Barr an Uisce Information

The Irish words “Barr an Uisce” literal English translation is “above the water”. It is also the Irish name given to Barraniskey, which is a town land set in the heart of the beautiful County of Wicklow, on the East Coast of Ireland. The Irish word “Uisce “ or “water” in English, was used during the time Irish monks first distilled what we now know to be whiskey. They called it “Uisce Beatha” meaning “Water of Life”. Known as the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow represents all that is stunning in Irish countryside. With its fresh water streams, rolling hills , lush forests and majestic views , it offers all that is expected when we think of Ireland. The founder of “Barr an Uisce” Irish Whiskey, Ian Jones, comes from a small village called Redcross which lies just below the townland of Barraniskey. Redcross, has an interesting history. It was a major stopping point for horse and carts travelling from southern Ireland to Dublin. People who travelled along the East Coast of Ireland found themselves in Redcross.It became a meeting point for gossip, news, culture and music. Redcross and Barraniskey were both affected by the penal laws many years ago and in 1803 the Barraniskey church was built for people who moved from Redcross. The copper coloured Cross still stands in the graveyard in Redcross to this day.Ian’s family have a long history in the Pub business. Ian’s great grandfather owned a rural family pub and following in that family tradition, Ian’s family-run pub, set in the rolling hills of County Wicklow, is a hub of Community activity and life – over one hundred years on from his great-grandfathers story. It is in this pub in Redcross where friends and families come together and enjoy music and laughter in a typical Rural Irish pub. Our Brand truly represents all that is beautiful in Wicklow and Ireland and celebrates the history of our town lands and culture.