a private guided tour of St Canice’s Cathedral and The Red Book of Ossory in Kilkenny and a tour of Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin. In Belfast, Joe will visit McConnell’s Distillery and Titanic Distillers. As well as learning about the craft and history of Irish whiskey, Joe will also visit the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Brittas Bay, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and Titanic Belfast.
Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Germany, said: “We are delighted that popular German actor Joe Bausch is visiting Ireland, to experience at first-hand how our long and rich history of whiskey distilling has evolved into a premier tourism experience. The article and photographs documenting Joe’s trip will be read by approximately 1.7 million potential German holidaymakers, inspiring them to put Ireland on their holiday wish list for 2025.
“The island of Ireland has a remarkable distilling heritage. Dating back to 1324, the Red Book of Ossory contains the first written reference to ‘aqua vitae’ or ‘uisce beatha’ or ‘whiskey’ on this island and it is now on show in St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny.”
