New book embraces Ireland’s whiskey culture, for a good cause
A new book by the Northern Ireland owners of top New York evokes a special road trip exploring the country's whiskey and bar culture. "From Barley to Blarney, a Whiskey Lover's Guide to Ireland" was launched this week, with the authors making a large donation to mental health charity AWARE to mark the occasion.
14 May 2019
The owners of the acclaimed New York bar The Dead Rabbit returned to Northern Ireland to launch a new book exploring Ireland’s whiskey culture and make a significant charity donation. Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry authored “From Barley to Blarney, a Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Ireland” as a portrait of 22 whiskey distilleries around Ireland alongside 50 top bars. The duo wrote the book alongside Irish whiskey expert Tim Herlihy.
The book chronicles the trio’s fact-finding trips and is billed as a travel guide for whiskey enthusiasts, pub lovers and “Hibernophiles” (enthusiastic followers of Irish culture).
The official launch of the book took place at a special event at The Dublin Liberties Distillery on Wednesday 8 May. At the event, Belfast natives Muldoon and McGarry presented a cheque for $10,000 to Northern Ireland depression charity, AWARE. The donation includes The Dead Rabbit’s royalties from all sales of The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, which is produced at The Dublin Liberties Distillery. The donation comes at the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs 13-19 May 2019.
Speaking after the presentation, McGarry said that hailing from Ardoyne in Belfast means that he is very aware of the effect that untreated mental health problems can have. “These problems, if left untreated, can devastate families and communities,” he said. “Over the years, I have had my own battle with depression and mental health. I’m fortunate that I have been able to access the support and services I have needed to aid my recovery but not everyone is that fortunate.
“We’re proud to support AWARE in their vital work,” he added, “providing support to people with depression across Northern Ireland.”
Karen Collins, Chief Executive of AWARE, said the charity is delighted to receive the donation from Dead Rabbit, calling it “immensely generous”.
“The money donated will enable to us to offer our support groups and well-being programmes to more people in Northern Ireland,” Collins said, “which aim to promote positive mental health and help recovery from depression.”
For further information about the support services provided by AWARE, visit www.aware-ni.org.
The Dead Rabbit Presents: From Barley to Blarney: A Whiskey Lover’s Guide to Ireland is available to purchase from The Dead Rabbit’s website and from Amazon. For further information, visit www.deadrabbitnyc.com.
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