Galway Bay Brewery founder in poitín venture

‘I’m the first generation to make it legally’

Pádraic Ó Griallais of Micíl Distillery. The founders also plan to branch out into gin and whiskey production Picture: Michael Dillon

“I’m standing here in the freezing cold putting labels on bottles wondering what on earth I’ve done,” joked Niall Walsh when we called.

Walsh, who co-founded the pioneering Irish craft beer maker and pub operator Galway Bay Brewery that grew into a €16 million turnover business, has sold out of his stake in that business to focus on Micíl Distillery.

Founded by former schoolteacher Pádraic Ó Griallais and based in Salthill in Galway, ...