Cork Whiskey Fest Offers 25% Discount to Emergency Services and Hopes More Festivals Follow Suit
Cork Whiskey Fest, an unmissable celebration of whiskey, spirits, and community, returns to MacCurtain Street from March 21st to 23rd, 2025.
To recognise the dedication of emergency services personnel, Festival co-founder Laurie O’ Dwyer, a proud and long-serving member of the Irish Defence Forces, wants to give back.
He is offering a special 25% discount to anyone involved in the emergency services to the Cork Whiskey Fest Brand Expo & Social events on March 21st and 22nd at The Metropole Hotel.
“In other countries, emergency services teams are often given the perks and recognition they truly deserve,” Laurie says. “I’d love to see more of that in Ireland. This 25% discount is our way of giving a little back to the emergency services for their tireless dedication, and we hope that more festivals will follow suit.”
Together with his wife Sonya, Laurie founded Cork Whiskey Fest in 2022 to combine a love for craft spirits with a deep sense of community.
Taking place at The Metropole Hotel, the festival’s Brand Expo & Social evenings are a highlight, featuring over 40 whiskey distilleries and brands offering complimentary samples of their finest creations, along with complementary mixers and food bites. This year, distilleries will also showcase gins, rums, vodkas, and poitíns. Many booths will be hosted by distillers, blenders, and brand owners, giving attendees the rare opportunity to meet the people behind their favourite spirits. Whether you’re an aficionado or new to craft beverages, the event is a celebration of flavour and connection.
With 20+ other events on the line up—including masterclasses, distillery tours, exclusive tastings, and plenty of craic—Cork Whiskey Fest is a must for whiskey lovers, those who enjoy a wee drop, and curious newcomers alike.
The 25% discount applies to tickets for the Expo & Social events. Emergency services personnel can select the discounted ticket option at Cork Whiskey Fest Tickets, entering their service ID number and presenting identification on entry.
Organised by Laurie O’ Dwyer (host of Whiskey Chats Podcast) and his wife Sonya, the festival is proudly sponsored by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, The Shelbourne Bar, and IrishMalts.com. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t wait! For more information and to secure your spot, visit corkwhiskeyfest.com or follow @thecorkwhiskeyfest on social media.
