ONE of Ireland’s leading alcohol producers, which was established in Fermanagh, has praised significant financial support it received from Invest NI.
Fermanagh’s first legal distillery since 1890, The Boatyard Distillery is Ireland’s first B-Corp certified distillery, serving top class produce to some of the biggest businesses and establishments across Ireland.
The Fermanagh business has been glowing in its praise for Invest NI, which has pledged to support local companies and firms through its Clarendon Fund Managers.
“The impact of the Invest NI Access to Finance Fund has been huge,” founder of The Boatyard Distillery, Joe McGirr, explained.
“It’s given us the opportunity to scale production, recruit locally and grow our team and also put our brand on a global stage.
“We’re deeply rooted in Fermanagh and this has allowed us to unlock that ambition.”
Clarendon Fund Managers, which oversees the Invest NI funding process, feels it’s important that businesses across the island are given the support they need.
“The Investment Fund for Northern Ireland’s £33m equity program, managed by Clarendon Fund Managers, is part of the £70m Investment Fund for Northern Ireland,” a statement read.
“It’s one of a series of Nations and Regions Investment Funds launched by the British Business Bank which will deliver £1.6 billion of new funding to smaller businesses across the UK.
“The Investment Fund equity program seeks to invest in ambitious teams leading high-growth companies across the start-up, early stage, growth, and expansion phases of a company’s development.
“The Fund can provide access to the capital required to accelerate a company’s growth. It can help to boost productivity, innovation and employment while supporting a wide range of business finance needs.”
Fermanagh’s leading alcohol producer continues to lead the way, earning major recognition and top awards for its specialty produce.
For the fourth year running, The Boatyard Distillery has been named in the prestigious Drinks International Brands Report 2026.
The Boatyard Distillery was the only spirits brand made on the island to feature in the Bartenders’ Choice category, Bestselling Gin List, Top Trending Gin Category
and the Top Trending Vodka category.
Managing Director at The Boatyard Distillery, Declan McGurk, recognises the success for the Fermanagh business.
“To be recognised for a fourth consecutive year — and to return to the Bartenders’ Choice list — is hugely meaningful for our team,” he said.
“Everything we do is built around the bar world. Bartenders need to trust a brand, enjoy working with it and feel confident recommending.
“Seeing Boatyard Double Gin and Boatyard Vodka performing so strongly across bestselling and trending categories tells us that our focus on quality and authenticity continues to resonate globally.”
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