Here's BuzzFeed's Irish Whiskey Bucket List

Because we're about so much more than the black stuff.

Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

Whiskey is having a moment right now

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Forecasters predict that 96 million bottles of Irish whiskey, or "uisce beatha", will be sold globally by the end of next year, with aficionados making the pilgrimage to the Emerald Isle to see their beloved blends up close and personal.

So what better reason than that for an insider's guide to the hottest Irish whiskey spots around the country? Let's go!

The Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin 7

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Probably the best known Irish whiskey globally, Jameson is manufactured in Midleton, Co Cork nowadays but the old Distillery in Dublin is one of the capital's most popular tourist spots and a great starting point on any whiskey tour. Now a museum complete with bar and restaurant, it's up there with the Guinness Storehouse when it comes to having a good time imbibing traditional Irish beverages.

The distillery is in trendy Smithfield, which is awash with other great bars and restaurants to check out. Try The Cobblestone to the north of the square for an authentic Dublin experience, complete with trad music session.

The Palace Bar, Dublin

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An original Victorian pub on Dublin's Fleet Street since the 19th Century, The Palace is a rare and wonderful spot in Temple Bar – in other words, one that actual Irish people frequent. Downstairs it's a traditional pub showing sporting events, but upstairs it's whiskey paradise. These guys love the uisce beatha so much, they even created their own one – and it's delicious!

57 The Headline, Dublin

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Before we leave Dublin's fair city, we can't miss this relatively new spot in hipster Dublin 8 that specialises in both Irish whiskey and craft beer. The guys here do whiskey tasting plates every single day, and hold events often so follow them on Twitter to be kept in the loop.

Martin's Bar, Dundalk, Co Louth

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Take a swing towards the north, to a local bar 100 metres away from the Cooley Distillery. A dedicated visitor's centre as well as a pub, you can even bottle your own single malt here if you're so inclined, or simply relax with a tumbler of Greenore or Tyrconnell.

The Duke of York, Belfast

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Situated beside St Anne's Cathedral (and not far from the Titanic museum) down an alleyway, this is a traditional pub steeped in history and beloved of whiskey connoisseurs due to the fact that it boasts the largest collection of Irish whiskeys in the country. It also has a fabulous courtyard that acts as a smoking area, and live music every weekend.

Old Bushmills Distillery, Co Antrim

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Further north towards the coast of Northern Ireland, you'll find the old Bushmills distillery. Take a tour for £7.50 per adult (seven days a week), and treat yourself to something that you can only find in their gift shop – the Bushmills 12 year old single malt distillery reserve. A treat for a true Irish whiskey aficionado.

Garavan's, Galway City

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Time to go back south, swinging down the wild west coast. Famous for its Irish coffee, this Galway city institution isn't a tourist trap by any means, and is well populated by locals – which can only be a good thing, right? A large selection of Irish whiskeys, their specialty is rare Pot Stills and malts. And if your companion isn't a whiskey drinker, Garavan's are also experts on gin.

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey Distillery, Co Westmeath

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Now to the midlands, where Ireland's oldest licensed distillery has been operating since 1757 – two years before Arthur Guinness invented the black stuff. They still make whiskey there as well as at their distillery in Cooley, and the water used to make Kilbeggan comes from the River Brosna that passes by the factory outside.

More than a quarter century of history and the oldest pot still in the world, a trip to this part of the world is a must for whiskey lovers.

Tullamore D.E.W Distillery, Co Offaly

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Another globally famous brand, Tullamore D.E.W opened a brand new distillery back in Co Offaly in 2014, with an accompanying visitor's centre (set in a bonded warehouse) where you can learn all about its history and try different blends.

The Dylan, Co Kilkenny

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A stylish Victorian-style whiskey bar in the centre of Kilkenny, stepping in here is like taking a step back in time. With over 200 whiskeys on offer, this isn't all about Irish whiskey which can make a refreshing change. However they have plenty of it – from the popular names to the very rare. They also have a wide selection of Scotch, Bourbon, Canadian Rye and even Japanese whiskys.

Midleton, Co Cork

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We're including the entire town here, because Midleton is more famous for Irish whiskey than anywhere else, thanks to the fact that its distilleries complex produces the world's supply of Jameson, Paddy, Redbreast, Powers, Green Spot and of course, Midleton Very Rare.

There's another Jameson visitor's centre at their distillery, which is well worth a visit, but so are the town's local bars. Our favourite is Canty's, because it's a whiskey watering hole through and through.

Dingle Distillery, Co Kerry

Dingle Distillery

The Dingle Distillery on Ireland's southern coast is only open since 2012, and definitely an artisan establishment. It grew out of the Porterhouse Group, and produces gin and vodka alongside its famous independent whiskey.

Something the Dingle Distillery has that's unique though, is their Whiskey School where you can spend a weekend learning all about the production process in theory and practice.

Flannery's Bar, Limerick

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On the way back to Dublin (or indeed to Shannon Airport) from the South you'll find Michael Flannery's bar, which is famous for the uisce beatha, and for pouring a great pint of Guinness if you're in the mood. It has over 100 different types of Irish whiskey, and knowledgable staff that can recommend the right blend for you.

The Teeling Distillery, Newmarket, Dublin 8

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Opening to the public in May 2015, this is the first new distillery to open its doors in Dublin in over 125 years. The Teeling brand was established in 2012 and has been growing in popularity in recent times, so this new haven for whiskey lovers (complete with brass spirit safe) is sure to make it even popular. Oh, and the new place cost €10 million, so it's safe to say it will be pretty swish.