PICTURES: Do you recognise anyone at the launch of Carlow Whiskey Festival?

Carlow Whiskey Festival, a brand-new event in town, has officially launched.

Starting in January, the festival will include whiskey tasting and other unique experiences held across the county.

The Carlow Whiskey Festival is being developed through a collaborative partnership involving Carlow County Council, Carlow Whiskey Society, local vintners, Carlow Tourism and County Carlow Chamber.

The festival will take place on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th, January 2027.

The festival's official launch was held on Wednesday, November 11th, in The Irishmans.

It aims to establish a distinctive annual event on Carlow’s festival calendar, showcasing the county as a destination for quality experiences, hospitality and tourism.

Mayor of Carlow, Cllr. Ken Murnane, said that he is delighted that Carlow is preparing to introduce a new Whiskey Festival for 2027.

“This is an exciting initiative which brings together our local businesses, hospitality sector and tourism interests around a shared celebration of Irish whiskey and the experience that Carlow has to offer,” he said.

“The Carlow Whiskey Festival is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership and collaboration,” Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council, said.

“We are looking forward to building this festival into an exciting annual event for Carlow,” he added.

Have a look through the photos to see if there are any familiar faces at the launch.