The Irish Gin Working Group has relaunched its education initiative for the 2025–26 academic year, targeting second-year Culinary Arts and Hospitality students, the future owners, managers, and decision-makers in hotels, restaurants, and venues across Ireland and internationally. 

The programme aims to embed knowledge and appreciation of Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream, Irish Poitín, and Irish Gin, reinforcing the country’s spirits heritage within hospitality education.

Building on successful lectures at Technological University Dublin (TUD) and South East Technological University (SETU) in 2024, the programme has expanded to four additional institutions: Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, Technological University of Shannon (TUS) in Athlone, Shannon College of Hotel Management (SCHM), and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Letterkenny. This expansion substantially broadens its national footprint, ensuring more students can benefit from industry-led insights and practical learning.

Lectures recommenced in November at TUD and MTU, drawing strong attendance and active engagement. Students responded enthusiastically, demonstrating a clear appetite for deeper understanding of Ireland’s spirits industry and its connection to hospitality excellence. The initiative emphasises practical knowledge, helping students grasp how Ireland’s iconic beverages contribute to the guest experience and hospitality operations.

Industry collaboration remains central to the programme. Dave from Dingle Distillery and Oisín from Clonakilty Distillery delivered the first Irish Whiskey lectures of the 2025–26 cycle, exemplifying the initiative’s commitment to authentic, hands-on education. Their participation ensures students gain first-hand insights from professionals who shape Ireland’s spirits sector, linking classroom learning to real-world practice.

By combining academic rigour with industry expertise, the programme equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding, fostering a new generation of hospitality leaders who are well-versed in Ireland’s beverage culture.

Read the full article to see how the Irish Gin Working Group is shaping Ireland’s next generation of hospitality professionals.