Bushmills Distillery Courtyard Set For Modern Makeover

Bushmills Distillery has been granted planning permission to renovate its courtyard, paving the way for a new conference and tasting facility.

The scheme, first submitted last year, will see the historic courtyard reconfigured to blend contemporary amenities with the distillery’s traditional charm.

According to the submitted Design and Access Statement, the majority of the courtyard will be finished in tarmac with brick surrounds, while pavers will line the edge of the existing extension. Notably, the southern side will feature a wall crafted from whiskey barrels, complemented by planters and a newly planted silver birch tree.

At the centre of the courtyard, a covered pergola is proposed. Built from hardwood and painted red, the pergola will boast a pitched roof finished in grey slate with black aluminium rainwater goods. The careful selection of colours, materials, and finishes has been designed to respect and enhance the character of the adjacent listed buildings.

Officials believe the development will provide an attractive new meeting space that not only boosts visitor experience but also remains sympathetic to the distillery’s rich historical context.