The Irish Whiskey Association has announced exports of the spirit surpassing €1 billion in 2024 ahead of St Patrick’s Day celebrations around the globe.

The latest figures from Bord Bia and the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR) show that Irish Whiskey sales exceeded 15 million cases last year, reflecting sustained global demand. Notably, exports to India surged by 107%, making it the fastest-growing market.

Director of the Irish Whiskey Association Eoin Ó Catháin said: “The success of the Irish whiskey sector is due to the innovation, resilience and hard work of our Irish whiskey producers – passionate distillers that are found in almost every county in Ireland, deeply proud of the heritage of Irish Whiskey.

“Last year, we celebrated 700 Years of Irish Whiskey Tradition: 700 years since the publication of the Red Book of Ossory, with its instructions for distilling aqua vitae – or uisce beatha – which of course we know today as whiskey. The ongoing hard work and ingenuity of Irish Whiskey producers provides a solid platform for the next 700 years!”

Irish whiskey is largely an international product – Ireland exports 90% of what it produces – and the product is finding favour in new and emerging markets. As a Geographical Indication (GI) product since 1989, Irish whiskey can only be distilled on the island of Ireland and is subject to strict production standards. 

Irish whiskey is currently sold in 113 markets and in over 90% of these markets it enjoys legal protection.

Beyond exports, Irish whiskey plays a significant role in Ireland’s visitor economy, with distillery tour and visitor experiences available to the domestic and international markets – with more than 800,000 visitors to member distilleries last year.

Irish whiskey made for Aussie drinkers wins world’s best in Dublin

Dunville’s 13 Year Old Cigar Malt created exclusively for The Whisky Club won top gong as Best Irish Small Batch Single Malt at The World Whiskies Awards Ireland 2025.

”We’re thrilled our Club-exclusive Dunville’s 13 Year Old Cigar Malt has been recognised by the world’s best judges for being one of the world’s best whiskeys, and the best Irish Small Batch Single Malt,” said The Whisky Club’s Operations & Whisky Director Seamus Carroll.

“This win joins more big awards show wins for The Whisky Club over the last 12 months at both the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024 (IWSC) 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.”

Winners of the World Whiskies Awards Ireland will go on to compete against other winners to compete for the World’s Best title in their category, the results of which will be announced at the World Whiskies Awards 2025 Global Dinner this month.

View the full list of Irish whisky winners here.