What began as a simple idea — offering an uplifting alternative to so-called “Blue Monday” — turned into one of the most positive and memorable winter moments we’ve experienced at the distillery.
More than 150 people registered for the free ‘Crolly Monday’ tour and tasting experiences, making it one of the most popular initiatives we’ve ever run during the quieter months of the year.
The responses came from far beyond our local area. People are travelling from across Donegal, from around Ireland, and even from the UK to take part — a reminder of how far the Croithlí story is travelling, and how much people value authentic experiences rooted in place, craft, and connection.
Because demand was so strong, we added a sixth hour-long tour on the day — something we’ve never done before. Five tours are the daily norm, even at the height of summer.
Alongside the free tour and tasting, some guests chose to take part in our VIP Experience, which, as many of you know, offers the opportunity to purchase, pour, and personalise a bottle of cask-strength Distillery Reserve directly from the cask.
Reflecting on the tremendous response, our co-founder Conor McMenamin, said it confirmed what the team had hoped to achieve with ‘Crolly Monday’.
“We hoped people might appreciate the chance to step away from the ‘Blue Monday’ narrative and do something positive instead.
“The level of interest has been genuinely humbling. It really shows that people want to get out, connect, and share meaningful experiences during the quieter winter months.
“Seeing people travel from all parts of Donegal, Ireland and even the UK to join us in such numbers makes this feel like a real landmark day for the distillery.”
Building on that momentum, we’re continuing our ‘Friends Go Free’ initiative as part of the Crolly Distillery Experience. When you book a tour and tasting, you can bring a second guest at no additional cost — an invitation to slow down, take your time, and enjoy the experience together during winter, when tours are naturally more relaxed and personal.
We’re also looking ahead to another special moment later this month. On Saturday, January 31, over the St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend, we’ll host a limited-capacity ‘Evening with the Distillers’.
This intimate tasting experience invites guests to sample unreleased and evolving limited-edition whiskeys, while hearing directly from us about flavour development, wood selection, and the unique role that direct-fire distillation plays in shaping Croithlí premium Irish whiskey. The tasting menu will include the much-anticipated Single Malt Oloroso and Single Pot Still Cognac expressions, both due for release later this year.
“Whether it’s ‘Crolly Monday’, ‘Friends Go Free’ or our ‘Evening with the Distillers’ tasting, these experiences are about sharing what we do in a more intimate way,” Conor added.
“They’re for people who are genuinely curious about how our whiskey is made here in the Donegal Gaeltacht.”
The ‘Friends Go Free’ offer is available online using the voucher code cara2026 and runs until 12am on February 1, with bookings valid up to March 15.
To avail of the ‘Friends Go Free’ offer for the ‘Crolly Distillery Experience’ click here. To book exclusive tasting experience at our ‘Evening with the Distillers’ click here.
