Each year, Irish whiskey writers and bloggers publish the IrishWhiskey.com shortlist, a list of what they consider to be the very best Irish whiskey tourism venues on the island of Ireland.

Their nominations include Irish whiskey distilleries, museums and visitor centres, Irish whiskey pubs, bars and shops, as well as Irish whiskey-focused restaurants and hotels. Great emphasis is placed on the enthusiasm of the owners and staff of venues being shortlisted for awards.

The Irish Whiskey Trail Awards are announced each year on International Irish Whiskey Day on 3 March, and it is these award-winners who get listed on the Irish Whiskey Trail, a smartphone-friendly online guide to the very best whiskey tourism venues in Ireland.

The Irish Whiskey Trail is very user-friendly: just browse to http://WhiskeyTrail.ie on your smartphone or tablet, search for Irish whiskey bars, whiskey tasting events, or even Irish whiskey-focused hotels and restaurants around Ireland. Browse the venue profiles and use the 'Get Directions' feature to allow your smartphone to guide you right to the door.

The Irish Whiskey Trail also allows users to leave ratings, comments, and reviews for each venue. This valuable visitor feedback is used by the Irish Whiskey Trail staff when considering award-winners each year.