Mickey McIlhatton 👑 The King of the Glens

Mickey McIlhatton became one of the best-known characters associated with Glenravel and the Glens of Antrim. He was remembered as a fiddle player, poitín maker and colourful local personality, and was sometimes referred to as the “King of the Glens.” 

His reputation came largely from the illicit spirit he produced. Poitín was traditionally distilled away from the eyes of the authorities, and Mickey became known for his ability to make it and, just as importantly, to avoid being caught.

One story later told about him says that he would hide bottles of the clear spirit upside down in a stream, making them difficult for excise officers to spot.

Eventually, though, his luck ran out. In 1968, Mickey was prosecuted for making poitín and spent four months in Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast.

The song “McIlhatton” song by Christy Moore is about Mickey and Christy Moore himself has said that the legend of McIlhatton still lives in the Glens of Antrim, and that he continues to meet people who remember stories about him.

Mickey McIlhatton’s house will be open for guided visits on 26th & 27th of September where you can step inside, hear more about the man behind the legend, his poitín-making, his brushes with the authorities and the song that helped make his name famous.

Secure your tickets here 👇

Photographer Session

Photographer Session

House Tour

History Tour