McMenamin Engineering Completes Structural Steel and Cladding for Sliabh Liag Distillers’ New Facility
McMenamin Engineering is proud to have supplied and erected the structural steel and cladding for the new Sliabh Liag Distillery in Ardara, Co. Donegal. As the first distilling company to operate in Donegal in over 175 years, Sliabh Liag has made its mark as the creator of The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey and An Dúlamán Gin.
Bringing Vision to Reality
Working in close collaboration with founders James and Moira Doherty, and in partnership with Cornerstone Architecture, McMenamin Engineering helped to transform their vision into reality. The project featured distinctive design elements, including bespoke cladding details with continuous ridges on panels and roof pagodas, creating a facility that reflects both functionality and architectural character.
A Passionate Journey
The Dohertys’ distilling adventure began in 2014 when they returned to Donegal with a dream of establishing a distillery in the beautiful West Donegal region—James’s ancestral home. Settling in Carrick, their passion and determination led to the launch of The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey within just two years. A year later, while planning their new distillery, they created An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin.
By 2021, Sliabh Liag Distillers was expanding with support from investors and the local community, driven by James and Moira’s unwavering commitment. Today, their spirits—including the recently added Assaranca Vodka—have garnered numerous gold and silver awards and are enjoyed by customers worldwide.
A Lasting Legacy
In recognition of everyone who contributed to this milestone project, James and Moira requested a plaque bearing the names of those involved in the build. The plaque will be permanently displayed inside the building, ensuring that every visitor to the distillery’s visitor center will know who helped create this magnificent facility.
McMenamin Engineering congratulates Sliabh Liag Distillers on this exciting next chapter and wishes them continued success in their new Ardara home.
