Minister Marks Bushmills' 400

The North's Tourism Minister Arlene Foster visited Bushmills Distillery on Tuesday to mark the 400th anniversary of whiskey making in the area and celebrate its contribution to tourism.

Bushmills Distillery, Ireland's oldest working distillery, is also a key tourist attraction where visitors can observe, at first-hand, the traditional craft and skills of making Irish whiskey.

During a tour of the distillery Minister Arlene Foster said: "Tourism plays a central role in the Northern Ireland economy and Bushmills Distillery has become a key part of the tourism experience.

"Visitors travel from across the world to experience the rugged north coast, with its wealth of visitor attractions, and, for many, top of their itinerary is the world famous distillery. Its visitor center welcomed more than 120,000 visitors in 2006, making it one of Northern Ireland's most popular attractions."

Throughout 2008, Bushmills Irish Whiskey is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the original licence to distil whiskey granted to the Bushmills area in 1608 by King James I. In this anniversary year, Bushmills Distillery was also recognized for its Outstanding Contribution to Tourism at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards. This award recognizes and celebrates the long history of Bushmills Distillery and its exceptional contribution to tourism in Northern Ireland.